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Old 05-23-2011, 09:46 AM   #1
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What do you do with your batteries between trips?

In the location where I store my trailer I do not have access to power to keep the trailer plugged in to keep the batteries charged. So if it is stored for more than 2 or 3 weeks the batteries become completely discharged. Just wondering what others do? Should I take the batteries out after each trip and keep them in the garage on a trickle charger? or would simply disconnecting them so there was no power draw on them be good enough? Thanks in advance for your input.
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Old 05-23-2011, 10:24 AM   #2
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I usually take the battery out while the trailer is winterized and leave it in the rest of the time. I recently installed a battery disconnect switch to help keep the battery from running down in between trips.
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Old 05-23-2011, 10:59 AM   #3
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I just disconnect one of the cables from the battery when I know I won't be using the trailer for a week or so. When I winterize, I take the battery out and bring it home.
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Old 05-23-2011, 11:05 AM   #4
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All good advise and I do the same. Take them out for the winter, and disconnect the lead between trips. I reconnect just before starting out and by the time I get to my destination, the battery is fully charged again.
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Old 05-23-2011, 11:08 AM   #5
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That was one of the first mod's I did when I got my new camper, I put a disconnect switch on the battery.
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Old 05-23-2011, 12:20 PM   #6
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installing a disconnect switch is the easiest and one of the most popular mods on trailers.
my batteries hardly lose their charge for weeks, when i use the disconnect switch.
taking the cable on and off, gets to be a hassle.
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Old 05-23-2011, 12:36 PM   #7
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I have a multistage converter that I keep plugged in all winter. I leave my batteries installed; hooked up; and the switch ON so that the trickle charger keeps the batteries topped off and warm all winter. I check the fluid levels monthly.
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Old 05-23-2011, 09:23 PM   #8
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I added disconnect that is turned off between trips and pull battery during winter.
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Old 05-23-2011, 09:30 PM   #9
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Ditto on adding a disconnect switch.
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Old 05-23-2011, 09:49 PM   #10
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What is a source for a battery disconnect? Where and how is it installed? It sounds like something many of us would like to do!

Thanks!
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Old 05-23-2011, 10:45 PM   #11
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You should be able to find one at any RV dealer, wal mart, Lowes, auto parts store etc.....

You install it inline on your batteries positive side. Easy to do.
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Old 05-24-2011, 04:59 AM   #12
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Just type in "battery disconnect" in amazon. Its a popular boat item so you have plenty of choices.

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Old 05-24-2011, 06:38 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grhodes50 View Post
You should be able to find one at any RV dealer, wal mart, Lowes, auto parts store etc.....

You install it inline on your batteries positive side. Easy to do.
A disconnect switch is a must have if you park your trailer for more than 4-5 days with no way of keeping the battery charged up. The LP/CO and radio alone will drain the battery.

You can install on either Neg or Pos side. 6 of one, half-dozen the other.

I personally disconnect the Neg or Ground, as I have on my cars and bikes for over 40 years.
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Old 05-24-2011, 06:43 AM   #14
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I have a multistage converter that I keep plugged in all winter. I leave my batteries installed; hooked up; and the switch ON so that the trickle charger keeps the batteries topped off and warm all winter. I check the fluid levels monthly.
He has no access to power . . .
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Old 05-24-2011, 07:35 AM   #15
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He has no access to power . . .
I missed that Bob, thanks.

Remove the batteries to a warm area if you can not use a battery tender.

While a battery shutoff switch is a great idea and I have one as well, the internal resistance in the battery will discharge it over time even disconnected. Once the charge on the battery drops to a point where the Specific Gravity of the electrolyte is close to water, it will freeze and break plates or crack the case.

I would use the battery shutoff switch in the summer between trips. and charge it up for a few days before I left. That way the fridge would be cold and the battery charged at the same time.
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Old 05-24-2011, 08:54 AM   #16
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Battery Disconnect during summer, store battery in garage during winter.... $8 from Harbor Freight...
Battery Disconnect Switch
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Old 05-24-2011, 11:05 AM   #17
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Old 05-24-2011, 01:04 PM   #18
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What is a source for a battery disconnect?
Google!
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Old 05-24-2011, 01:26 PM   #19
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I just disconnect mine. I would like to buy a good disconnect switch, actually bought a cheap one, but can't figure out how to install it.
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Old 05-25-2011, 01:34 AM   #20
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I got one installed by the service dept. at the dealership. I opted for the push/pull knob and am very happy with it.

I know that installing a disconnect handle is very easy but it wouldn't be for me. Besides I want to avoid removing the propang tank cover as much as possible.
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