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12-23-2015, 09:24 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas
State: Minnesota
Posts: 2
THOR #3404
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Winterizing Batteries
Any thoughts on removing or leaving the batteries in over winter?
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12-23-2015, 09:58 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Brand: Entegra
Model: Accolade 37TS
State: South Dakota
Posts: 8,726
THOR #1469
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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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Dave
US Army (Ret)
2020 Entegra Accolade 37TS
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (Toad)
FMCA - F432054
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12-23-2015, 11:29 PM
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#3
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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In addition: Removing the chassis battery on an Axis or Vegas requires disassembling the dash.
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12-24-2015, 04:14 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas
State: Minnesota
Posts: 2
THOR #3404
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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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12-24-2015, 04:36 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.2
State: South Carolina
Posts: 186
THOR #2915
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JV1951
I was looking for the easy way. If I keep the RV plugged in will tghe batteries remain charged?
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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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Have a good one
Dan
"Be all that you can be!"
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12-24-2015, 06:48 PM
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2011 Four Winds 28Z
State: Michigan
Posts: 1,273
THOR #531
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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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The only thing that works on a RV is the owner...
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12-27-2015, 10:46 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Kentucky
Posts: 881
THOR #2817
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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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12-28-2015, 01:10 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: 2016 Newmar
State: Indiana
Posts: 323
THOR #1075
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When plugged into shore power does the charging system also charge the starting battery?
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12-28-2015, 01:20 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Kentucky
Posts: 881
THOR #2817
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aa9zz
When plugged into shore power does the charging system also charge the starting battery?
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I does on my Windsport. I am not sure about other RVs.
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12-28-2015, 04:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,183
THOR #908
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FW28z
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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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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12-28-2015, 05:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Kentucky
Posts: 881
THOR #2817
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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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01-08-2016, 03:03 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Florida
Posts: 21
THOR #3374
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Battery tender makes a solar maintainer which works very well.
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01-08-2016, 09:11 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds 23U
State: Illinois
Posts: 481
THOR #992
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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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01-08-2016, 09:26 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Florida
Posts: 21
THOR #3374
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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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