Community Forums

JDT · 10-15-2012, 06:28 PM

What do you non full timers do with your batteries over the winter? I'm thinking I need to remove my 2 6 volt batteries to a warmer area, like my shop, and get a couple of battery tenders to keep them charged. My other option is to leave them in the coach. We store it in an unheated garage with 50 amp service. I know the converter has Charge Wizzard which will maintain the batteries. We certainly don't have the frigid weather of the great white north here in NE Oklahoma but it can get darn cold on occasion so they would be exposed to below freezing temps. If I store them in my heated shop does anyone have a suggestion for a good battery tender?

jfran304 · 10-15-2012, 07:04 PM

Hi Jim,

Most of the full-timers take their batteries south to warmer weather.

(Sorry I couldn't resist)

I don't really think it will get cold enough to harm the batteries in NE Oklahoma as long as you keep them charged. As for a battery tender this is what I use for my chassis battery.

RV - Products - Batterytender.com

Jon

JDT · 10-15-2012, 07:31 PM

Thanks, Jon. Would love to take it south but that would mean leaving the grandkids longer than the wife could stand. I can get a month to 6 weeks out of her but that is about it. I have to admit I would miss the little brats too.

We can have a short spell or two that might get to the single digits or worse but not sure if the batteries are charged if that would be enough to hurt anything. The garage it is in is uninsulated. At $65 each for the battery tenders it certainly would be cheaper just to plug it in and let the converter do the work.

Does anyone know if you turn off the battery disconnect switch will the inverter still charge the batteries?

didymop · 10-15-2012, 11:44 PM

The 6 years we lived in Amarillo TX while still working FT, when we weren't out adventuring in the Didymop, we brought both batteries to our brick and mortar haus and put them in the garage . One main reason was even tho the Didymop was in a secured storage area we didn't want them to be stolen. It happens. Just don't set them directly on concrete when you do remove them.

Workshop · 10-16-2012, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

Does anyone know if you turn off the battery disconnect switch will the inverter still charge the batteries?

You need to have the disconect ON to keep the batteries charged.

I'm not facing the non use and your weather....but I leave the unit plugged in at all times. The converter has a smart charger and the batteries have a watering system to ensure the water levels which is checked at least once a month. But haven't had a problem since I started this routine in 07.

When I bought the Alpenlite, I removed the two 6v's from the Beast and stored them in the workshop till I got the additional battery box installed in the Alpenlite. During that 4 month period I would check the voltage at times and simply keep the batteries conditioned by useing a Black and Decker Smart Charger, which I carry in the unit. The batteries being less than a year old, held their charge very well.

workhorse

chief02 · 10-16-2012, 02:49 PM

I leave mine on. Rig plugged in. Battery tender on. check water every few weeks. excercise the batteries by watching Sunday football in the 5er. ahhhh peace and quiet!

2Gringos · 10-16-2012, 03:08 PM

A fully charged wet cell battery is good to about 30 to 40 degrees below zero before it starts to freeze.

You don't need to remove them from the RV if you can charge them in place.

clyon51 · 10-16-2012, 03:09 PM

You have a Progressive Dynamic multi-stage charger and shore power, you're all set! You could store it like that at 50 below and never have a problem. You do not need to move them to a warmer location, you have the perfect setup now. Just like mine

George Lewis · 10-16-2012, 03:24 PM

I park my RV in an unheated, insolated 30x40 barn. I have 20amp and 30 amp plugs. I plug into shore power for a few days, then shut off switches and hook up a $20 Wal Mart battery charger built by Schmacher to my two 6v deep cycle batteries. I have an electric heater that I slip under the coach to keep the water and holding tanks warmer. When 25 is forecast, I also hook up a small heater in the coach with the sink and bath doors open....antifreeze in sinks and tub p traps....Black and gray tanks are empty with 1/2 gallon of antifreeze in each tank.

It does not get cold here, seldom stays below 32 all day, but I have seen 16 a time or two.

I unhook the chargers, turn on the switches and fire up the engine and generator every two or three weeks (with wide open barn door!). Have done this for years with no problems.