If you tend to use your motorhome occasionally you may not be pleased to learn that the batteries tend to discharge when they’re not being used. It is, therefore, vital that you keep the battery charged while it’s being stored.
The speed of the discharge depends on the type of battery and the temperature of the location it’s stored in. If you keep your battery somewhere cold the discharge process will slow down. If you keep your battery somewhere hot the discharge process will speed up.
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Lets take a look at how to keep them charged
Using Solar Panels
Ensuring your motorhome’s battery is charged while it is in storage is a good way to prolong its life. One way to keep the battery charged is to use solar panels. Before you think about using solar panels you will need to work out how much power is drained from the battery. Most batteries can store 75 amps. Dividing 75 (amps) by the number of days that it takes the battery to run out will show you how much power is taken from the battery each day. So, if the battery lasts for three weeks it uses around three amps per day.
Try to use a solar panel that can give your motorhome’s battery those missing 3 amps every day. The process of charging your battery like this is known as ‘Trickle charging’. This process can ensure that your motorhome’s battery is charged even when it’s not being used. This will ensure it’s good to go whenever you decide to get away for a few days.
Connecting your Battery to the Mains
Some people are happy to connect their battery to their mains supply so it can be charged this way. However, this all depends on the type of battery used and the charging system.
If your battery allows you to charge it via the mains you may wish to consider doing so. Some batteries can be left to charge 24-hours a day. Other batteries can be charged for a few days before they are used. However, it’s always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you charge it.
Starter Batteries and Habitation Batteries
Your starter battery may discharge a lot quicker than your habitation battery. This may be because it powers the stand-by electronics and the tracking system. You may, therefore, need to charge your starter battery more often than your habitation battery.
Maintenance Tips
Make sure that all appliances are not connected to the power supply. This is because they can still drain the battery even if they’re turned off.
Keep your battery somewhere cool, preferably where the temperature no lower than 0 degrees Celsius or higher than 26 degrees Celsius.
One of the most important things you can do when trying to keep your motorhome’s battery charged is to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. There will be clear guidelines as to how you can charge your battery and most importantly, how to charge it and what to be on the lookout for.
Keeping your motorhome’s battery charged means you can use your motorhome whenever you wish.