What must be done to keep an RV battery,which is in storage 10 months a year, in good condition?

Question

Does it hurt a battery if it is removed from the RV and it sits there till needed or should it be placed on trickle charge?

Answer 1

It should be trickle charged, but it would be better to leave it in the RV and start the engine
every two weeks and let it run for about three minutes. That way, the oil circulates through the engine etc.

Answer 2

I agree with cab_vetern but I start the RV motor and the genset once a month... first of every month, I'm out there exercising the motors.

I keep a trickle charger going all the time. When I am using the RV and in a park or when it's just sitting on the driveway, the trickle charger is always online.

I check the battery water about every other month and I watch the battery voltage meter for signs that the batteries are in need of a major charge.

If you do take the battery out of the RV, then charge it up before you pull it and then store it on a piece of cardboard. Supposedly, you can set one of these new breed of batteries on a concrete floor, but I still play it safe and set it on cardboard.

Answer 3

Take it out, charge it up, and store it in your basement. While you got it out, clean it up and check water level. But NEVER leave a trickle charge on all winter, you will evaporate away the battery fluid, and then end up buying a new battery.

Even when you are using the RV, if you don't use your DC lights inside, leave the trickle charge switch OFF. DC is the ONLY reason you have that battery in there.

Answer 4

The worst thing that can be done to an RV is let it sit for long periods of time. Tires can rot, belts, hoses, seals, fresh water system can sour, holding tanks can dry out to solid matter, etc. It is well worth the effort to exercize the unit frequently. Monthly at least.

Answer 5

It would be okay to take it out, at least the posts won't corrode.