Question about batteries during the winter

[Lambchop]

I’m in Michigan, staying put this winter due to COVID. Is it safe enough to just keep my class c Chateau plugged in to keep batteries from freezing? I keep it stored in a Quonset hut so no problems with the snow.

[16ACE27]

As long as the batteries stay charged they should not freeze. Better winterize the plumbing systems though.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Lambchop

I’m in Michigan, staying put this winter due to COVID. Is it safe enough to just keep my class c Chateau plugged in to keep batteries from freezing? I keep it stored in a Quonset hut so no problems with the snow.

The freezing temperature of a fully charged lead acid battery is minus 80 degrees F. Just how cold does it get in MI?

[Bob Denman]

Plug them in, and they'll be fine.

[DavidEM]

The foregoing is true as long as the chassis batteries are being charged by the coach battery system. Check to make sure before your rely on it.

An easy way to check is are the chassis battery and the coach battery at the same voltage. If so they should be at 13+ volts. If the chassis battery is at 12.6 or so and the coach is at 13+, then they are not connected properly by the BIM.

David

[Chateau_Nomad]

Set a brass monkey out by your motorhome over the winter. If at any time you notice "missing parts" on that monkey... you're in trouble.

[Bob Denman]

He Thanks you for your consideration...
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1631640293

[lwmcguire]

Remove a cable or install a cut off switch

After you verify a full charge, disconnect

If the battery is bad in spring it was already headed that way

[wbrodmerkel]

Quick question.need to replace starting battery in my 2017 ace 27.2. Can I replace with a agm starting battery?

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Lambchop

I’m in Michigan, staying put this winter due to COVID. Is it safe enough to just keep my class c Chateau plugged in to keep batteries from freezing? I keep it stored in a Quonset hut so no problems with the snow.

Should be good to go leaving it plugged in 24/7 indoors for the winter, just be sure to check the water levels in each battery monthly & top off with distilled water.
You could also use a battery tender on the chassis battery to keep it maintained, most likely it's maintenance free, no water to check.
If you chose to unplug it just remember the factory battery disconnect does not totally disconnect all power drains & batteries will be dead in as little as a week.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Should be good to go leaving it plugged in 24/7 indoors for the winter, just be sure to check the water levels in each battery monthly & top off with distilled water.
You could also use a battery tender on the chassis battery to keep it maintained, most likely it's maintenance free, no water to check.
If you chose to unplug it just remember the factory battery disconnect does not totally disconnect all power drains & batteries will be dead in as little as a week.

THIS!! Highly recommend using a battery tender on both batteries. I keep one on my Wrangler toad battery... and used them on both coach AND chassis MH batteries before I installed the solar. I even keep one on the lawn tractor battery!

Cheap insurance for keeping your lead-acid batteries conditioned.

[MJC62]

Our MH (and the last two we had)sit outside in NW Indiana all winter.
Coach plumbing is winterized and I keep the MH plugged in to keep the batteries charged. Start the F 53 and the Onan every few weeks to excerise the genny and the V10. Three MH's later and knock wood these simple steps have kept our batteries and engines in good shape during storage.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by wbrodmerkel

Quick question.need to replace starting battery in my 2017 ace 27.2. Can I replace with a agm starting battery?

Quick answer: Yes, if tour wallet will support it.