Solar Controller for Winter Storage of 2021 Travato 59G

[SarahB-ESC]

new to me, 2021 travato 59g. I am storing in an unheated garage for the winter. We winterized with RV antifreeze. What do i need to do about solar controller? We will be removing batteries to store in a heated garage. Thank you.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

I have disconnects on the panel and battery side to disconnect all power, and cover the panel with something lighttite like plywood.
Bill

 

[creativepart]

Nothing.

There is nothing to change, set or do to a solar charge controller for winter storage, either with or without batteries. (Obviously be sure that cables from the controller to the battery are not touching each other or grounds.)

Before removing your batteries take many good clear photos of the connections and possibly label cables, too. Come spring you’ll be glad you did.

 

[creativepart]

I have disconnects on the panel and battery side to disconnect all power, and cover the panel with something lighttite like plywood.
Bill

That’s all fine but not really needed.

 

[SarahB-ESC]

Nothing.

There is nothing to change, set or do to a solar charge controller for winter storage, either with or without batteries. (Obviously be sure that cables from the controller to the battery are not touching each other or grounds.)

Before removing your batteries take many good clear photos of the connections and possibly label cables, too. Come spring you’ll be glad you did.

Do i even need to remove batteries? This is all new to me. Thank you

 

[creativepart]

Need to? Well, that depends on a lot of things. Like where you are located, how cold it gets, what kind of battery... Lead Acid or Lithium?

When I lived where it was very cold and below zero and I had lead acid batteries I always removed them and brought them to my somewhat warmer garage. But no I live where freezes are rarer and I have lithium and I don't need to do that any longer.

So, there's not one answer.

 

[SarahB-ESC]

Nothing.

There is nothing to change, set or do to a solar charge controller for winter storage, either with or without batteries. (Obviously be sure that cables from the controller to the battery are not touching each other or grounds.)

Before removing your batteries take many good clear photos of the connections and possibly label cables, too. Come spring you’ll be glad you did

Need to? Well, that depends on a lot of things. Like where you are located, how cold it gets, what kind of battery... Lead Acid or Lithium?

When I lived where it was very cold and below zero and I had lead acid batteries I always removed them and brought them to my somewhat warmer garage. But no I live where freezes are rarer and I have lithium and I don't need to do that any longer.

So, there's not one answer.

Thank you so much for that. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I do live where it’s very cold…and i do have lead acid batteries. So, you did answer my question. Big learning curve for me!!

 

[creativepart]

Thank you so much for that. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I do live where it’s very cold…and i do have lead acid batteries. So, you did answer my question. Big learning curve for me!!

You should know that fully charged lead acid batteries should do fine in freezing weather and it's not a given that they must be removed and protected. I personally did this solely for my own peace of mind.

Like a great many things with RVing, there are at least two opinions about the need to do this.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

That’s all fine but not really needed.

Indoor heated storage company requires the disconnect of batteries, and having switches is very handy when servicing the trailer. Protecting the glass surface is cheap insurance.
Bill

 

[Bobn1957]

new to me, 2021 travato 59g. I am storing in an unheated garage for the winter. We winterized with RV antifreeze. What do i need to do about solar controller? We will be removing batteries to store in a heated garage. Thank you.

Get a good multi-stage battery charger for the stored batteries and leave them connected to it! The batteries will last longer if not allowed to self-discharge!