Battery Storage

[ljp]

Removed battery from our TT and storing it in our basement for the winter. How often should it be charged while in storage and what is the best way to have it stored, i.e., wood shelf, plastic shelf, etc.

[Festus2]

I would suggest that you get a trickle charger and keep it connected while in storage. There are a number of them on the market but I think many people have had good success with the Battery Tender/Minder Plus. While being charged, you should check the water level from time-to-time and top up when necessary.

It is not necessary any longer to store batteries on something like wood or plastic. At one time when battery cases were prone to leakage - especially on concrete - it was recommended that they not be stored on cement. Because the cases of modern batteries are made of a different compostion than older versions, they can be safely placed on cement/concrete. If you are happier with them placed on a wooden surface, then do so.

[chuck&gail]

Personally I would just connect it to a BatteryMINDer and leave it. They do not boil out water, and will desulfate your battery nicely so it will be ready come spring. I use quite a few BatteryMINDers and have had excellent results.

[SAABDOCTOR]

X3 On the battery minder. that is what i use on my 5er and the two cars i store all winter. they work great!

[KenBob]

We have our RV and ATV batteries on float chargers as well. It is a good idea to check them periodically to verify they are working. Chargers do fail. A digital volt meter to check voltage every couple weeks. The RV batteries are 6 volt golf cart batteries and a 12 volt float charger works well with them (connected in series) as well.