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10-13-2018, 08:13 AM #1
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- White Bear Lake, MN
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Batteries over the winter, some observations for new owners -
I realize that this topic is about as contentious as the "what kind of tow vehicle" can be...but thought I should pass along my experiences with long term storage of batteries -
I used to be one of those that pulled all my lead-acids out and carefully stored them in a cool area, with a trickle charger. Initially with a fishing boat, then added the RV batteries later.
After I upgraded the boat to 2 Grp 31 AGM's (and a Grp 27 conventional), and got older, there was no way I was going to be removing/installing those beasts every year. So for the last 10 years have been just fully charging them, disconnecting the cables, and putting the boat into unheated storage for the winter (Oct-April).
Batteries do self discharge when not in use. The rate is very temperature dependant. So here in Minn., with our moderately (!) cold winters, I have yet to see a spring where the batteries are below 90% when they come out of storage.
The Imagine with a Grp 27 went into storage last Oct. Unfortunately, DW health issues prevented any camping this year. A couple of weeks ago, thought about it, and made the trip to storage to pull the battery, fearing that after a year, including a pretty hot summer, I had killed it. Nope - still tested at 80%. So recharged it, and it sits in my unheated garage until next spring.
I would advise that if you are wondering - google your battery specs. One such chart attached. There are several manufacturer sites that give lots of information about self-discharging rates. You may be surprised at how long it takes for them to deplete after factoring in your average weather conditions. And fully charged batteries will not freeze (or none of us in the north could ever drive in the winter!). Then evaluate how much, or how little, care and feeding you may feel compelled to do. Many advocate the store 'em on trickle approach, going to sometimes extra lengths to ensure they can. You may too. But then again, you may find that for your situation the extra work/expense is not really of that much advantage....
2017 Imagine 2670MK
2012 F-150 SCrew, Eco, 4x4 6.5 box
Max. Tow, HD Payload, Airbags, ProPride hitch
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10-13-2018, 10:32 AM #2
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- Apr 2017
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- Fort Collins, Colorado
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Good information. Thank you
ChrisChris & Karen
Fort Collins, CO
2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
2018 Solitude 310GK - Sold 7/2023
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10-13-2018, 11:34 AM #3
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- Mar 2018
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- Edmonton, Canada
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Just be sure to disconnect the negative cable. I made the mistake of leaving 2 6V batteries connected for an Alberta winter, thinking my solar panels would keep them charged. But solar doesn’t work so well covered with snow They both slowly discharged and froze solid by Christmas. I tried to bring them back to life but both had to be replaced.
Bob2014 Ford F-150 Ecoboost / Max Tow / HD Payload
2018 Reflection 295RL
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10-22-2018, 08:52 PM #4
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10-22-2018, 08:57 PM #5
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- Nov 2013
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- Sitting in the sun! FL for along while
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Disconnect the battery. There are parasitic draws, fire detector, propane detector, clock and who knows what else. So do disconnect or you will end up with a dead battery.
Marcy & Gary
2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
2003 F350 - retired
Michigan
We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/
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03-04-2019, 05:57 PM #6
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- SE PA
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Thanks for the info.
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11-06-2019, 08:41 PM #7
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- Feb 2017
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- White Bear Lake, MN
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I'm giving this a bump up, as the questions about batteries are starting to pop up again.....
2017 Imagine 2670MK
2012 F-150 SCrew, Eco, 4x4 6.5 box
Max. Tow, HD Payload, Airbags, ProPride hitch
(Previous: Jayco 26.5RLS Fifth, Revolution Pinbox)
Check those tires!
Today, 03:33 PM in Tires