winter batteries

[kepko]

just put 2 new interstate batteries in my 92 36ft landyacht motorhome
storing it in non heated building
why can't i just leave the batteries in it until spring????
i can turn off main battery switch
same batteries in truck!!!
kevin

[purman]

I would think you can, I would just take the cables on the batteries as well as an added caution...

[alan]

Flooded cell batteries discharge at the rate of about 1% per day when not in use. If you leave them over the winter, they will likely be completely discharged by spring. A better approach is to take them home and put them on a charger intended for maintaining batteries. Flooded cell rv/marine deep cycle batteries should not be discharged below 50
% for best life.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by kepko

just put 2 new interstate batteries in my 92 36ft landyacht motorhome

Interstates will last you about two years, with luck.

[AirsDream]

Biggest issue is that even with the main 12 volt disconnect off, you will still have some drain / loads from e.g. propane / monoxide detector. They will drain your batteries dead over winter if the self-discharge doesn't. Then they'll freeze in Mass. winter and they're goners.

Best bet: take em' home and leave em' on a Battery Tender or some such over the winter. Top the electrolyte up in the spring and you're good to go.

[ROBERT CROSS]

What they said

Take 'em out, keep 'em warm, topped up and on a maintanence charger.

[Lumatic]

I bought a "Battery Float Charger" from Harbor Freight for $15. It only comes on only when needed and keeps the battery charge topped off.

I have had an Interstate deep cycle battery for more that 5 years. My Univolt even boiled it dry once or twice. Still works good for me.

[68 Overlander]

Without a power source, I would pull them if you don't plan to charge them until spring.
If you have a power source, a maintainer would keep them topped off.
MA can be brutal in winter as I'm sure you know and when they discharge, sulfation and stratification will reduce their ability to hold a charge.

[Wayne&Sam]

I'm facing the same decision. I can leave my batteries outside in the AS with a Battery Minder attached, or take them out and bring them inside, still with a Battery Minder attached. Does it matter which I do?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I'm facing the same decision. I can leave my batteries outside in the AS with a Battery Minder attached, or take them out and bring them inside, still with a Battery Minder attached. Does it matter which I do?

"Bertha" the 53 Ford, sits in an unheated garage with a 6 volt Battery Minder all winter with no problems. Our old Burb has sat all Summer on the pad also with a Minder on it, five months with no water loss. The only hassle is the extension cord out to the pad.

I take the batts out of the Stream. Ran out of minders and extension cords.

[Mexray]

A battery minder, if properly sized to the batteries, will keep them at a state of full charge, and will help keep them from freezing.

These devices are inexpensive, and well worth the money to lengthen the life of your batteries...plus they will be ready to use when the spring thaw rolls around...

[Sierrapapa]

I keep my AS in a insulated, not heated hanger. I have 110 power available. Is it advisable to just plug the AS into shore power and use the system to keep my batteries charged? Or would an investment in a "maintainer" be advised?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Sierrapapa

I keep my AS in a insulated, not heated hanger. I have 110 power available. Is it advisable to just plug the AS into shore power and use the system to keep my batteries charged? Or would an investment in a "maintainer" be advised?

Never trust an un-watched Airstream...A Battery Minder or a good float charger is a worthwhile investment, ask me how I know.

[Sky]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

................ ask me how I know.

How do you know? Did you have problems keeping the AS plugged in?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Sky

How do you know? Did you have problems keeping the AS plugged in?

Boiled dry....first winter we had it. The Batteries now come out and are put on a float charger for the off season.

[jeff4506]

I have the solar power upgrade. With the battery disconnect, my understanding is the system will keep the batteries charged. Am I OK leaving my batteries in this state during winter or is it still better removing them and keeping on a maintainer at home?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jeff4506

I have the solar power upgrade. With the battery disconnect, my understanding is the system will keep the batteries charged. Am I OK leaving my batteries in this state during winter or is it still better removing them and keeping on a maintainer at home?

You won't know til you try it. We did last Winter,(for about a month) seemed to work ok, but got to be a pain keeping them clear.

[dogpound]

I have always taken the batteries out of my unit and kept them in the garage. About every 30-45 days I would run the charger to top them off. On a Battery Tender do you need one for each battery or can you change them off every 30 days or so?

BOB
Member Four Corners Unit.
AIR # 28745
WBCCI# 10105

[AirsDream]

"change them off every 30 days or so?" That's a good question. My answer is "yes." I've only got one Battery Tender but several battery things that overwinter in garage ... a big generator, extra car, motorcycle, Airstream battery, etc. I just go from one to the next - when the Battery Tender reprots that it's happy with the battery, I go to the next battery as soon as I think about it / remember to do so. If I forget for more than a few weeks, I top off the battery with a larger charger. Seems to work for me. YMMV.