Batteries

[Jaston47]

During storage time how do you keep your batteries charged

[imob]

As I am relatively new to Rving ...might not be the best source on this. But as a long time auto guy, I would say hit the 12v cut off switch and put a trickle charger on the engine battery and you should be fine.

[CountryFit]

for outside storage, some go with a solar sys, either fixed or portable; some go there and run genset for a half hour. for indoor, plug in a float charger. at the worst case, take the batteries with you to charge them up periodically at home.

[jelag]

I use a float charger when I have AC available... when I don't.... I disconnect the positive terminal and keep the top of the batteries dry... I've always been able to disconnect the batteries in the winter and have enough charge through the winter to prevent freezing and breaking of the case... in the spring I re-connect and give them a slow charge over 3 days or so...

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Jaston47

During storage time how do you keep your batteries charged

Jaston47
For 20 Wisconsin winters my coach has been stored plugged into a 15A outlet via a 50 foot 12/3 extension cord, (through the appropriate electrical adapters)
The 3 stage battery charger in my inverter/charger has never failed to automatically maintain the charge in my batteries.
Mel
'96 Safari

[F76Marion]

I've used solar for years now on boats and cars and RVs. It is easy to set up and it works if there is any sun at all. (Michigan can go for weeks with none, but that is usually still enough.

Frank

[beenthere]

this is best for those that cant take them out which is no easy job

Originally Posted by mel s

Jaston47
For 20 Wisconsin winters my coach has been stored plugged into a 15A outlet via a 50 foot 12/3 extension cord, (through the appropriate electrical adapters)
The 3 stage battery charger in my inverter/charger has never failed to automatically maintain the charge in my batteries.
Mel
'96 Safari

[vsheetz]

By storage do you mean for several months over the winter, or between ~monthly trips?

[mel s]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

By storage do you mean for several months over the winter, or between ~monthly trips?

vsheetz
IMO a coach is "in storage", (aka: "being stored"), anytime it sits unattended.... not being driven/used/lived in.
Mel
'96 Safari

[Jaston47]

Thanks

[Statgeek]

Originally Posted by mel s

Jaston47
For 20 Wisconsin winters my coach has been stored plugged into a 15A outlet via a 50 foot 12/3 extension cord, (through the appropriate electrical adapters)
The 3 stage battery charger in my inverter/charger has never failed to automatically maintain the charge in my batteries.
Mel
'96 Safari

This is what I'm trying to do too... but convincing the guy at the storage facility that these RV charging systems are smart enough not to burn up his place is a challenge. The guy owns an RV too... but he doesn't permit people to leave them plugged in over the winter. Grrrrr.