Tips for Winterizing your RV Battery

Did you know that you shouldn’t leave your battery in place when storing your RV in cold weather? It’s true: Your battery contains water, and if that water freezes, it’s likely the end of that expensive RV battery. Out of Doors Mart, the largest and most experienced RV dealers in Greensboro, NC, wants you to know how to prepare your RV battery for storage during a cold winter. Follow these steps and save yourself time, money, and unnecessary stress. 

1. Disconnect and remove the battery. When the battery stays connected when not in use, it causes the battery to discharge faster. As the battery discharges, more water builds up. 
2. Refill the water if levels are low. It is important to maintain proper water levels in your RV battery. Use only distilled water and be sure not to overfill it. Using a clean funnel is the easiest way to fill it without spilling. Be sure no other liquids or dirt or end up in the water.  
3. Fully charge the battery. Use an approved battery charger and only charge it until fully charged, no longer.  
4. Store the battery indoors in a warm, dry place. An outbuilding or even an unheated garage may be too cold and still allow your battery to freeze. Keep it inside but out of the way, like a basement or an indoor closet. 
5. Do not store the battery directly on the floor. Use cardboard or something as a mat. It’s best not to put the battery directly on a concrete or other hard surface. Use something for a buffer. This also protects your floor from possible battery leaks.  
6. Use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged. A battery maintainer will prevent your battery from becoming discharged and overcharged. It keeps your battery in optimal condition during the off–season.  
7. Check the charge monthly (it should always be fully charged). Check monthly and make sure your battery maintainer is functioning properly and that your battery is fully charged. 

Why You Should Never Let Your Battery Die Completely 

So what’s the harm in letting your battery sit and completely discharge in the off–season? You may find that when you go to charge it again, it never reaches a full charge. You may also find that it simply won’t charge at all. When a battery discharges, the sulfuric acid in the battery crystalizes in a process called sulfation. Those sulfuric acid crystals get converted back to active plate material when the battery gets charged. However, when the battery gets below 12.5 volts or sits discharged for too long, larger sulfuric acid crystals form that are too big to be converted back during charging. The battery is then irreparably damaged.  

Get battery charging supplies and advice at the most experienced RV dealers in Greensboro, NC. 

Out of Doors Mart carries battery chargers and battery maintainers to help you keep your RV battery in great shape during the off–season. Visit the most experienced RV dealers in Greensboro, NC, to get all the supplies and know-how you need to fully winterize your RV so it will be ready for the road as soon as spring arrives. Call Out of Doors Mart at (336) 993-4518 or visit 8510 Norcross Road in Colfax, NC.