Winter and batteries

[leann53]

Morning everyone
.... Will be putting van away into storage in the near future and it is 70 miles from home ,so should I remove batteries and keep them topped up at home as I probably won't use the van again till March
Thank you for your wisdom in anticipation

 

[MichaelT]

Solar panel would be better especially if you need to power alarm and/or tracker, will also keep cab battery full.

 

[Tombola]

If lead acid defo remove and keep topped up if no solar or access to charging on board

 

[Lenny HB]

Really y not good to leave a van standing that long to keep it in good condition it needs to be taken for a drive every few weeks. Most of the problems on the vehicle side of Motorhomes are caused by leaving them standing unused.

If our van is not used for more than 3 weeks I take it for a minium of a 10 mile drive.

 

[leann53]

Thank,s for replying, yep batteries are Gel . Have solar but building has a solid roof so not much sunlight ! .

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[Podney]

What Lenny HB said. Drive it every three or four weeks. Not using it for five months is not a good idea.
Ah,I’ve just seen it’s 70 miles away. Methinks you need to find local storage,it’s not practical to have it so far away really.

 

[leann53]

Thank you Lenny for your wise words. Thing is it's free dry storage on a farm in return for free labour from myself. Will take your advice seriously and take her out on a nice dry day thank you again from one Len to another

 

[The Old Man]

If our van is not used for more than 3 weeks I take it for a minium of a 10 mile drive.

+1

Not just good for the van. I find it very therapeutic for me.

I do more that 10 miles, simply because, I'm retired and have the time.

I take a triangular trip. Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil. Starting at Starbucks, a top up from a coffee stop close to Merthyr. Merthyr to Abergavenny with a proper coffee break at Abergavenny where food may be involved. Last leg Abergavenny to Cardiff via Newport.

Most of the trip is dual carriageway, so easy cruise, flexing the tyres, charging the batteries, blowing air through the engine compartment and with windows open to air the Habitation.

Trip ends back at Starbucks.