Plugging in during winter storage

[GD3]

New Class C owner, wondering about winter storage, the 2019 Thor 23U is currently at dealership for several items that weren’t right when we picked it up. Hopefully the extended warranty we purchased when we bought it will cover repair all of the list. While it’s there they are winterizng the rig. I will do it myself in the future but since it was there I opted to make sure everything’s done right.

We haven’t decided if we will pay to have it stored inside this year or just put a cover on it and store it outside by my storage building. Next year there will be room inside our shed for it.

My question is, is it ok / desirable to leave it plugged in all winter, I currently only have 20 amp shore power available, next year this will also be changed.

We live in West Central Mn and it can get cold here, so Im wondering if it will keep the coach batteries charged and not damage anything by keeping it plugged in?
I plan to have a flow charger on the chassis battery to keep that from freezing.
I store our boat, motorcycles, and other equipment all flow chargers running through out the winter.
I’ve also read here that it’s a good practice at least once a month to run the generator which will be easier to do if I keep it outside by my storage building.

I don’t like having to store it outside this winter, but I see lots of RVs parked often with snow covered roofs outside in yards around here, but at least ours will be covered, and I’ll try to keep the snow off.

Thanks for any comments and or suggestions for other things to do for winter storage.
GD3

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by GD3

New Class C owner, wondering about winter storage, the 2019 Thor 23U is currently at dealership for several items that weren’t right when we picked it up. Hopefully the extended warranty we purchased when we bought it will cover repair all of the list. While it’s there they are winterizng the rig. I will do it myself in the future but since it was there I opted to make sure everything’s done right.

We haven’t decided if we will pay to have it stored inside this year or just put a cover on it and store it outside by my storage building. Next year there will be room inside our shed for it.

My question is, is it ok / desirable to leave it plugged in all winter, I currently only have 20 amp shore power available, next year this will also be changed.

We live in West Central Mn and it can get cold here, so Im wondering if it will keep the coach batteries charged and not damage anything by keeping it plugged in?
I plan to have a flow charger on the chassis battery to keep that from freezing.
I store our boat, motorcycles, and other equipment all flow chargers running through out the winter.
I’ve also read here that it’s a good practice at least once a month to run the generator which will be easier to do if I keep it outside by my storage building.

I don’t like having to store it outside this winter, but I see lots of RVs parked often with snow covered roofs outside in yards around here, but at least ours will be covered, and I’ll try to keep the snow off.

Thanks for any comments and or suggestions for other things to do for winter storage.
GD3

Absolutely fine to keep plugged in... actually it's a luxury many don't have! Just leave battery disconnect switch ON (use/store switch) to keep batteries charged... if it's OFF the batteries won't charge.

Suggest removing EVERYTHING and not keeping anything in it over the winter. Your shed is an excellent idea. And yes, run the generator UNDER LOAD for at least an hour once a month. Maybe leave shed door open??

And WELCOME!! You'll learn a lot of tips from the group here!

[ghnl]

Agree - leaving it plugged ib (15 or 20 amp outlet with ah adapter works fine) will keep the batteries properly charged. Older units might have a risk of over-charging the batteries but a 2019 model should have a 'smart charger' that tapers off the charge rate to avoid that issue.

Running the generator once a month or so - with an electrical load - is recommended. A small space heater should provide the electrical load. This load is necessary to ensure the electrical side of the generator is worked hard enough to drive out any moisture that might accumulate.

[WolfsQuantumMB24]

I have a 2024 Quantum SprinterMB24 with a lithium battery in the coach connected to a solar panel. I store the unit outside with no shore power hookup. Should I disconnect the battery and store it at home since the Michigan winters can get very cold. If so how often should I charge it with a Lithium compatible charger? Thanks in advance.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by WolfsQuantumMB24

I have a 2024 Quantum SprinterMB24 with a lithium battery in the coach connected to a solar panel. I store the unit outside with no shore power hookup. Should I disconnect the battery and store it at home since the Michigan winters can get very cold. If so how often should I charge it with a Lithium compatible charger? Thanks in advance.

Yes, store the lithium battery in an above freezing location. Charge it to 70% MOL state of charge one time.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Yes, store the lithium battery in an above freezing location. Charge it to 70% MOL state of charge one time.

I'm in Ohio, and winters are usually moderate... usually below freezing at night. However we often have cold snaps of near zero, and staying well below freezing for extended periods.

Some LiFePO4 manufacturers recommend a detailed storage procedure... keep in a warm environment, store at a certain state of charge, cycle the battery (discharge/charge) periodically.

I put three SOK 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries in last summer. They are continuously charged by 600 watts of rooftop solar panels. I DO NOT remove them over winter storage, which is from 1st of November to at least 1st of April... five months.

First of all, I need power to start/exercise the generator. I pick a day above freezing once a month and run the generator for an hour under load. After shutting down the generator I turn on the inverter and discharge the batteries somewhat... for maybe a half hour using a space heater. Then everything is put to bed again for another month. The solar dutifully tops off the batteries.

The batteries internal BMS prevents them from charging if below freezing. "Storing" in this case is a misnomer, because I'm using them... which is what they're for.

IMO if the batteries have an internal BMS (they should for motorhome use) let it do its job. Don't sweat the details and use your batteries for what they're designed for.

[Beau388]

LFP's BMS will keep the battery from charging when the battery's internal temperature is about 2 C or below. It is safe to discharge or store the battery down to -20 C. Discharging the battery can increase its internal temperature sufficiently for the battery to take a charge even though the ambient is below freezing. LFP batteries should not be subjected to temperatures below -20 C. If you expect to experience temps below -20 C degrees, consider LFP batteries with internal heaters or put an electric battery blanket. (-20 C is -4 F)

[DavidEM]

Most of the low cost Li batteries do not have low temperature cutoff. If you are going to leave them connected, outside in subfreezing weather, make sure they have that capability.

David

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Most of the low cost Li batteries do not have low temperature cutoff. If you are going to leave them connected, outside in subfreezing weather, make sure they have that capability.

David