1st question from 1st time TT owner

TheWalukows · 03-19-2020, 09:44 AM

Hello folks. We recently acquired a 2007 Jay Flight 20BH. Pretty happy with this and looking forward to our first trip soon. Anyway, my "newbie" question would be do I need to:
1. Cover the batteries during long storage?
2. Should I keep it inside a box/enclosure?
3. Should I put it on battery tender during long storage?

Woodworker · 03-19-2020, 09:59 AM

I'd have the battery in a battery box an unless you can plug into your home while not in use yes put it on a charger.

TheWalukows · 03-19-2020, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodworker

I'd have the battery in a battery box an unless you can plug into your home while not in use yes put it on a charger.

My TT has two batteries. Am I charging both separately? Also, just to clear up my question on my initial post, does the batteries needs be covered (i.e. inside a box/enclosure) so it will be shielded from the elements, like rain?

**Midnightmoon** · 03-19-2020, 10:10 AM

Yes, I would have it covered.

TheWalukows · 03-19-2020, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Yes, I would have it covered.

OK thanks. We just made it through recent rain storm and it hit me that the batteries are not covered. Hopefully it'll be OK. Another batch of rain suppose to come soon. Hopefully I can at least have some make shift cover for now.

**Midnightmoon** · 03-19-2020, 10:16 AM

I wouldn't worry too much about it with a rain or two. However, as a general rule, I like to keep those connections clean, dry, and corrosion free.

GHen · 03-19-2020, 11:33 AM

Don’t let the charge get below 12.2 volts or it could be damaged and not hold charges as well. Put it on a battery tender if needed.

**JFlightRisk** · 03-19-2020, 12:11 PM

You can hook up a battery maintainer to both batteries simultaneously if they are both healthy, and about the same age. If you have one weaker than the other, I would separate them during charging.

Iraqvet05 · 03-19-2020, 01:01 PM

Depends on where you store too. I've seen too many posts where people have had their battery stolen from their driveway or storage. I take mine out when not in use and trickle charge it at home.

Camper_bob · 03-19-2020, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

Depends on where you store too. I've seen too many posts where people have had their battery stolen from their driveway or storage. I take mine out when not in use and trickle charge it at home.

+1

I always removed mine while in storage and kept it in the garage on a tender. Always fully charged, and always right where I left it.

jbrnigan · 03-19-2020, 02:35 PM

Yes, you should put your battery(s) in battery boxes - they protect the battery from road debris and the elements. When not in use (TT plugged in) or in storage, I use a battery tender to keep the battery charged. Electrolye won't freeze in a fully charged battery. If you are worried about theft, remove it. Also, don't forget to check electrolyte levels a couple time a year (unless your battery is sealed).

Jagiven · 03-19-2020, 05:39 PM

I would recommend a battery box. Drill a couple 1/4" drain holes in the bottom. Its surprising how much water collects in a covered box. I also secured the box the the battery shelf via a couple self tapping sheetmetal screws.

As for charging. Your tt, should have an older 2 stage charger built into the converter. It's ok, not as good as a modern 3 or 4 stage charger. If your at home, and can, just plug into shore power. If your going to disconnected and just sitting there, it's best to disconnect the battery as there are a lot of parasitic power drains, that can discharge a battery in 2-3 weeks.

Personally I would skip the battery tender, as it will be sitting outside, and use the onboard charger.

Have a great summer with your new toy.

TheWalukows · 03-19-2020, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

If your at home, and can, just plug into shore power.

What that means? Is it "connect" the TT to the house (via adapter) or actually to "plug" the batteries "into shore power."? If so, how?

**Midnightmoon** · 03-19-2020, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWalukows

What that means? Is it "connect" the TT to the house (via adapter) or actually to "plug" the batteries "into shore power."? If so, how?

He is referring to plugging the TT in to the house and letting the onboard charger maintain them. I would venture to say that the majority of us that keep our units at home keep them plugged in.

Jagiven · 03-19-2020, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

He is referring to plugging the TT in to the house and letting the onboard charger maintain them. I would venture to say that the majority of us that keep our units at home keep them plugged in.

What he said

TheWalukows · 03-20-2020, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

He is referring to plugging the TT in to the house and letting the onboard charger maintain them. I would venture to say that the majority of us that keep our units at home keep them plugged in.

Thank you for clarifying!

steeled · 03-25-2020, 12:04 PM

I keep my battery covered and I put an on/off switch on top of the battery cover. This keeps the battery from discharging when not in use either short term or long term. I hated having a dead battery when it came to cranking it up to attach the truck to it to go camping.

IdahoJoe · 03-25-2020, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I would recommend a battery box. Drill a couple 1/4" drain holes in the bottom. Its surprising how much water collects in a covered box. I also secured the box the the battery shelf via a couple self tapping sheetmetal screws.

Yes! Definitely drill a couple small holes in the bottom of the battery boxes! I learned this lesson the expensive way last spring when mine filled up with rain water running off the front of the trailer. They both filled up to the connections and ruined about $400 worth of brand new 6v Batteries

Maybe drilling up an inch or two from the bottom on the back side would catch any potential spilled acid while still protecting the battery from being flooded?
A couple of sheet metal screws to secure them a bit doesn't sound like it could hurt either as long as they don't rub and wear the battery casing from vibration...

Thomson · 03-25-2020, 12:36 PM

1. Put them in battery boxes. You can get them at auto parts or rv dealers or Amazon.
2, Yes.
3. There is always leakage current that will drain the batteries while sitting. You may elect to use the battery cut-off. However, if you can leave it on a float charger. The batteries will live longer.

Try not to let the batteries run down below half. Yoo can read up on how to determine that.

drew2fast · 03-25-2020, 12:55 PM

I purchased a narrow truck box, and attached it right behind my tanks. The battery box is in it, so it is completely shield from the elements. I also store all my tools, hitch, sway bars in it.

I did have to drill hole in rear of box for the battery cables.

I think the truck box was on clearance...probably paid like $75...Just purchased some big U bolts to strap it to the frame of the trailer.

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