Do RV House Batteries Need to Be Removed Before Winter for Storage?

When getting an RV ready for winter storage, many RV owners care for water lines and other obvious areas of concern. However, removing and storing the RV battery for winter is one area that many RV owners overlook.

Reasons to Store Battery

• During the winter, the RV will be exposed to wide swings in temperature including freezing temperatures. These changes can cause the battery housing to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks in the battery case. Batteries will last longer if kept charged, and having the battery stored in a convenient location makes maintaining the charge simpler.

Inspecting and Cleaning

• When removing the battery for the winter, the battery should be inspected for problems. Leaking fluids should be obvious at this time and mean the battery should be replaced. The battery should also be inspected for damage to the outer case and terminals. Before storing, corrosion on the battery should be cleaned with a metal brush using a mixture of baking soda and water.

Storage Location

• Batteries should be stored in an area that is dry, is away from direct heat and will not freeze. Batteries should not be stored in living areas or near open flames as the battery can leak explosive gases. Batteries should be fully charged when placed in storage and checked monthly to ensure that a full charge is maintained.