Battery Care

[drjjj]

This may have been addressed before, so if it has I apologize and someone can point me to a previous post. Our trailer (2007 3400RL)is now in storage except for weekend/short trip use. I am in the process of buying a trickle charger so I can remove the battery when the rig is going to be stored for a length of time. My question is: if the trailer is parked with the battery at near full charge, how long can it sit (with the battery disconnect in place, of course) before I should consider removing it and connecting it to the charger? I don't relish the idea of removing the battery every time we park the trailer at the storage lot, but don't want the battery to die prematurely, either. Thanks for any help from you experts!

[Glenn and Lorraine]

IF the battery is fully charged and DISCONNECTED from the rig there is no need to recharge during storage. So long as there is no draw on the battery it will not discharge enough to freeze.

[Waynem]

What about just using the "Battery Disconnect?'

[illapah]

I take my batteries out and put them in the garage for the winter. I check them periodically with a multimeter and attach the charger. They seem to hold a charge without recharging. I don't know if there is any trickle load on the batteries if left installed and the Montana installed cutoff switch is turned to off.

[OntMont]

If you have an IOTA converter, there is an add on "smart charger" that can be added that will maintain the battery for you. Go to the IOTA web site to find out all the details. Later model Montanas have a battery cut off switch that will allow you isolate the battery from any hidden loads. If you don't have a cut off switch, you may need to remove the ground cable to isolate the battery.

[kdeiss]

I disconnected my battery in Nov and left in thr rig over the winter in Erie Pa. Last week I checked I had 12.5 Volts connected and slides went out with no problem the battery is 3 Years old

[bsmeaton]

I have NEVER removed my batteries from the RV in the winter for over 30 years, and I have never had a broken battery from freezing in the spring after -20 degree winters. I think you may just be making work for yourself.

[TLightning]

I agree with all of the above...remove it if you want to, get a 'smart charger' and leave it plugged in, or turn it off and leave it fully charged in the rig. Over the years, I've done all three, all will work.

[kmh3212]

All batteries will slowly lose some charge when turned off or disconnected. Just make sure they are fully charged before storage. Discharged batteries will freeze. Charged batteries will not freeze.

[daneboy]

I agree with Brad. We never take the batteries out. I just plug in the Monty overnight, about once a month in the winter.
Jerry