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Redshift View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery Maintenance While in Storage
    Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 3:10pm
I am new to RV'ing and have recently purchased a 2018 R-Pod 180 with solar.  I recently built a garage for it at our place in New Mexico.  Considering that I may have to store it in this garage for 3 or 4 months unattended over winter, would it be better for me to plug my R-Pod 180 into a 110 outlet to maintain a constant battery charge or would it be better to disconnect both batteries (I have two - one is for solar)?  If I do leave it plugged in, should I put it on a timer so it will only charge a few hours a day?  I am not sure if this R-Pod 180 has a trickle charger or whether even if that would still be safe to leave plugged in unattended for 3 months.  I have googled this topic and have gotten a lot of varying answers.  Some say even trickle charging causes the fluid to dry out and get sulfate deposits.  Also, does this R-Pod have a battery disconnect switch somewhere or is removing terminals the only way to disconnect power if I decide to go that route?  Any insights would be appreciated.
-Robert

Hood River RP 180 with winter-ready insulation/heaters upgrade and GoPower solar kit
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 3:30pm
There is not a battery disconnect as standard on any R-pod as far as I know. I do know that a lot of people have added them, and it's not a difficult thing to do.

That said, you can go either way for storage. Pulling/re-installing the batteries is a bit of a PITA, but that's a cheap way to go. If power is ready and available at your garage, plugging it in is a good way to go too. If no one is going to be around, I'd consider putting the power on a timer. Once a day for 30-60 minutes would be where I might start.

You'd still want to check the water level in the battery on a regular basis.
bp
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 3:35pm
Couple things, many of us do have battery disconnects we have installed. From factory it does not come with that. Personally I think any charging warrants a fluid check. The pod has a 3 stage charger, I would NOT leave it unattended for 3 months, I know I check my fluids monthly and I have a 30A power point my pod is plugged into here at house. I would remove battery and take it with you for charging when required, if the pod will be unattended for months.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:32pm
Thanks - that all is good information.   I am hoping I won't have to leave it unattended that long (I'm getting some surgery in Texas) but if I do, I will get a neighbor to check in on it.
-Robert

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:34pm
Mike,
You mentioned that the pod has a 3-stage (multi) charger.  Is that the case with R-Pods  or did you have that installed yourself?  
-Robert

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:46pm
Your original convertor (WFCO) is a multi stage charger. Comes that way.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:47pm
When not using our Pod, it stays plugged in @ home with converter on. Over the last four years, it's worked just fine and my batteries are still in good shape. Your converter is a 3 stage charger. Simple.

fred
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:48pm
fwunder,
I'm sure you do battery maintenance? Add water.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 4:53pm
Mike, I do. Maybe twice a year.

fred
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 5:17pm
Yes Sir.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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