How to Store Your RV Battery in Winter & Cold Weather?

When winter rolls in, one essential part for many RV enthusiasts is RV battery winter storage. Whether you use lithium batteries or traditional lead-acid, storing them correctly during cold weather can extend their lifespan and keep your RV ready for adventure when spring arrives. This guide will walk you through how to correctly store RV battery in winter and keep it in peak condition.

Why Is Winter Storage Important for RV Batteries?

RV batteries are built to withstand many conditions, but freezing temperatures can take a toll on them. Cold weather slows the chemical reactions inside batteries, which can result in reduced capacity and slower charging temporally, and impact its ability to deliver power effectively.

Proper storage RV batteries, especially for lithium batteries, prevents cold weather damage the battery cells and protects the battery’s overall health, ensuring it will be ready to power up your RV once the weather warms up.

Related Reading: Do Lithium Batteries Freeze in Cold Weather?

Redodo Low Temperature Batteries for cold weather adventures

6 Steps for RV Battery Winter Storage

1. Disconnect and Remove the Battery

If you plan on keeping your RV stored for several months, it’s best to disconnect the battery entirely. Leaving it connected to your RV can lead to power drainage from parasitic loads. After disconnecting, remove the battery from the RV.

2. Charge the Battery Before Storing

It’s important to keep the battery well-maintained, as batteries can retain more charge when they are at the recommended level. For storing lithium batteries in cold weather for a long time, ensure your RV batteries are charged to around 50% level.

For lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte level in each cell before storage to ensure it is between the levels indicated on the battery case. If the level is too high, add distilled water until the level is between these lines.

3. Choose the Right Storage Location

Store the battery in a warm, indoor location like a cellar, and ensure it is stored in a dry environment. Avoid placing the battery directly on the floor, consider using a cardboard or another insulating material as a mat to put it.

4. Keep the Right Storage Temperature

Please avoid exposing the battery to environments below 0°C for extended periods, as extreme cold can damage the battery. For long-term storage of lithium batteries, the ideal battery storage temperature range is between 50℉ to 95℉(10℃ to 35℃).

5. Protect Battery Terminals and Connections

Corrosion is a common issue for battery terminals, especially in humid or cold environments. Before storing, clean the battery terminals with a dry cloth and cover them with insulating caps to prevent corrosion or poor connections. The small step can help you avoid connection issues when spring arrives.

6. Check and Charge Periodically

Even when stored properly, batteries can slowly discharge over time. For lead-acid batteries, plan to check the charge every 1-2 months. For storing lithium batteries, it’s recommended to recharge the battery every three months to prevent over discharge.

Read More: 5 Ways for Charging an RV Battery

Benefits of Storing Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather

For RV owners using lithium batteries, proper winter storage offers several benefits:

• Extended Lifespan: A well-maintained lithium battery can last several years longer than those left unattended in harsh conditions. For example, Redodo lithium batteries are equipped with Grade-A LiFePO4 cells, and their expected lifespan can reach over 10 years with proper maintenance.
• Consistent Performance: Storing lithium batteries correctly ensures they’ll retain a strong charge and be ready for use when the season starts.
• Cost Savings: By preserving battery health, you save money on replacements and repairs that might otherwise be necessary.

Spring Preparation: Bringing Your RV Battery Back to Life

When spring rolls around and it’s time to bring your RV out of storage, start by checking the battery’s voltage by a battery monitor or a multimeter. For lithium batteries, make sure the voltage is around 13 volts or higher before reinstallation. Check the terminals again to ensure a good connection and fully recharge the battery if necessary. This simple spring prep will ensure that your RV is ready to power up for another season.

Upgrade your RV lithium battery to smart Bluetooth models. The Redodo’s Bluetooth batteries allow you to monitor and manage battery performance with ease through a dedicated mobile app. They offer over 4,000+ cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DOD) and last up to 10 years, significantly outlasting traditional lead-acid batteries, which usually offer only 200-500 cycles and last around 2-3 years.

Redodo 12V 140Ah Group 31 Bluetooth Battery

Conclusion

Winter storage is crucial for keeping your RV battery in good condition. By following these above steps, you can ensure that your battery, whether lithium or lead-acid, will stay protected through the cold months. Proper RV battery winter storage not only extends the battery’s lifespan but also saves you from costly replacements and maintenance.

Investing in a reliable RV battery means more worry-free adventures, whether you're off-roading or setting up camp. Ready to find the perfect power solution for your RV? Check out our RV deep cycle batteries to explore options that fit your needs!