As the camping season winds down and winter approaches, it’s important to properly store your RV battery to ensure it stays in good condition for the next adventure. Whether you have a standard lead-acid battery or an upgraded lithium battery, here’s what you need to know about winter storage.
Storing Lead-Acid Batteries
If your camper is equipped with a standard lead-acid battery, you have three options for winter storage:
1. Keep the Battery in the Camper and Plug into Shore Power
- Leave your camper connected to shore power throughout the winter.
- Turn off all appliances and electronics to prevent unnecessary drain.
2. Remove the Battery and Use a Trickle Charger
- Take the battery out of your camper and store it in a safe place.
- Connect it to a trickle charger to maintain its charge over the winter months.
3. Remove the Battery Without Charging (Least Ideal Option)
- If you choose to remove the battery without a trickle charger, be aware that it will naturally lose charge over time.
- Store it somewhere accessible and check the voltage periodically—to prevent damage, it should not drop below 12.4 volts.
Storing Lithium Batteries
If you’ve upgraded to lithium batteries, winter storage is even easier. Here are two recommended methods:
1. Keep the Battery Installed and Disconnect Power
- Turn the battery disconnect switch to the red position (off).
- Pull the fuse for the solar controller to prevent any charge from trickling in.
2. Remove the Battery for Storage
- Lithium batteries can be safely disconnected and stored for the winter.
- Unlike lead-acid batteries, they do not require a trickle charge.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your battery remains in top shape, ready for the next camping season.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our team at Tech@nucamprv.com. Stay warm, and we’ll see you next season!
Updated: February 2025