Protect your expensive batteries from freezing.

I have had a number of folks ask me lately what happened to their RV batteries. In each case, they died during storage, froze and cracked apart. Let’s take a look at why.

Most RV’s have what are called parasitic drains in their electrical systems. These drains come from various electrical components, like carbon monoxide and propane detectors, car stereos, circuit boards, LED lights, relays, and so on. Some drains will remain on even if an RV equipped with an OEM battery switch is turned off. This is to maintain memory, in the case of the stereo, and for safety in the case of the detectors.

Where this can become an even bigger problem is in freezing weather. Automotive batteries will freeze if they lose their charge, which can result in their splitting apart. In any case, when they freeze, they are damaged beyond repair.

If you store your RV with the batteries in it, you should make sure that you have the batteries charging. This can be accomplished using shore power, or a solar charging system. The solar charging system should have a high enough charging rate to overcome the parasitic drains on the system.

If, however, you don't intend to use your unit for a season, it may be better to remove the batteries from the unit, and store them in a climate controlled area on a shelf up off the floor. Until next time, I'll see you on the highway!

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