My neighbours are expecting me today to store things in their basement and garage, including my RV batteries. I was certain that if I disconnected the batteries, I’d lose power to 12V things, like the water pump and the lights. I have no idea why I thought this. I have accidentally tripped the battery disconnect switch in the past and had everything run fine off the generator. Why would it be any different on shore power?!
The batteries are disconnected now and I will borrow a dolly to move them. They are extremely heavy. I am much stronger today than I was the day I installed them, so I hope I can move them around without too much trouble if I was able to do so back then!
It’s good to know that I can get back next year and have power right away. I doubt I’ll be in a mood to muck around with batteries the second I arrive, what with all the cleaning and dewinterizing I’ll need to do!
Watch your back! Those things are heavy!
😉 Yes, I remember the episode with the “Big Yellow Button” well! 😉
Make sure you insulate the battery cables well. The charging system will be sending voltage to them trying to charge the batteries that are not there. Wrap and tape.
What was the condition of the terminals when you took things apart? Remember last time when you had to replace the cables? You can actually buy new ends for the cables and attach them by whacking them with a flat screwdriver and hammer to tighten them and then soldering with a torch and solder. Good as new at a fraction of the cost.
I don’t know if there is power where you are storing the batteries but it might be wise to think of keeping a maintenance charge on them over the winter. Freezing batteries is not good.
Croft, thanks for the advice to tape them up!
The whole purpose of taking them out of the RV to C&C’s is to get them to a location where they won’t freeze and won’t need a maintenance charge. 😉 They’re in Charles’ workshop. He keeps all his batteries there and they’re fine in the spring.
The terminals were in great shape, no corrosion!
Here in Montana We are in the process of getting ready to go south too. One of the precautions we are taking is to put our two vehicles and the RV battery on trickle chargers. Is this maybe not necessary? They will all be under cover in garages but not in heated spaces. Maybe that’s the difference…your batteries will be protected from freezing.
Enjoy your winter in Mexico!
Kathe, yes, the batteries need a trickle charge if they are at risk of freezing. Mine will be safe. This spring, I saw Charles take one of his batteries out of that shop, put it in a vehicle, and start the vehicle immediately. I know my batteries are safe. 🙂