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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
Keith and Dawn Hudson #18766
Current- 1999 U295 DFGE 40ft. - Build #5405
Coach Name: 4BUS4US
Previous- 2008 Nimbus CE338: 40th Anniversary Edition- Build #6486. 
Toad: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

 "I know something about a lot of things..a lot about something's..and everything about nothing "

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



1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #2 –
Best would be to disconnect the batteries. Are they accessible?  You might want to add disconnect switches.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Battery preservation

Reply #4 –
Will the storage facility allow you to put a solar panel on the roof?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

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. 

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

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.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.