How to Store an RV Battery over Winter

If you store your RV’s battery indoors during the winter, there are some tips and tricks you can use to extend its life. The period of time a battery lasts depends on its manufacturer, power capacity, how much you use it and under what conditions. And while a battery is not in use, it naturally loses some of its charge.

If a battery sits in a discharged state for too long, the lead sulfate on the battery plates begin to crystalize, which stops the plates from being able to generate power. However, to keep your RV battery in good shape for spring, store and charge it using the following tips to maintain its state of charge and extend its life.

–         Use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove corrosion. Use a clean rag to fully dry the top of the battery to eliminate potential discharge paths.

–         Any leftover traces of corrosion can be cleared away with a wire brush.

–         If you store the battery externally, fully charge it (do not leave it on a trickle charger for more than 48 hours) and check its state of charge every 90 days. Ensure that its charge goes no lower than 75 percent. This step must be complete before moving on to the next to prevent an overflow of fluid.

–         Remove vent caps and check the fluid level in each cell. If needed, fill with distilled water (tap water contains contaminants that could corrode the inside of the battery) until the fluid level is just below the filler tube.

–         Store the battery in a dry location with temperatures between 32°F and 80°F. If your battery freezes, do not attempt to charge it because it could explode.

–         If the battery remains in your RV, disconnect it to prevent components (such as clocks) from draining its charge. Make sure temperatures are warm enough for RV storage.

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