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Storing Batteries

Yahoo Message Number: 116213
I have a small trailer that I use for side trips . I plan on keeping the trailer in Wyoming over the winter months while I take my CC to warm AZ. I have winterized the water system but am unclear as to what to do with the batteries that are mounted on the tongue. I do have a 400 watt solar panel on the trailer. I don't have anyplace warm enough to store the batteries. Should I leave the batteries connected and let the solar panel keep charging them or totally disconnect the batteries leaving them on the trailer? Any other options?

Thanks,
Judy
2006 Inspire

Re: Storing Batteries

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 116215
You have two choices. With the batteries fully charged disconnect the ground cables or let the solar panel keep them charged, but with all the snow you have the panel will be covered quite a lot. So I would dis connect the grounds and cover the panel to protect it . It may not be the best solution. But I have gone as long as 6 months with the 8D batteries disconnected in my coach and still had enough charge to start the engine, with the engine battery and the gen with the house batteries. Back in the 90's when I had the Airstream the charging system was very primitive and so I had to buy two new batteries every other year. But they were only 27F's and it was just cost of owning an RV. TWInsall 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Storing Batteries

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 116235
Judy

I would suggest a trickle charger. I also go to AZ in the winter. I leave my pickup outside. I am in Colorado and live at 8200 ft where it can snow heavily and drop to -20 deg. You can disconnect the battery leads and connect the trickle charger. Using a trickle charger has kept my truck battery and several other batteries, tractor, DR mower and scooter charged over the winter.

Don
2000 Magna 5854

Re: Storing Batteries

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 116238
I might suggest a Battery Tender rather than a trickle charger that can overcharge your batteries where a Batter Tender shuts down until he batteries call for a charge.

Gary Glenn
2006 Magna 6622
Still in Paradise

Re: Storing Batteries

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 116240
If you have access to 120v power, I would put a battery tender on them. I've found that keeping my batteries (of whatever type) on a battery tender extends the life considerably, as well as keeping them topped off all the time. If no power, I'm with Thomas...
Don Hutchins
'08 Allure 470 #31613
Don Hutchins
'08 Allure 470 #31613
40' w/tag, Cat C-9 & Cat tranny