Removing Batteries for Winterization

[knockando]

Should I remove the shore batteries to prevent freezing/discharge? My coach will not be plugged in throughout the winter. I'd like to start the generator occasionally and I'm not sure I can start it without the batteries hooked up.

[funfinder5]

What region do you live/store the RV in? Do you have a battery disconnect switch (most of the units do)?

I would (do) just turn the battery disconnect switch when storing for more than a couple days with no electrical source connected to maintain the battery charge. Then flip the battery on before you fire up the generator each month (or twice a month).

To answer your question...No you can not start the generator without house batteries connected (technically you can but you'd have to start the coach and you might blow a fuse).

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by knockando

Should I remove the shore batteries to prevent freezing/discharge? My coach will not be plugged in throughout the winter. I'd like to start the generator occasionally and I'm not sure I can start it without the batteries hooked up.

There should be no reason to remove the house batteries. Make sure they are in good shape and fully charged. Turn off the battery disconnects and the salesman switch if you have one. If you don't have a battery shutoff for the battery you should put one on because the parasitic drain will drain the battery's. Also make sure that if you have added any lines directly to the battery like extra lights or a TPMS extender. These would not be run through the shut off. My extender is powered from the house battery and that could draw the battery down. I use to have a chart that gave the freezing point for each discharge. So it was and I'm going from memory here 13volts was good down to negative 50 and 12.5 was 45 below. And so on. I'm guessing at the numbers so google it to see the correct chart. I don't believe that the cold causes the battery to discharge faster but the will discharge just from sitting all winter. You said you planned to go excursive the gen you will be charging the battery's at the same time. I would bring a MM with you and run the gen until the battery are up to13. Even if you are close to your storage stop buy with the MM and check. Batteries will freeze but it's gotta be darn awful cold to freeze a healthy battery.

[knockando]

Great response Phil57! I will take your advice.

[rekwiat]

I remove all of the batteries, take them in the basement place battery tenders on. I also winterize the gen set as stated in the owners manual. When I head south in February I have fresh batteries and no issues with the gen set. Just my process.

[David 01]

seasonal camping in NE ohio. I take my battery home and put it on a trickle charge. 4 years old now. My neighbor leaves his with the trailer and buys a new one each spring. Wish I had that kind of money.....

[DDC]

If it is not plugged in remove the battery.

[KennyGolub]

I leave the house batteries main switch on and keep the coach plugged into 120v so they remain charged.

I turn the main off for the chassis batteries and put a battery tender in that compartment.

Everything is ready to go in the spring


Ken

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by DDC

If it is not plugged in remove the battery.

It's one thing to remove them from a trailer but another to remove them from a MH. No way would I recommend anyone do that. These are heavy and hard to get out plus the wiring is very easy to screw up.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by KennyGolub

I leave the house batteries main switch on and keep the coach plugged into 120v so they remain charged.

I turn the main off for the chassis batteries and put a battery tender in that compartment.

Everything is ready to go in the spring


Ken

This is only safe if you have a converter such as the Progressive Dynamics that will switch to float/maintenance mode when the batteries are fully charged. If the circuit keeps full charging, the batteries will be fried. Some on these boards have reported doing just that. Check your converter manual or specs online to be sure.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by MNtraveler

This is only safe if you have a converter such as the Progressive Dynamics that will switch to float/maintenance mode when the batteries are fully charged. If the circuit keeps full charging, the batteries will be fried. Some on these boards have reported doing just that. Check your converter manual or specs online to be sure.

A Berkshire has a inverter that will maintain batteries at a safe level. This is not a problem to do it in this way.
Not all Moho's are equipped that way so it's best to check with your dealer to make sure that you are not doing damage.

[MNtraveler]

That's either what I said or meant to say.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by MNtraveler

That's either what I said or meant to say.

No problem. I was just adding the info about the Berkshire and a suggestion to check with their dealer. There are several different setups and as you said you can fry several hundred dollars in batteries.

[MNtraveler]

Seems we agree! I mention it because sometimes people see something and think, "oh, I'll do that." People like me!

[breezyhillfarm]

I store inside and just disconnect the negative cable at the battery. There is always battery when I pick it up. I can't use a trickle charger where I store.


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