Battery maintenance in the winter

Log in

Log In | Register

Skip to main content

Topic: Battery maintenance in the winter (Read 22 times) previous topic - next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Battery maintenance in the winter

January 19, 2016, 04:19:22 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158203

Hi. I would really appreciate some basic info on battery maintenance and solar panels during the winter storage months.
I have a 2001MB with 2 85W solar panels and AGM batteries. I believe the converter is original. The LD is in outside storage in the sun and the batteries are at constant full charge. Is this okay for several months without using the LD? There is a battery disconnect, but does that disconnect the AGMs from solar? As always, thanks for taking the time to answer.
Tanya

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #1 – January 19, 2016, 11:43:42 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158208

The older converters often overcharge AGMs, destroying them in the process. I would not leave it on.
Same goes for the older Heliotrope solar controller, they idle at too high a voltage, for AGMs, unless they have been reset, using the tiny dip switches, mounted under the controller's cover.

AGMs hold a charge for a long time. I would fully charge it and then turn the battery switch to "off".
If possible, you should be running the generator, and maybe the engine, once a month. Use this time to top off the battery.
FYI - Batteries can freeze if left discharge so keep them charged up in the winter. In extremely cold climates, removing the battery and taking it indoor is recommended.

Larry

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #2 – January 19, 2016, 11:49:15 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158209

Speaking of battery maintenance, what range of voltage should a couple of Trojan batteries show while stored in a garage? I check intermittently and display shows low to mid 12's.

John

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #3 – January 20, 2016, 12:36:43 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158210

A 12-volt led-acid battery's resting voltage should be around 12.6, when fully charged.
If it reads in the low 12s, put a charger on it for a couple hours.

Larry

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #4 – January 20, 2016, 03:08:00 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158211

Thanks so much Larry for all the info.
Just so I'm sure I understand. . "Turn the battery switch to off" is the same as the battery disconnect switch? I try to take it for a spin once a month and also run the generator with a load.
I'm learning. The LD is a little more involved than the Casita I had.

Tanya

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #5 – January 20, 2016, 11:26:34 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158220

See Table 1 in this document from Trojan for a chart of resting voltages and charge percentages. The range is fairly narrow: 12.73 volts is a full charge, while 12.1 volts is 50% discharged. In other words, a tenth of a volt makes a big difference, and if your "12 volt" battery reads 12.0 volts when at rest, it's dangerously close to being dead. Just something to keep in mind. :-)

Andy Baird

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #6 – January 20, 2016, 12:33:15 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158223

"Just so I'm sure I understand. . "Turn the battery switch to off" is the same as the battery disconnect switch? The LD is a little more involved than the Casita I had."

Tanya

Yes, that's the switch.

My brother had a Casita trailer for a few years.
Very small and simple, too small and simple for my needs and eventually his.

Larry

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #7 – January 20, 2016, 01:18:30 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158226

Thank you Andy & Larry for yr input on batteries.
We purchased a 2007 LD with RB end of last year. We love the set up since we have a couple of pets including a green winged macaw. Lily's perch fits wonderfully in the rear of the coach. Anyway, Trojan batteries are original and were fairly dry when we first went through the rig. Matter of fact, it took almost a gallon of distilled water to bring them to proper levels. Based on your comments and Trojan reference chart, I think our batteries need replacing.
We store our rig in our garage and I monitor battery reading from time to time. After driving around for awhile or plugging in for a few days, battery indicator settles in around 12.25. It seems to stay there for awhile but drops to high 11's after a couple weeks of sitting. It spikes to mid 13's while plugged in and then adjusts to same low 12's unplugged.
Given age of batteries and readings, seems like it's time for a new pair. Would hate to boondock somewhere and lose power.

John

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #8 – January 20, 2016, 05:05:24 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158234

Thanks Andy. I saved the chart to my phone.
Larry, thanks again for your help. It's so appreciated. Yes, the Casita was really small. We loved it though. Simple trailer, but I had no complaints about the quality. We wanted something bigger for extended family to visit. Last summer we had 4 adults, a 3rd grader, 5th grader, 6th grader, a Labrador retriever, and a lizard in the LD. Can't do that in a Casita.

Tanya

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #9 – January 20, 2016, 05:13:55 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158235

The lizard is no problem, one hitched a ride back to Pa with us from Florida and by the time we found him he was frozen solid. It was December.. and in a small 17 foot trailer..

Re: Battery maintenance in the winter

Reply #10 – January 21, 2016, 11:38:12 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158252

"Last summer we had 4 adults, a 3rd grader, 5th grader, 6th grader, a Labrador retriever, and a lizard in the LD. Can't do that in a Casita."

Tanya
My brother's Casita 16 was so short, I could not stand up straight and I'm only 5'11'.
The trailer was built well but was just to small for my taste. Sure was easy to tow.
http://casitatraveltrailers.com/spirit-16-17/

Larry

Affiliate Notice

LDOF is user-supported. When you purchase through some links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.