Community Forums

speters · 04-28-2022, 01:10 PM

We are buying a 2018 Winnebago Vista and wonder if we leave it plugged in during the winter with the battery switch on will that prevent the batteries from freezing?

Skip426 · 04-28-2022, 03:11 PM

A fully charged battery will not freeze , at least not till EXTREME temperatures.

A battery being charged develops some warmth from the charging process , so even less likely to freeze .
However the battery electrolyte level needs to be checked frequently to avoid damage . At a maintenance charge rate , monthly should be often enough.

darrellr · 04-28-2022, 04:25 PM

The short answer is leave it in the MH and plugged in. Lower temperatures are better for a healthy lead acid battery for maintaining their charge than warmer temperatures.

Duster73 · 04-28-2022, 04:41 PM

It should be fine while being charged with the on board charger. That's all I do and I haven't had an issue yet. If it's extreme temperatures for extended periods then bring them in. Other thank that, I wouldn't worry to much.

Mark_K5LXP · 04-29-2022, 06:35 AM

My position is that you can't rely on shore power when leaving an RV unattended. No doubt there are many that plug and forget, and life is good. But the forums have plenty of posts where for some reason shore power went away (tripped breaker/GFCI, blown fuse, power surge, cord unplugged), and the batteries died. The most reliable solution is to disconnect the batteries and use a maintainer.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

David 70 · 04-29-2022, 06:51 AM

Just curious, doesn't a maintaner rely on external power also? If kept at your residence I would just keep it plugged in and check it ocasionally. I am lucky that I can keep it at my home acreage. I can't imagine having to keep it miles away for extended periods but I know for many it is the only option.

Mark_K5LXP · 04-29-2022, 08:26 AM

Yes, but the batteries are disconnected, so in the event shore power is lost or a surge destroys the maintainer, the batteries just sit there. So it's a belt and suspenders kind of solution, disconnecting prevents any discharge and the maintainer is keeping them at 100%.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

David 70 · 04-29-2022, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

Yes, but the batteries are disconnected, so in the event shore power is lost or a surge destroys the maintainer, the batteries just sit there. So it's a belt and suspenders kind of solution, disconnecting prevents any discharge and the maintainer is keeping them at 100%.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Ok, I was thinking you were leaving them connected.

Persistent · 04-29-2022, 02:57 PM

There are several strategies for long term winter storage. In Rochester NY, temperatures don't get cold enough to freeze fully charged lead acid batteries.

What ever method you choose, observe the following rules.

Always fully charge for 14 to 18 hours before storage. This cleans all the sulfate off the plates. Fully recharge before battery terminal voltage drops below 12.4 volts.

Monitor voltage level until you know how your system behaves.