The Best Way to Store RV Batteries

The Best Way to Store RV Batteries
Keeping your RV battery or batteries in top operating condition not only makes the next trip easier, it also helps save the substantial monetary outlay you have in equipment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Gloves
  • Wire Brush
  • Warm Water/Baking Soda
  • Battery Tester
  • Battery Charger
Step 1
With your gloves on, disconnect the battery and remove the battery from your RV. Always disconnect the negative pole first.
Step 2
Keeping your gloves on, wash the battery with a mixture of water and baking soda. Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals well.
Step 3
Dry the battery. After it is dry place it in a ventilated storage area. Storing it someplace where it won't get below freezing will make it much easier to store.
Step 4
Check the charge on the battery monthly with a battery load tester. When the battery is in storage don't let the charge drop below 80 percent. If it drops lower than that follow the directions on your charger and bring it back up to strength.

Tips & Warnings

 
Store the battery off cement. It can be placed on some wood to keep it above cement. This can help keep it from draining while it is in storage.
 
Fully charge the battery before storage.
 
Batteries contain highly corrosive acids. Make sure to wear gloves while handling.

Article Written By Andy McVeigh

Andy McVeigh lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast who enjoys paddling, biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, scuba diving and photography. McVeigh is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and is currently working on his MBA.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword