Pay attention to the batteries and other portable power equipment during the off-season. Leaving your RV parked for a long time can drain the batteries.
Several factors can affect an RV battery parked for an extended period. These factors include battery self-discharge, the passage of time, and temperature changes.
Depending on the type of battery, and the RV battery winter storage environment, there are different ways to treat it for the winter. In this article, we provide information on how to winterize lead-acid, AGM, LiFePO4, portable power stations (GEYOTO N300 and N1000), and check your 12V electrical system.
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Why RV Battery Winter Storage Matters
Loss of charge occurs over time in all types of batteries, and self-discharge is more prevalent in lead-acid batteries when compared to Lithium-Ion batteries.
Cold weather reduces the capacity of the batteries. Leaving them discharged for long periods of time may damage certain types of batteries. Proper RV battery winterizing can be helpful in preventing a dead battery in the spring.
It is also vital for RVers to be aware of the batteries on their RVs and portable power equipment, and how to properly take care of them during the off-season. Understanding the type of battery can help with the process of winterizing the battery.
Understand Your Battery Type Before Winterizing
Different battery chemistries require different methods for winter storage.
Lead Acid
Lead-acid batteries in general need to be charged in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations prior to storage. Leaving them discharged would cause sulfation and reduced battery capacity. Flooded lead-acid batteries require regular electrolyte checks and need to be vented.
AGM
The Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are called maintenance-free and require less routine maintenance compared to the flooded version. However, these batteries self-discharge and would require a periodic charge check or maintenance charge.
LiFePO4
RV lithium battery winter storage requires consideration of the temperature limits of many lithium batteries for charging. Some LiFePO4 batteries must be charged with approved heating systems or low-temperature protection in freezing conditions. Contact your battery manufacturer for an approved heater.
How to Winterize House Batteries
Turn off all needless loads first. Next, identify what loads would be on the batteries while in storage. Even with all external loads disconnected, batteries will gradually self-discharge. Check their state of charge periodically and recharge them according to the battery manufacturer's storage recommendations.
You need to check connections for corrosion. Clean connections only if your battery type allows it.
Fully charge flooded lead-acid and AGM batteries before storage using a charger approved for their battery type. For LiFePO4 batteries, follow the manufacturer's specific storage charge recommendations.
Your RV batteries are protected to store them in an appropriate environment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Disconnect unneeded loads and check battery charge periodically. Whether to leave batteries installed in the RV depends on battery chemistry, expected storage temperatures, and the manufacturer's recommendations. If storage conditions exceed the battery's permitted limits, move them to a more suitable location.
Should You Use a Battery Maintainer?
A compatible smart battery maintainer can help keep stored lead-acid or AGM batteries charged. Always check your battery manufacturer’s recommendations first.
If your batteries are lead-acid or AGM, then using a smart battery maintainer is an option. If you plan to remove your AGM batteries for storage and have a battery maintainer, you should contact the manufacturer to see if it's recommended.
A lead-acid battery maintainer is NOT recommended for lithium batteries. Check the battery manufacturer’s recommendations and storage instructions before using a battery maintainer.
Continuous maintenance charging may not be appropriate for every lithium battery or portable power station. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if continuous charging is permitted.
Precautions for Cold-Weather Charging
It is important to look into charging temperatures. Lithium batteries can lose power when exposed to cold temperatures, but charging them at temperatures lower than the allowed minimum can damage the cells.
The GEYOTO N300 and N1000 have a specified charging temperature range of 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F). Therefore, the models cannot be charged at temperatures lower than 0°C, based on their specs.
Power stations that have been in a cold location need to be warmed to a charging temperature before a charger is connected, based on the manufacturer's instructions.
AGM batteries need to consider charging temperatures as well. If the charging equipment has temperature compensation, use it. Do not attempt to charge a battery that is frozen. Always differentiate between a battery’s charging temperature and storage temperature.
Storing GEYOTO N300 and N1000 Power Stations
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Convenient portable power stations enable great camping and RV trips, but the power stations also need attention during storage.
The GEYOTO N300 and N1000 power stations have batteries with battery management protection. Here’s how to prep these units for cold storage:
I. Choose a suitable location
Find a location with stable and good temperature control. Store the power station in a cool and dry place, away from the sun.
II. Remove Connected Devices
Turn off connected equipment and remove excess load from the power station to save battery capacity.
III. Store as Charged
For recommended storage charge levels and maintenance intervals refer to the user’s manual. Do not assume that both models are the same.
IV. Check Periodically
Monitor the battery level and charge the power station when needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not leave the power station unattended.
V. Respect Temperature Limits
The charging temperature range is from 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F) for both units. Allow the unit to warm up to an acceptable temperature before charging.
In general, the N300 is better for users wanting a compact and lightweight power solution, while the N1000 is better for higher power equipment and longer trips. Neither unit should be charged in the rain or if there is standing water.
Visit the GEYOTO N300 product page and N1000 product page for product details. Refer to the user manuals for model-specific long-term storage instructions.
Preventing Battery Drain
What connected devices do you have? Security Systems and Monitor Panels for example. Disconnect or turn off devices not in use. Do not use power stations when they are not needed. During long-term storage, check the battery level periodically and recharge when required by the manufacturer's instructions.
Without use, some electrical components in your RV will still draw a small amount of power from your batteries. The continued drain of the battery over long periods of time will reduce the charge on the batteries. Some systems that use power continually include clocks, carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, and control panels.
To identify which systems remain powered on with your vehicle parked, consult your RV owner’s manual. Disconnecting these circuits, or turning off the battery disconnect switch will keep parasitic loads from draining your RV’s batteries. Before disconnecting the RV's 12V system, identify any smoke, carbon monoxide, or propane detectors that depend on it. Follow the RV manufacturer's storage procedures and ensure required safety alarms remain operational whenever the RV is occupied. Preserving the capacity of the batteries in your RV during storage can be accomplished by checking these loads.
Keeping a log of the maintenance can be simple and effective. Include the initial charge, the date, and the power level if charged. Familiarity with your power setup and the following steps will prepare your power supply for the traveling season.
RV Battery Winter Storage Checklist
Before you leave your RV for an extended period of time, you must:
- Locate your house batteries, start batteries, and any portable power stations.
- Determine the correct storage charge.
- Remove unneeded loads.
- Lithium batteries have to be kept in a dry location. Charging them at temperatures below the minimum charge limit is not recommended.
- Record the date of storage of the power station, and check the storage charge.
- Moisture and humidity can damage charging stations and portable power equipment.
- Proper equipment should be used to charge or maintain the battery.
- Storage and care guidelines provided by the battery manufacturer should be followed.
Check your equipment based on the recommendations of the manufacturer during wintertime. Recharge any weak batteries during storage as needed, and check them again before returning the RV to service in spring.
Prepare Your Power Setup for Spring Travel
Before going on your first trip of the season, test batteries and equipment, and recharge if necessary. Check lights and connect loads. Test other electrical systems.
Check your portable power equipment and make sure it can run the tool you need. Also check the adapters and cables and make sure they are in good condition.
Check the connections of your solar power equipment to make sure that they are properly configured.
Damaged equipment for charging the batteries should not be used and a technician should be contacted.
Final Thought
The most important things to consider for RV battery winter storage are the chemistry of the battery and the limits of charging at cold temperatures. Lead-Acid, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries are different and the final steps should be determined by the battery manufacturer.
Preparing your RV house batteries for winter and proper use of GEYOTO N300 and N1000 power stations as described by the manufacturer, lessens problems with batteries and makes setting up for spring travel easier.