Solar and removing batteries

[mtnhike51]

I am planning on removing the batteries to store them inside for the winter. Do I need to doing anything with the factory installed solar?

[jeffmc306]

I did the same this year.

Just remember the solar panels can generate power and send it back to the battery cables. Two options - disconnect the panels at the combiner box on the roof or cover the positive cables with a piece of foam pipe insulation or similar insulator. *Always take the negative cable off first and put in on last.

PS: Welcome to the forum and Airstream community!

[ROBERT CROSS]

No...just clean them well in the Spring.👍

FWIW...when we first got our Classic I also took the batt's out every winter kept them in the basement. Replaced with Lifeline AGM's, great battery but heavy, a pain to remove from the Classic compartment...taking out for Winter lasted about 2 more Winters, from then on it was charge fully, disconnect and leave them where they are, they lasted 11 seasons.
The BattleBorn Lithiums stay in, connected, with interior disconnect switch engaged. Unless working in the trailer or testing the system. They do have a built in management system for low & high temp protection, they will not accept a charge below 25*F

Bob
🇺🇸

[waninae39]

i remove my lion battery
i install a disconnect for the solar, for winter and to work safely on them in the summer

[AirMiles]

On factory solar installations, you can easily unplug the panels from the Zamp Rooftop Box or remove the inline fuse on the wire coming from the solar controller. The rooftop wires unplug in like an electrical cord. The positive side is rubber coated and the negative side is bare copper. Here is a link to a picture of the Zamp Rooftop Box: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ml#post2288584

[mtnhike51]

Thanks for the info.

[mtnhike51]

I took batteries out and the tray had some water in it. Will that harm the batteries over time? How do u prevent water from getting into the box?

[Hermes]

Don't know the split between those who leave their batteries in the trailer for the winter and those who remove them, but I would guess a fair number just leave them in the trailer.

Batteries which are disconnected and fully charged will do just fine in cold weather. And for those who have solar, then you can disconnect everything except for the solar controller and let the winter sun send a float charge to maintain them 100% charged if you don't have shore power where the trailer is stored.

Given that I don't like to weigh down the trailer's suspension with a season of heavy snow, every few weeks I clear it off, and make sure 1-2 panels are free of snow when they forecast a few days of sunshine. Works for me and I don't have to disconnect my four 6V deep cycle batteries, haul them inside and reconnect them every year.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Hermes

Don't know the split between those who leave their batteries in the trailer for the winter and those who remove them, but I would guess a fair number just leave them in the trailer.

Batteries which are disconnected and fully charged will do just fine in cold weather. And for those who have solar, then you can disconnect everything except for the solar controller and let the winter sun send a float charge to maintain them 100% charged if you don't have shore power where the trailer is stored.

Given that I don't like to weigh down the trailer's suspension with a season of heavy snow, every few weeks I clear it off, and make sure 1-2 panels are free of snow when they forecast a few days of sunshine. Works for me and I don't have to disconnect my four 6V deep cycle batteries, haul them inside and reconnect them every year.

Well, you are even further North than we are here in WNY, with possibly an even longer off Season, I concur on the battery choice.
But with the AS's rubber torsion axles I approach long term winter storage differently.
Take the weight off, save the axles & tires.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Hermes]

If we lived in Newfoundland, this would be our Airstream...