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Old 12-23-2015, 09:24 PM   #1
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Winterizing Batteries

Any thoughts on removing or leaving the batteries in over winter?

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Old 12-23-2015, 09:58 PM   #2
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THOR #1469
Either way the batteries will require a charge to be maintained. The question then becomes how is it easier to charge the batteries?

Also, the generator should be started and ran at least once a month and the batteries will need to be installed to start the generator.
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Old 12-23-2015, 11:29 PM   #3
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In addition: Removing the chassis battery on an Axis or Vegas requires disassembling the dash.
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Old 12-24-2015, 04:14 PM   #4
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I was looking for the easy way. If I keep the RV plugged in will tghe batteries remain charged?
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Old 12-24-2015, 04:36 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by JV1951 View Post
I was looking for the easy way. If I keep the RV plugged in will tghe batteries remain charged?
Good read. You should find the answer at the bottom of the link provided.

RV Batteries - Getting The Most Out Of Your RV Battery
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Old 12-24-2015, 06:48 PM   #6
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I just leave my batteries in the RV and keep a trickle charge on them. I do check water levels monthly.

I do disagree with the referenced article in that it says batteries do not discharge when disconnected. In fact, lead-acid batteries do self-discharge over time. If you google the topic, you will see plenty of reference to this characteristic.

So it is important to at least periodically trickle charge your batteries, especially if the RV is in storage for several months.
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Old 12-27-2015, 10:46 PM   #7
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Lead acid batteries will discharge slower in cold weather. However, they will discharge and if let discharge too much they can freeze. Battery maintainers prevent them from discharging. You might what to disconnect the battery maintainer before you start the generator.
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Old 12-28-2015, 01:10 AM   #8
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When plugged into shore power does the charging system also charge the starting battery?
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Old 12-28-2015, 01:20 AM   #9
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When plugged into shore power does the charging system also charge the starting battery?
I does on my Windsport. I am not sure about other RVs.
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Old 12-28-2015, 04:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FW28z View Post
I just leave my batteries in the RV and keep a trickle charge on them. I do check water levels monthly.

I do disagree with the referenced article in that it says batteries do not discharge when disconnected. In fact, lead-acid batteries do self-discharge over time. If you google the topic, you will see plenty of reference to this characteristic.

So it is important to at least periodically trickle charge your batteries, especially if the RV is in storage for several months.
I can attest to this.... or my bank account can.

I have replaced far too many batteries in my boat and my old popup camper, simply because I left them far too long disconnected from everything so that the self discharged to zero
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Old 12-28-2015, 05:27 PM   #11
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We live six months in KY and six month in FL and have a lot of equipment with batteries to store in both places. I have been using battery maintainers for years. My experience with the Schumacher brand (about $30 in Walmart for example) has not been good. I've had several failed maintainers and several failed batteries in the past ten years. Now I use the Battery Tender Jr.s and haven't had one failure.
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Old 01-08-2016, 03:03 PM   #12
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Battery tender makes a solar maintainer which works very well.
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Old 01-08-2016, 09:11 PM   #13
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I think I'm going solar for maintaining, what would be the least amps you would use?
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Old 01-08-2016, 09:26 PM   #14
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I don't remember the amperage. They had three available when I ordered mine, I got the middle one.
part number was 021-1164
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