If you’re an RV enthusiast, you know that taking care of your rig is imperative to ensure it's ready to hit the road when you are. One crucial aspect of maintenance is RV battery storage, ensuring that your RV battery remains charged and in good condition while not in use. Neglecting this could leave you with a dead battery and a delayed adventure.
In this post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about maintaining your RV battery charge during storage, ensuring it’s road-ready when you are.
Before storing your RV, it's essential to prepare your RV battery correctly. This involves a few key steps to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the storage period:
Full Charge Before Storage: First and foremost, always ensure your RV battery is fully charged before you store it. A fully charged battery prevents sulfation, a condition where lead sulfate crystals build up and damage the battery. To do this, connect your battery to a charger and allow it to reach a full charge. A voltmeter can help you check the battery's charge level, which should be around 12.7 volts for a fully charged battery.
Disconnecting the Battery: Next, disconnect the battery from your RV to prevent any power drain. Even when your RV is off, small electrical components can continue to draw power, leading to a discharged battery. Remove the negative cable first, then the positive. This simple step can prevent unnecessary battery depletion.
Cleaning the Battery Terminals: Before storing, clean the battery terminals to remove any corrosion that could impede performance. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the terminals, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Clean terminals ensure better conductivity and a longer-lasting battery.
The where and how of RV battery storage is just as important as how you prepare it. Here are some things to think about:
Extreme temperatures can significantly impact your RV battery’s health, causing it to deteriorate faster. Ideally, your storage location should have a temperature between 32°F and 80°F. If you live in an area with harsh winters or extreme heat, consider investing in an insulated battery blanket or better yet, storing the RV and battery in a climate-controlled unit.
As a minimum, your RV should be placed in covered outdoor storage with a breathable tarp to prevent moisture buildup. However, indoor storage protects your battery from extreme temperatures in addition to protecting the rest of your RV and extending its lifespan.
Investing in an RV battery storage box is another excellent way to protect your RV battery. These boxes shield the battery from dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, providing an extra layer of security during storage. However, it's important not to overlook storage considerations for your actual vehicle as well.
To keep your RV battery charged during storage, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger. This device supplies a low-level charge to your battery while not in use, keeping it at an optimal level without overcharging. This device can be a game changer for long-term storage, as it ensures the battery remains charged and ready for use.
Using a battery maintainer for RV battery storage is straightforward. Connect the maintainer to your battery following the manufacturer's instructions. Most maintainers are designed to monitor the battery's charge level and supply power only when needed, preventing overcharging and extending battery life.
Even in storage, your RV battery requires regular checkups to ensure it remains in good condition. It's a good idea to perform monthly inspections to check the battery's charge level and overall condition. Look for any signs of corrosion on the terminals or leaks from the battery case. Catching these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.
If your monthly inspection reveals that the battery’s charge level has dropped significantly, recharge it using a standard battery charger. Keeping the battery charged prevents sulfation and ensures it's ready to go when you need it.
Ensuring your RV battery remains charged and in good condition during storage doesn’t have to be challenging. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can keep your battery in top shape and extend its lifespan. For the best storage solutions in Denton, TX, consider North Texas Storage. Our storage provides the perfect environment to keep your RV and its battery protected.
Ready to store your RV the right way? Sign up for storage at North Texas Storage today and give your RV battery the care it deserves.