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02-05-2012, 04:10 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Charging the batteries while in storage with solar
I'm looking for a solution to a battery charging problem.
I want to maintain the charge on my two 6 volt coach batteries while it sits in storage for the winter (yeah, I know, I wouldn't have to do this if I lived in a warmer climate or full timed and could sun chase )
I'd like to find a (inexpensive) solar solution. The Monty is in secured fenced storage but I'd rather have the solar panel inside the coach as opposed to outside. Any ideas?
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2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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02-06-2012, 12:42 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location:
Posts: 724
M.O.C. #10948
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Harbor Freight sells a little solar charger that will maintain your batteries while in storage. I use one and it works and maintains the battery perfectly.
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02-07-2012, 01:46 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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This doesn't directly answer your question ... but since I have no electrical needs during the winter storage, I just pull the battery and keep it on a battery maintainer in the garage. When it comes time to de-winterize ... I just check the water and pop the battery back in the fiver. Unless you spend time in it at the storage facility, evaluate if you really need to keep the battery(s) in it.
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02-07-2012, 03:06 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I'm trying to get away from pulling the batteries at all. Those 6 volt batteries are heavy (there are two) and the position that I have to be in to remove and install them sets me up for a sore back and pulled muscles (no thanks!).
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by dieselguy
This doesn't directly answer your question ... but since I have no electrical needs during the winter storage, I just pull the battery and keep it on a battery maintainer in the garage. When it comes time to de-winterize ... I just check the water and pop the battery back in the fiver. Unless you spend time in it at the storage facility, evaluate if you really need to keep the battery(s) in it.
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__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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02-11-2012, 01:08 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Antioch
Posts: 148
M.O.C. #9267
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I've tried several schemes including paying $10 for a young man to pull and reinstall the battery. Then i tried to charge the batteries via the trailer connector plugged into the truck. Too much sitting with my foot on the accelerator to keep the engine speed at winter idle. I finally started using my portable generator connected to an automotive battery charger. So far that has been the best for me. There are lots of sources for solar panels via an internet search. Northern Tool has a bunch; many of the online RV stores have them, West Marine, Bass Proshop,etc. mounting the charger inside reduces the amount of charge you can get unless you have a window facing the right direction. In addition, the wiring should go directly to the battery. If you connect the wires into the DC system inside the trailer you will have to leave the battery disconnect switch on. Usually there are a few low draw items that are on when the battery switch is on, so you have to be sure that they are disconnected or wire directly to the battery. The wattage ratings are hyped up compared to real world results, so be sure you have enough current from the solar panel and then remember that the ratings are set with full sunlight compared to a fixed panel position that doesn't allow sun tracking.
I'm still intrigued with using a solar panel, but for the moment i'm sticking with the generator approach.
AGM batteries are the best for uncharged storing, but they are also the most expensive.
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