Winter Storage

[csichoice]

I have a 2011 Berkshire and I always stored the motorhome inside year round. I am thinking about selling my warehouse and that means the motorhome will have to be stored outside this winter. I know all about winterizing the unit since I have had other campers in the past. My question is do I have to remove all the batteries from the motorhome or can they stay in? I also have Dometic freezer / refrigerator on a slide in the basement will I have to unhook that and store it inside?

[Phil57]

Your batteries will be fine as long as they are charged. If you can't put a trickle charger on just turn off the 3 disconnects and the battery turn off just inside the door. I have stored mine and even in the cold Michigan winters they are OK. If the charge drops from a poorer drain the batteries will freeze so make sure you turn off the disconects.Your fridge will be fine.

[Kaadk]

I'd remove them to be safe. I had left mine in over the winter last year (read that story here) and I've been having issues ever since. Quite often the battery doesn't have enough juice to run the tongue jack, or the slide, or the lights are dim or something. Every time I think it's the battery giving it in for good, but then miraculously they come back as soon as I go to diagnosis it.

So far, nothing seems to officially be wrong, diagnosis always comes back that the battery's good, but then it'll fail me yet again. I've either shortened it's life by leaving it outside, or it's haunted.

So, yah, I'll be bringing my batteries in from now on.

As far as the fridge, I'd suspect it'll be fine in the cold. As long as it's turned off, drained of any condensation and the door's propped open to avoid mildew.

[Phil57]

Do not remove your batteries. You have six to deal with and they are very heavy. As long as you have a charge they can not freeze. Removing the batteries is a major job.


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