Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Battery preservation  (Read 614 times) previous topic - next topic

Battery preservation

Newbie question here... Putting our new to us 2008 Nimbus 338 into storage this week. It has brand new batteries installed . House batteries are 2 Lifeline GPL-4DAP and coach batteries are 2 Interstate 31-MHD. What do I do to keep these good.? In my previous unit, a 35' fifth wheel we would just make sure batteries were fully charged and then disconnect for storage. Do I do the same thing with these? The storage facility is covered but I do not have the ability to trickle charge while there.....Please advise... thanks

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Bigoil76 –
The storage facility is covered but I do not have the ability to trickle charge while there.....Please advise... thanks
Covered storage, so you can't use a solar powered charger...

Sounds to me like you have two choices:
1.  Make sure the batteries are fully charged, then completely disconnect them.  Same as you did with the 5th wheel.
2.  Remove the batteries and take them to a place where you can keep them charged.

Looks like you reside in Phoenix, so it's not gonna get super cold there.  Is it possible to "visit" the coach in storage?  If so, would they let you start the generator and run it for a while (several hours)?  Doing that once a month (with BOOST switch ON) would help keep the batteries topped off.

How To Store AGM Batteries - Lifeline Batteries



Re: Battery preservation

Reply #2 –
Best would be to disconnect the batteries. Are they accessible?  You might want to add disconnect switches.

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #3 –
If you disconnect the batteries like Tom recommends, they will go all winter without loosing a charge if the weather is cold at night like Flagstaff. Phoenix would need a monthly charge although I bought a couple extra AGMs and they went over a year without loosing any voltage. Depends on brand and age.

Pierce

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #4 –
Will the storage facility allow you to put a solar panel on the roof?

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #5 –
I tried the solar on the roof of a storage facility (200 watts) and by far the easiest and cheapest way to preserve the batteries is to add the disconnects and disconnect when storing and check on it 1x per month, FWIW.  But of course I'm in KY and our winters are fairly mild with not a lot of sunshine. 

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bigoil76 –
we would just make sure batteries were fully charged and then disconnect for storage. Do I do the same thing with these?

Yup.  The only way to improve on that is to remove the batteries and place them in the bottom of your freezer to keep them cold for the winter.

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #7 –
We park under metal roof, so our solar is no help. So, we installed high amp switches (Amazon) on start & house battery banks.

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #8 –
Hasn't been asked, but, if you can take it out for a drive once a month, that will keep batteries up, generator up, tires warmed up, etc.

Also, be sure to store with the fuel tank FULL to reduce condensation.

If storing the fuel for over 3 months, I suggest a BIOCIDE such as Biobar JF.

And, if below freezing temperatures may occur, add an anti-gel such as PS brand found at Walmart, etc.
 

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #9 –
I start up my rig at least once every three or four days. I do drive it at  least once a month when the weather permits during winter. Also the generator as well. That way I know it is ready at  a moment's notice in case I need emergency family living quarters. Adding fuel saver is a must. I look at it as part of owning an RV. If I know ahead of time there is going to be a cold snap I start it up every day until the cold snap passes. Everyone is different. This is just my way of doing things.