12 Volt Battery

[DFreiberger]

Hey all,

I am seeking advise about the 12 volt battery. When the trailer is not in use, should I disconnect the battery and remove it? Or, can it stay installed through the summer? I assume winterizing the trailer requires battery removal and trickle charging through the winter?

Thanks,
Dutchman

[Festus2]

I think it is common practice for people to leave their battery connected during the times when they are using it. Some RVers have installed a battery disconnect switch to prevent any "accidental" or intentional use of exterior switches or unnecessary drain by propane detectors, stereo lights and clocks, etc.
During the winter storage months, some folks use a trickle charger to keep the batteries from totally discharging without removing them from the RV. If you do this, you can disconnect the detectors, stereo, TV-- anything that draws a tiny current. ( Or you can yank the fuse to these). Others remove the batteries and charge them up from time to time or put a trickle charger on them.
The important thing to do is to keep them charged and topped up with water when not in use.

[Jim W]

I agree with Festus on the above answer, but I would add one more point. Depending on where you live you want to keep the battery from freezing.

I store mine in the garage (heated) and have a trickle charger on the battery in the winter months.
Jim

[DFreiberger]

Thanks guys for your input. Your thoughts are just what I was thinking. I pulled it out and have it on a trickle as we speak.

Thanks again...

[ckittila]

I installed a cut off switch on my unit because I don't have access to a plug. The switch has a nice key feature and the battery always seems to have plenty of residual power when I go to use the camper. I ordered the switch off the internet.

[geo]

If you pull your battery out and store it, do not set it directly on a concrete floor or ground (earth). Even though today's batteries are mostly plastic cases, etc., there is still a current leakage. Put the battery on an old piece of dry wood as an insulator. Yes, I know this is from old times, but even today it is still a good idea even with a trickle charger.

Ron

[caberto]

Is it safe/OK to keep the unit on shore power to prevent the batteries from draining? Or better to disconnect the batteries altogether when not being used for a few weeks?

[DFreiberger]

I take it the the whit is the ground and the switch is in line between the battery and the terminal junction?

[Pete and Jeanne]

Hey Caberto..Did you ever get an answer on your question about leaving the battery on shore power? I have my TT in the drive next to the house and leave the power plugged in when home. In fact, if we're going camping several weekends in a row, I leave the fridge on also. My fridge uses only gas or A/C so here the battery is no concern except that it IS still in line. I'm down south so freezing is rarely a problem. Heat tho is another animal. All it takes are a few more maintainence checks to keep an eye on the electrolyte. If you do get a definitive ans to our question would you give me a shout back? Thanks and Travel Well.....Pete

[hankpage]

Hey Caberto..Did you ever get an answer on your question about leaving the battery on shore power? I have my TT in the drive next to the house and leave the power plugged in when home. In fact, if we're going camping several weekends in a row, I leave the fridge on also. My fridge uses only gas or A/C so here the battery is no concern except that it IS still in line. I'm down south so freezing is rarely a problem. Heat tho is another animal. All it takes are a few more maintainence checks to keep an eye on the electrolyte. If you do get a definitive ans to our question would you give me a shout back? Thanks and Travel Well.....Pete

Also to the OP, My trailer is an '07 and has always been on shore power except when traveling. (naturally ...the cord isn't that long. :rolleyes: ) I had my last trailer 12 years and did the same. As long as you have a properly working Three stage converter it is fine. I check electrolyte levels every 2 or 3 months but I have rarely had to add any water. JM2¢, Hank

[jq1031]

My last RV was a motor home & it was always pluged into 50 amp service when not in use. Never had a battery problem & I had 6 of them. The florida heat did cause some evaporation, so a monthly check was necessary. In my Laredo TT I just remove the battery when not in use.

[Flyguy]

I installed a battery cut-off switch in our 5ver so when we store it I just switch the battery out of the circuit and leave it that way after I button up everything. No shore power is connected to the trailer when stored. Works for me!

[hankaye]

DFreiberger, Howdy;

Hey all,

I am seeking advise about the 12 volt battery. When the trailer is not in use, should I disconnect the battery and remove it? Or, can it stay installed through the summer? I assume winterizing the trailer requires battery removal and trickle charging through the winter?

Thanks,
Dutchman

No matter which method you chose, remember to keep it topped of with electrolyte and charged. Doing the PM's is all part of haveing things.

Just noticed where you call home. I used to work as a Dyndink at USNTPS. Lived at the end of Booth Rd. in Drayden up till Aug. '95. Miss the Stuffed ham's.

hankaye