Photo Source: cnbou.com
RV battery maintenance is important to prolonging the life of your batteries and ensuring they work properly when you need them. Part of this maintenance is knowing when to disconnect your RV batteries. In this guide, we’ll explain when you should disconnect your RV batteries and how to do so properly. Also, we’ll give you a few tips on prolonging the life of your RV batteries.
Should RV Battery Be Disconnected When Plugged In?
Photo Source: thervgear.com
Generally, it is not necessary to disconnect your RV battery when plugged in unless you are performing maintenance on it. However, there are a few exceptions where you might need to do so. These exceptions are:
- If you’re going to be away from your RV for an extended period of time and won’t have access to shore power, it’s a good idea to disconnect your batteries. This will prevent them from being drained by any parasitic loads in your RV (such as the clock in your microwave).
2.If you’re going to be performing maintenance on your RV’s electrical system, you’ll need to disconnect the batteries. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging the electrical system or hurting yourself while working on it.
3.If your RV battery is showing signs of failure, such as a low voltage or won’t hold a charge, you’ll need to disconnect it. This will prevent the battery from causing damage to your RV’s electrical system.
Steps In Disconnecting An RV Battery
Photo Source: thecampingnerd.com
If you are going to disconnect your RV battery, these are the steps you need to take:
- Turn off all the lights and appliances in your RV
It is important to start with a clean slate when disconnecting your RV battery. This means turning off all the lights and appliances in your RV. Once everything is turned off, you can then proceed to the next step.
- Disconnect shore power
If you are plugged into shore power, you’ll need to disconnect from it. To do this, simply unplug the shore power cord from your RV. Once you are disconnected, you can proceed to the next step.
- Turn off the main breaker
The main breaker is usually located near the shore power connection. It is a large switch that controls the flow of electricity into your RV. To turn it off, simply flip the switch to the “Off” position. Once the main breaker is off, you can proceed to the next step.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal
The negative battery terminal is usually marked with a minus sign (-). To disconnect it, simply loosen the nut that secures the cable to the terminal. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the cable from the terminal.
- Disconnect the positive battery terminal
The positive battery terminal is usually marked with a plus sign (+). To disconnect it, simply loosen the nut that secures the cable to the terminal. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the cable from the terminal.
- Remove the batteries
Once the terminals are disconnected, you can remove the batteries from your RV. Be careful when handling the batteries as they are heavy and can be dangerous if dropped.
- Store the batteries in a safe place
Once the batteries are removed, you’ll need to store them in a safe place. The best place to store them is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Reconnect the batteries when ready
When you are ready to reconnect the batteries, simply follow the steps in reverse order. Make sure to tighten the nuts on the terminals securely to prevent them from coming loose.
Tips For Prolonging The Life Of Your RV Batteries
PhotoSource: camoersmarts.com
Here are a few tips for prolonging the life of your RV batteries:
- Keep them clean. One of the best ways to prolong the life of your RV batteries is to keep them clean. This means keeping the terminals clean and free of corrosion. You can do this by using a solution of baking soda and water to clean the terminals.
- Store them in a cool, dry place. When you are not using your RV, it is best to store the batteries in a cool, dry place. This will help to prolong their life.. Charge them regularly It is important to charge your RV batteries on a regular basis. This will help to keep them in good condition and prevent them from sulfating.
- Check the water level. If your batteries are lead-acid batteries, you’ll need to check the water level on a regular basis. This can be done by removing the caps on the batteries and checking the level of the electrolyte. If the level is low, you’ll need to add water to the batteries.
- Equalize the batteries. If you have lead-acid batteries, you’ll need to equalize them on a regular basis. This can be done by charging the batteries until they reach their full capacity and then allowing them to discharge until they reach 50%. Doing this will help to prolong the life of your batteries.
Conclusion
Disconnecting your RV battery when you are not using it is a good idea. It will help to prolong the life of your batteries and prevent them from being damaged. Follow the steps above to safely disconnect and reconnect your RV batteries. Also, keep in mind the tips for prolonging the life of your batteries. By following these tips, you can keep your RV batteries in good condition for many years to come.
My name is Ryan Wicks and I am the founder of rvneedthis.com, a blog dedicated to RV living. I have been an avid RVer for over 10 years, travelling across the US and Canada to explore scenic routes and beautiful national parks. Through RVblog.com, I share my knowledge and experiences to help others learn more about RVing and become better equipped to enjoy it too. I hope to make RVing more accessible and enjoyable for everyone interested in it. I look forward to continuing my journey with others!