How to Properly Store Your Batteries for Winter

In addition to fixing plumbing issues that resulted from RVs not being winterized correctly or not at all, the replacement of RV batteries is one of the top items that Colorado’s Premier RV Services gets requests for in the springtime. To help mitigate additional stress for our customers in the spring and to help you save some money, we have laid out the do’s and don’ts of off season battery storage.

Do: Clean It and Keep It Clean

It’s important to clean the battery casing and the terminals thoroughly before you connect anything to it and to keep it clean throughout the battery’s life cycle. Dirt and corrosion can increase a battery’s discharge rate. As long as the battery is properly cleaned before it is stored, you should be able to keep it clean and dust free with just a clean dry rag for dusting. 

Don’t: Store Without a Charge 

One of the worst things you can do is store a battery away for months at a time without charging it. All batteries have a natural rate of self-discharge. By not charging the battery fully prior to storage, it increases the probability that you will have a completely dead battery that can’t be revived this spring. 

Do: Ensure It’s Completely Disconnected

If you’re not planning on removing the battery completely from the RV, you’ll need to make sure that the battery is disconnected from any and all terminals. It’s important that nothing touches the battery terminals that could potentially create a discharge. 

Do: Plan For Off Season Charging

Whether you will be using a trickle charger or just plan to hook up a standard charger every so often while the battery is in storage, it’s important to make sure that you have the charger you need and that it is in good working order. A battery that has been kept charged throughout its lifecycle will last longer and perform at peak levels throughout its lifespan. 

Do: Store In a Controlled Environment

Your batteries should be stored off the ground and in a temperature controlled environment. Moisture and extreme temperatures will increase your batteries’ rate of self-discharge. It is best to store the battery above 32°F and below 80°F. 

Don’t: Store It and Forget It 

Batteries are not items you can put away for the winter and forget about. They have to be checked and maintained throughout the entire time they are in storage. Pay attention to the charge levels. Some maintenance chargers have an auto shut-off and some don’t. You’ll want to make sure your charger is keeping the battery right in the charge range as outlined by the manufacturer.

If you are in the market for one, we use this Battery Tender by Deltran.