Battery disconnect

[beachbouy]

To preserve my two Interstate deep cycle batteries do I need to disconnect one or both batteries at the negative terminal.
They go dead after 5 days in storage and the switch is in the store position.

[sgschwend]

Try it, and check them every day. Use you volt meter and log the voltage. It should only loose a couple of percent per month. Sounds like you will see result pretty fast.

[DoublTrouble]

I haven't done it, but conventional wisdom. ... do both.

[CRH]

I would be looking for what is causing the drain.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by beachbouy

To preserve my two Interstate deep cycle batteries do I need to disconnect one or both batteries at the negative terminal.
They go dead after 5 days in storage and the switch is in the store position.

There are many threads which have discussed the hidden drains in this situation. Stand by for some links.

Here is the sub-forum for batteries etc.:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449/

If you scan down the list of threads, there are quite a few that discuss batteries draining while in storage.

Here is a recent one near the top of the list:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...hy-146548.html

Here is another one with similar circumstances IMO:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ot-147936.html

Good luck!

Peter

[Arnoldter]

I put a battery disconnect switch on the negative purchased from Autozone. Then I don't have to worry about power draws in storage.

[alano]

If both batteries are healthy you would only need to disconnect only one of the terminals, preferably the negative terminal. However, if one of your batteries is damaged, it may be draining the other. Since your batteries go dead so quickly, I would consider doing the following tests:

1. Confirm each battery is OK with a hydrometer.
2. Measure the battery current while in the "Store" position with an ammeter.

This will help to identify a poor battery if it exists or the presence of excessive current drain in your trailer.

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by CRH

I would be looking for what is causing the drain.

Agree with this. Your CO2 and smoke detectors should be the only parasitic drains that don't turn off with a shut-off switch but you can pull those fuses if you want to minimize any drain. I could be wrong but pretty sure they must be separate from the shut of switch on modern units. They are on my SOB MH anyway.

[dkottum]

I put a toggle switch high in the cabinet toe kick just below the propane detector to shut it off when stored. No power drain and it will extend the life of the propane detector ($50 - $80) which just crapped out at five years, which is about their life span.

[Caffeinated]

I remove the positive cables from both my batteries while they are in short term storage. Easy to do, and the batteries don't drain. In the winter, I pull the batteries and bring them home to my garage where they get put on a battery tender about once a month or so.

Mike