RVs are excellent family vehicles, but they are not practical for year-round driving. Most people who own RVs only use them seasonally, storing them for the winter or cooler seasons. When storing your vehicle, it is necessary to remove and store your RV battery. Failing to store the battery properly risks damaging the unit.
Preparing Your RV Battery for Storage
What kind of battery for an RV? The type of battery that’s correct for your RV depends on the make and model of the vehicle. You should consult a professional or the owner’s manual to learn more. Anyhow of the type of battery, every caravan proprietor should take way to cover the battery in the off- season.
1. Disconnect and Remove
Noway leave the battery connected when the caravan is not in use because the battery can still drain from parasitic loads. The stylish way to watch for the battery is to remove it from the vehicle fully and store it in a safe place. Be careful when removing the battery because it can be relatively heavy. Also, flash back to dissociate the negative terminal first, also the positive.
2. Clean and Inspect
With the battery removed, you can clean and check it. Use a baking soda pop and water result to clean the battery outstations and covering, removing any erosion. Then, look for cracks, bulges, or leaks. If you find damage, take the battery in for a professional assessment.
3. Charge Fully
You want to charge the battery fully before storing it. Leaving a battery even slightly discharged can lead to sulfation, which can harm future performance. Smart chargers or battery maintainers can ensure the battery remains fully charged throughout the off-season.
4. Place in Ideal Storage Conditions
The best storage space for a battery is a cool, dry space, like a garage or basement. Never place a battery directly on a concrete floor; always keep it at least somewhat elevated using wooden boards or something similar. It is best if the battery can be in a temperature-controlled environment because extreme temperature shifts can shorten battery life.
Solving Common RV Battery Problems
Still, you can use a VIN decoder, If you buy a used caravan and want to learn some specifics about the vehicle. The online tool or app can reveal detailed information about your vehicle, like history reports and potential recalls. Knowing vehicle history and potential problems can help you prepare for common issues. The same can be said for batteries.
Some common RV battery problems include the unit not holding a charge or freezing. Still, it might be a problem with sulfation, internal damage, If a battery does not hold acharge.However, it’s likely permanently damaged, If a battery freezes. In both cases, the primary solution is a battery replacement, but taking it in for a professional assessment might be worthwhile.
You don’t want to store your RV battery in the engine, especially connected. It is always best to store the battery separately. Contact a professional mechanic or retailer if you want to learn more about RV battery storage and maintenance tips.
