Batteries in winter

[tlsmit1]

In a month or so, I'll probably park our Tradewind for its first post-restoration winter. The trailer has two AGM batteries, and it won't have electricity available at its winter spot. I've been warned not to let AGM's go totally dead, and that they will slowly lose power even if disconnected.

As I see it, I've got three options:

1) Rig a temporary solar panel for the winner. Drawback: it'll be parked in a storage lot and susceptible to meddling / theft / wind gusts.

2) Pull out the batteries and put them in my garage on a trickle charger. Drawback: removing them will be somewhat annoying, and no impulsive weekend dry-camping until spring.

3) Just disconnect them, leave them in place, and don't worry about it.

What do other people generally do?

Thanks!

[ROBERT CROSS]

......I think you can tell.

Different opinions abound.

Plug it in...if you have a modern converter you can use the trailer without the batt's.

Bob

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by tlsmit1

As I see it, I've got three options:

1) Rig a temporary solar panel for the winner. Drawback: it'll be parked in a storage lot and susceptible to meddling / theft / wind gusts.

2) Pull out the batteries and put them in my garage on a trickle charger. Drawback: removing them will be somewhat annoying, and no impulsive weekend dry-camping until spring.

3) Just disconnect them, leave them in place, and don't worry about it.

1. Will you have sun? Days are short and cloudy, snow can cover the solar panel, etc.
2. This is what I do. I have a battery maintenance and "Battery Minder" charging center in my garage. It maintains the batteries and desulfinates them. I don't find it annoying, nor does it interfere with impulse camping. If anything my camping is enhanced by batteries that are always ready to go.
3. Even if you disconnect and leave them in place they will discharge.

Hope this helps.

[idroba]

I have said my piece on this issue in other threads, but #3 is what I have done for 35 years of Airstreaming, with no problems. Disconnect, clean the tops, leave them in place.

My batteries have lasted from 5 to 8 years per set.

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by idroba

I have said my piece on this issue in other threads, but #3 is what I have done for 35 years of Airstreaming, with no problems. Disconnect, clean the tops, leave them in place.

My batteries have lasted from 5 to 8 years per set.

Based on idroba's input, please allow me to revise mine. If you disconnect and leave them for the winter, your batteries "may" discharge. Mine always did when I tried that approach.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by tlsmit1

3) Just disconnect them, leave them in place, and don't worry about it.

This. One of the benefits of AGMs is supposed to be that they self-discharge at a lower rate.