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Old 01-06-2015, 07:52 AM   #1
rvrat
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jump box

Since I am not able to remove the batteries from our Monte in the winter and I do not have access a power plug in our storage area I am wondering if I can top-off the batteries occasionally with a battery booster/jump box.
I got away with just disconnecting the batteries last year but this year the Monte will be in storage for a month longer and would like to be sure there isn't a problem with the batteries.
WE have two group 27 rv/starting batteries and do not have a generator or solar. We would like to install solar in the future.

Thanks, Bob
 
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Old 01-06-2015, 09:03 AM   #2
dieselguy
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Bob ... I don't have the answer for the jump start question, but I just have to ask. What prevents you from about a 2 minute job of hauling the batteries out of the front compartment and storing them at home? If it's physical limiations ... could you lean on a friend? Could you perhaps head your truck towards the front of your fiver and charge with jumper cables every so often?
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Old 01-06-2015, 09:59 AM   #3
1retired06
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Also wondering about battery removal difficulty.
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Old 01-06-2015, 10:42 AM   #4
Ozz
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Hi Bob, the jump box would not be a good solution, and I would suggest getting deep cycle batteries, starting batteries are not designed for charging and dis-charging, RV batteries should be deep cycle. You would be better served with them. I also suggest two 6 volt Trojan 240 AH batteries for your trailer.
In your instance, I would remove the batteries for the storage period and take them home.
Good luck with your battery problem, and welcome to the Forum.
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Old 01-06-2015, 12:13 PM   #5
NCFischers
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Remove them like Ozz and others suggested.
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Old 01-06-2015, 01:06 PM   #6
DarMar
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The battery removal process is a must do for the extended storage of our rig.
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Old 01-07-2015, 03:33 AM   #7
rvrat
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Thanks for all the helpful answers. The batteries were new last spring when we bought the Mont so I would like to get more life out of them before we replace them.
I cannot lift the batteries to remove them and have been able to get away with just disconnecting them with our previous rv's but this year the trailer will sit longer than in the past.
We live in a retirement community that includes rv storage but our neighbors are lots of gals and I don't think it is wise to ask any of the few guys for help.
I will find some way to get them removed and stored in our garage and check into a solar setup when it gets warmer.
thanks again, Bob
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Old 01-07-2015, 05:00 AM   #8
twindman
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I added 2 6 volt batteries the first year I had mine (previous Monty). Left the 12v and added a switch that will completely disconnect everything and pick which sets of batteries to use.
With that said, I leave my trailer for 8-9 months in storage with no problems. When I get it out, the batteries are still (mostly) charged. The complete disconnect is the key, I believe. I don't know if it matters that it sits in Arizona with temps ranging from 30-70 most of the winter. But as stated, I had both 12 and 6v batteries for 7 or 8 years before replacing them.
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Old 01-07-2015, 09:17 AM   #9
Ozz
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rvrat, let us know where you are, I doubt if you are around here, but if you are within 100 miles, (KC Mo.) I will drive to you and do it. I bet some of us are close to you.
Like Tom said, if the batteries are completely without load, referring to phantom loads, they would probably be Ok until you got somewhere to hook up.
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Old 01-07-2015, 03:35 PM   #10
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They are disconnected. We are in southwest Idaho. We might have been in Arizona but for a couple of problems including trouble with the refer in the Monte that made us change our plans this year.
Ozz, thanks so much for the kind offer-if I decide to take them out my wife thinks she can ask a fellow from our church.
Bob
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Old 01-08-2015, 01:54 AM   #11
NCFischers
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When you store them in your garage, don't sit them on the concrete. That will drain them eventually. Put wood under them.
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Old 01-08-2015, 04:21 AM   #12
CountryGuy
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by NCFischers

When you store them in your garage, don't sit them on the concrete. That will drain them eventually. Put wood under them.
Jim,

Apparently this does not apply with batteries manufactured today. But it sure would not hurt as an extra precaution.

From what I read:

Q: Can I store my batteries on concrete?

A: Many people have the impression that when batteries sit on concrete, energy “leaks out” or they are ruined. The short answer is that letting modern batteries sit on concrete does not harm or discharge them in any way.

However, this legend is historically based in fact. The first lead-acid batteries consisted of glass cells that were enclosed in tar-lined wooden boxes. A damp concrete floor could cause the wood to swell, breaking the glass inside.

The Edison cell (i.e. the nickel-iron battery) that preceded the rubber-cased battery was encased in steel. Those that weren’t isolated in crates would discharge into concrete quite easily. Later battery cases used primitive hardened rubber, which was somewhat porous and could contain lots of carbon. A moist concrete floor combined with the carbon in the battery cases could create electrical current between the cells, discharging them.

None of this is a problem with modern batteries in their hard plastic shells. In fact, concrete is generally an excellent surface on which to place a battery. The electrolyte in a battery sitting on an extremely cold floor with very hot air around it could stratify, causing damage from sulfation; whereas concrete provides good thermal mass to buffer any temporarily extreme temperatures in the battery compartment.



Al
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Old 01-08-2015, 04:28 AM   #13
rvrat
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one last question. Is the battery disconnect switch in the utility bay as good as removing the ground cable to disconnect the batteries?
thanks Bob
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Old 01-08-2015, 05:23 AM   #14
bncinwv
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Simply put, No! Disconnecting the battery or installing a cut-off switch at the battery is the only way to eliminate draw down (due to remote circuit boards and other phantom loads). I installed a marine type isolator switch and I leave my batteries in all winter after fulling charging them. I do go to the rig monthly to "exercise" the generator and top off the batteries though. Never had a problem in the Spring with this method.
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