Wintering over a Battery Question

[cekkk]

If we leave the rig plugged in over the winter is that going to keep the battery in shape? I have always left it hooked up but put a trickle charger on it now and then, but figure plugging it in to shore power should be adequate.

[29BHS ECO]

cekkk+ I guess you'll be ok, I always remove it, put it in my basemant, to get it out of the cold and connect to a maintainer. I guess it depends where you live . Larry

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by cekkk+

If we leave the rig plugged in over the winter is that going to keep the battery in shape?.....snip

Cekkk+,

Depends if you have a 2 or 3 stage converter/charger in your TT. I believe the new 2011 models have the Progressive Dynamics converter/chargers that include the Charge Wizard (3 stage) and would better maintain your battery with shore power than a 2 stage unit. Just check the water level once in awhile.

If you have the remote IOTA DLS Converter/Charger, then it's a 2 stage unit ($20 to make it a 3 stage, use this: http://www.iotaengineering.com/iq.htm).

As mentioned, extremely cold weather can have an effect on some batteries, so keep a close eye on it should this be the case.

Bob

[David472]

Originally Posted by 19H F250

cekkk+ I guess you'll be ok, I always remove it, put it in my basemant, to get it out of the cold and connect to a maintainer. I guess it depends where you live . Larry

One thing to keep in mind about basement storage; if you have a concrete floor, place a board between the battery and the concrete. The battery will not like being placed directly on a concrete floor.

[Big Jim]

I pull mine, take it to the basement "camping shelves" and put a trickle charger on it.

[hammerdown]

Originally Posted by David472

One thing to keep in mind about basement storage; if you have a concrete floor, place a board between the battery and the concrete. The battery will not like being placed directly on a concrete floor.

Long ago, when battery cases were made out of natural rubber, this was true. Now, however, battery cases are made of polypropylene or other modern materials that allow a battery to be stored anywhere. A battery's rate of discharge is affected by its construction, its age, and the ambient temperature. The main issue with storing on concrete is that if the battery leaks, the concrete will be damaged.