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Batteries During Winter Storage
For the first time our LD will be spending the winter in Massachusetts. I've already taken care of the water system, but I am concerned about the best approach for the batteries. What I read on the subject is all over the place. I have solar panels with the older controller that tends to cause me to check water level at least once a month. The rig will be outside.

An LD friend has told me he leaves his batteries in the rig, but disconnects them. When time for the generator exercise, he hooks them up just for that. Engine battery he leaves in place and connected.

Stabil in the gas tank and critter control I have a handle on.

Thoughts of northern LD'ers would be appreciated.  Thanks
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #1 –
For our MB, I removed the AGM house batteries and put them in the basement. The chassis battery I disconnected. The coach stayed the winter in a heated indoor storage, without 120VAC service. This is in New Hampshire.

Mark H
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #2 –
" I have solar panels with the older controller that tends to cause me to check water level at least once a month. The rig will be outside."

If your "older controller"  is the "22" ( not the 22b), you can change the dip switch settings inside the box so that it has a lower float level for storage. From memory, it's the number two switch that you need to flip. There are previous posts on this in the archives, and probably the Companion. Try searching for "dip switch" or "22b" and something should turn up. -- Jon (in overly sunny SoCal where we don't worry about winterizing 😅)
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #3 –
How important is it to disconnect the chassis battery?  Our storage place has offered to put in a cut off switch but we keep delaying any decision on that.  We do have a house battery cut off. 

The rig is stored indoors, in a heated facility, for 4-5 months.  We generally try to go down and run the generator every 4-6 weeks.
2014 TK
The Super Flea
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Sandakat Writer  - 
How important is it to disconnect the chassis battery?  Our storage place has offered to put in a cut off switch but we keep delaying any decision on that.  We do have a house battery cut off. 

The rig is stored indoors, in a heated facility, for 4-5 months.  We generally try to go down and run the generator every 4-6 weeks.

Our rig is stored outdoors in frequent sub-freezing weather for a similar time period. Like you, every 4-6 weeks I run the generator. I also idle the engine while doing so and take the rig for a 30 minute drive every other time. No battery issues to date.  I don't disconnect the battery.

Some people simply remove the chassis battery and take it home , put it on a trickle charger and bring it back as needed. That also works.  With the added benefit of building 💪.

Ed
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #5 –
Ruby has spent her life outdoors in extreme Nebraska weather; from -5 lows to 100 highs during a typical year. I have never removed the batteries but exercise them monthly with at least an hour, normally more, with the genny, short runs for the chassis batt. At 12+ years old she is on only her second chassis batt.

We take her out for a short jaunt a couple times per winter. We have a battery disconnect switch on the house batts but I only really use it when I do work on the electrical. We have a solar panel that keeps the house batts topped. Our last set of T-105's lasted eight years.

The only real issue I have is after a snow. I have to drive to the storage facility, climb up on the room with a barn broom and push all that snow off. Ugh!
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #6 –
"I have to drive to the storage facility, climb up on the roo[f] with a barn broom and push all that snow off. Ugh!"

What on earth does Nebraska have that would make you put up with that kind of punishment???   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #7 –
Good midwestern people, family, career, vibrant arts scene (live in the Omaha Old Market), great restaurant scene (we're foodies), sports teams about whom I am passionate (not the Huskers, my screen name is a spoof).

Low cost of living, low cost of living, low cost of living. I live in a home that would cost seven figures on the coast that cost us 25% of that complete with a private penthouse rooftop deck overlooking the city skyline.

Negatives:  Weather. Admittedly, this one gets tougher every year. However, since moving downtown I have no exterior maintenance on the stix and brix, it's the mobilized home that gives me problems, Ha!😄

In a few years when we retire we will load up Ruby and spend three months south in the winter, three months in the Colorado mountains (or up in Canada, northern Minny etc) in the summer and the rest at home.

Method to the madness!!! 👍🏻
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
 
Re: Batteries During Winter Storage
Reply #8 –
Okay HUSKER...

Those are all good excuse.... ah, er, justifications for sticking it out  ???  under those conditions. As to the food scene, I stopped over in Omaha one time and fell in love with your steak houses. Three dinners out in three nights, I remember it well.

As an ex-pat Upstate New Yorker who has been on top of a 60' utility pole in the dead of winter I commiserate with you. But at least I learned that I had the choice to get the h**l out of Dodge.  8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!