Marije Onderwaater
EditorMarije has been camping under canvas for as long as she can remember. She travels with her partner and their two sons in a Campooz Fat Freddy trailer tent, and writes about motorhomes and camping gear for Campingtrend.
How your battery survives winter storage: 5 tips
Is your motorhome or caravan heading into winter storage over the coming months? If so, paying extra attention to the battery is essential. Proper maintenance prevents a flat or damaged battery in spring. We explain what to look out for and recommend three suitable trickle chargers.
Why does a battery need maintenance during winter storage?
Batteries that are not in use still lose energy. This self-discharge is caused by chemical processes taking place inside the battery. If you leave this power loss unchecked without intermediate recharging, lead-acid batteries will eventually develop crystals that impair battery capacity. The result: when you collect your caravan or motorhome from winter storage, the battery may refuse to work. That is why maintenance is necessary during periods of inactivity.
Difference between lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries
However, note that maintenance for an AGM, gel, or lead-acid battery is different from that for a lithium battery. A lithium battery has a lower self-discharge rate and copes much better with standing idle.
How do you maintain a caravan or motorhome battery?
With a few simple steps, you can ensure your battery survives the winter unscathed. Follow this step-by-step plan, which is intended solely for AGM, gel, and lead-acid batteries. We will return to lithium batteries later.
- Consider how long you won’t be using your leisure vehicle. Longer than three months? Remove the battery from the caravan or motorhome and take it home.
- Fully charge the battery. Do this before taking the caravan or motorhome to storage.
- Disconnect the battery to prevent parasitic draw. Use a battery isolation switch or disconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
- Store the battery in a dry, frost-free location. Flat batteries hate frost! They also dislike direct sunlight or hot temperatures, for that matter. Will it get cold in the storage facility? Then choose to keep the battery at home.
- Install a trickle charger. Later in this article, we recommend three suitable trickle chargers.
How do I charge my battery at home?
Are you storing your leisure battery in a frost-free location at home? Remember to charge it on a battery charger for a day once a month. Set a reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget this job. Are you recharging a lead-acid battery? Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated space and not in an enclosed room. Gas is released during charging. In a caravan or motorhome, this gas escapes outside through a small hose. At home, there is no such vent, allowing gas to build up, which can have unpleasant consequences. Alternatively, you can choose to leave your battery connected to a trickle charger continuously.
How do I maintain my lithium battery in winter?
A lithium battery requires different maintenance than an AGM, gel, or lead-acid battery. Its self-discharge rate is much lower. Because a lithium battery or LiFePO4 battery tolerates cold well, removing it from your leisure vehicle isn’t strictly necessary. Do check whether your winter storage facility permits keeping the battery inside the caravan or motorhome. If you do leave the battery in storage, ensure it is charged to between 50 and 80%.
Switching off the battery can be done via the BMS (battery management system) or by disconnecting the negative terminal. Once switched off, the battery barely discharges. If you still want to top it up occasionally, do not do so at temperatures below 0 °C. Even a lithium battery cannot withstand that.
What makes a good trickle charger?
Most battery chargers can also act as trickle chargers. A trickle charger continuously delivers a low electrical current, keeping the battery charge at optimal levels. This compensates for self-discharge and prevents the formation of lead sulphate crystals that can cause damage.
Here is one suitable trickle charger for lead-acid batteries and two that are also suitable for lithium batteries:
CTEK MXS 3.8 automatic battery charger
This compact 12V battery charger features a microprocessor. The maximum charging current is 3.8 amps, making this charger ideal for maintenance charging of standard AGM, gel, and lead-acid batteries. The CTEK MXS 3.8 operates via a seven-step program. The IP65 housing is splash- and dustproof.
Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/4 battery charger with Bluetooth
The Victron Blue Smart IP65 12/4 delivers a charging current of 4 amps. This charger also features an IP65 housing, protecting it against dust and water. With the built-in Bluetooth function, you can read the battery status and voltage directly on your phone via the VictronConnect app. Also suitable for lithium.
Victron Blue Smart IP22 12/15 battery charger
This charger from Victron delivers up to 15 amps of charging current, making it suitable for heavier batteries and faster charging. The charger can be used for all battery types, including lithium. This model features an IP22 housing and is intended strictly for use in clean, dry environments. This charger also features a Bluetooth function.
Where can I find more tips for winterising my leisure vehicle?
In this video on YouTube, Jos explains what to keep in mind when taking your caravan or motorhome to winter storage.
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