KandJBm Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 If you pay to store your RV at a commercial establishment for long periods (many months) far away from your home what do you do to keep the batteries charged? We may wind up in that situation for some good reasons, but not so good for the batteries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brunsje Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I have a 140W solar panel on the roof, which keeps everything charged. Motorhomes: If you turn off the inverter and open the DC load disconnects and open circuit your chassis batteries, you'll be fine for up to 3 months, assuming 50-80 degree weather. JohnnyB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed ke6bnl Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I put a one 240 watt panel and charge controller and the batteries are always perfect even with some stuff on like monitors for co and propane and exhaust fan on temp to get rid of heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 10, 2015 Report Share Posted June 10, 2015 If there is power available, you could connect a battery minder to keep them up, but if not, make sure that they are fully charged with proper electrolyte levels, then I would lift the negative battery cable from each battery. Isolators are great, but they usually do not disconnect a few things like electric steps and smoke, LP and CO detectors. There are often phantom loads that do not get isolated by the electric isolators but a lifted cable is 100% effective Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted June 10, 2015 Report Share Posted June 10, 2015 A small battery charging solar panel may do the trick, something in the 5 watt range that you could put on your air conditioner cover or just tack to the roof near the fridge vent should be plenty unless you get a lot of snow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce t Posted June 10, 2015 Report Share Posted June 10, 2015 We often stored our DP for up to 6 months without any issues. I always disconnected the batteries by pulling a terminal cable. Then on return the very first thing I did, after checking fluids etc, was to start the engine before even turning on a light. Use every volt/amp your batteries have to start the charging process again. Keep in mind that good batteries always help! (One caveat. By pulling a cable/s you will have to reset everything in the coach like clocks, navigation, etc). regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KandJBm Posted June 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 A small battery charging solar panel may do the trick, something in the 5 watt range that you could put on your air conditioner cover or just tack to the roof near the fridge vent should be plenty unless you get a lot of snow. Does a small solar panel like a 5 watt require a solar controller? If I don't use a controller what keeps the batteries from possibly being over charged over the 9 to 10 months the trailer and truck will be in storage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted June 13, 2015 Report Share Posted June 13, 2015 A small panel doesn't generate enough current or voltage to overcharge a battery so it can be left on indefinitely. Think of it more as a battery maintainer than as a battery charger since it doesn't provide the 14 plus volts needed to fully charge a battery. We have used small panels on our RVs and vehicles for years since some of them are rarely used and it would be difficult to provide power to where they are parked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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