Vehicles that may be used as motorhomes are referred to as Recreational Vehicles (RV).
Some people use an RV for recreation, while others use it as their primary form of transportation.
Maintaining the RV’s battery is crucial for owners who only sometimes use it, particularly while storing it for an extended period of time.
Battery self-discharge occurs even when an RV is not in operation.
The kind of battery and the temperature of the storage area both affect how quickly a battery discharges.
Higher temperature speeds up the discharge process, whereas lower temperature slows it down.
One approach to extend the battery life of an RV is to keep it charged while it is in storage.
Solar panels are one useful technique to keep it charged up.
Any linked utility is automatically charged by solar panels.
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RV Batteries Can Be Powered By Solar Panels
Knowing how much electricity is used from the battery is crucial for choosing the proper wattage for the solar panels.
Knowing the battery’s storage capacity, which is typically between 75 amps, may help one determine this.
75 amps may be converted to days by multiplying the time it takes for the electricity to be completely discharged.
This brings up the expected daily drain.
For instance, if a 75-amp RV battery takes 3 weeks to completely discharge, the drain would be 3 amps every day.
To refill the drain, it is necessary to locate a solar panel that can provide 3 amps each day.
This procedure, known as “trickle charging,” keeps the batteries charged regardless of how long they are left unused.
However, while calculating the solar panel’s effectiveness, consumers must take the weather and sunlight obstruction into account.
More panels may be installed to charge batteries more quickly.
Suggestion reading: Can I Jump An RV Battery With My Car?
Tips for Battery Maintenance
Make sure the batteries are completely charged before placing the RV in storage.
When doing so, it’s crucial to pay attention to the temperature.
Even when they are off, the vehicle’s appliances and utilities may drain the battery.
Owners should unplug the RV’s electrical connections before storing it to prevent this.
Users should check the water levels in their batteries every month or two, particularly if the car is kept in a warm environment.
The ideal storage environment for the car is a cool, dry place with a temperature range of no lower than 32°F and no more than 80°F.
The batteries must always be kept clean.
An RV battery might benefit from having wire brushes used to clean out rust and grime.
Keeping Your RV Batteries Safe While In Storage
Many RVers have already winterized their vehicles to keep the plumbing from freezing, despite the fact that cold temperatures have spread throughout most of the nation.
How many of you, though, have taken measures to guard your lead-acid batteries against conceivable wintertime damage?
I’ve seen several RVers over the years who damaged their batteries by neglecting to take precautions while storing them off-season.
Here are some reasons why this could occur and steps you can take to stop it.
#1. Never Discharge Your RV’s Batteries
The majority of RVs feature 12-volt parasitic loads, such as gas detectors, audio clocks, circuit boards, etc., which over time slowly deplete your battery.
Why is this detrimental to your batteries when they are stored? Your batteries will deplete unless you have the luxury of leaving your RV connected to shore power or having a superior solar charging system.
Your batteries should not be completely discharged for two reasons: 1) Your batteries’ lifespan is shortened every time they are used at less than 50% of their rated capacity.
Liquid in depleted batteries has a chance of freezing.
The plastic battery casing will often shatter due to the fluids’ expansion, damaging the battery.
Make sure the solar panels don’t accumulate snow if you have enough solar charging.
#2. Preparing Your Batteries For Winter
You may take the following actions to safeguard your RV batteries while it is being winterized:
Keep your batteries charged since they may endure very cold temperatures when they are completely charged.
To prevent parasitic loads from depleting your batteries, use a battery kill switch.
Keep your RV in a room with temperature control.
Your RV’s batteries should be removed and kept in your garage (provided your garage stays above freezing).
Contrary to common perception, it is OK to keep your 12-volt lead-acid batteries in your garage on the concrete floor.
Regardless of whether you store your batteries in your RV or remove them for off-season storage, now is a good time to maintain your batteries by ensuring sure they are clean and that the cells are filled with distilled water to the proper amounts.
You can prevent your batteries from succumbing to winter damage by following the advice given above. After all, no one wants to go on an RVing journey if their batteries die!
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