Is there a time when this switch should be used? When it comes to storing your RV, the simple answer is to use it every time. Battery life is extended between camping trips by doing this. However, you should be aware of a few other things before proceeding.
Long-term storage and short-term storage
For storage of your rig over a few days or even a few weeks, it is a great idea to disconnect the battery. It may be worth considering taking additional steps if you are storing the RV for an extended period of time.
Leaving batteries disconnected for long periods of time will cause them to drain over time. As a result, if your RV is stored with its batteries intact for a prolonged period of time, you may find that it no longer has an electrical source. To ensure that your batteries remain operational during long periods of storage, it is recommended to remove them and connect them to a battery tender.
Lithium-ion batteries are an exception to this rule. As a general rule, the batteries should be drained to somewhere between 50% and 80% charge before being disconnected, then fully recharged the next time they are used. The lithium-ion battery can retain its charge for up to one year, making it a great choice for long-term storage. To prevent cold-weather damage to your lithium batteries, you may want to move them somewhere warmer if your RV will experience below-freezing temperatures. It is best to store lithium batteries at room temperature and not at freezing temperatures.
It may be fine to leave the battery connected
There are instances, however, where you can leave your RV’s battery connected while in storage. In the case you plan to leave your RV plugged in while it is being stored, you should be able to keep the batteries hooked up as long as your converter charger has a trickle charge mode.
Still, if you decide to stay plugged in all the time, there are some cons to consider. Batteries may suffer from cold-weather damage as a result of increased electric bills, electrical fire dangers, and increased electrical bills.
An RV battery disconnect switch is also useful at other times
In addition to disconnecting the battery, you can also drill holes in walls or work on the RV electrical system by using the switch. You should take this step when carrying out such tasks, but it isn’t the only one. Your rig’s electrical system may not be completely disconnected if you activate the battery disconnect switch.
Unplugging the RV from shore power will ensure no electricity is present in the system. Furthermore, some rigs have additional batteries that keep things running even when the disconnect switch is pressed. Manually disconnecting the second battery may be necessary in these cases.
Last but not least, if you’re working on a motorhome, disconnect the coach battery. It might provide electricity to some items.
