Flat battery

jan1148
jan1148 Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited December 2016 in Motorhomes #1

I put my motor home in storage and although I went out to it once a week I did not start the engine because I wanted to save the battery after 3+ week s when I went out to it the central locking would not operate as the cab battery was flat would the cold
weather cause this or do I need to look at it 

Comments

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2016 #2

    There will always be some drain on the engine battery with the electrics such as clock etc.  Not starting the van does not save battery as you ahve found out so best to take it for a run every 2-3 weeks.  If you have a solar panel get a battery master fitted
    so it will top up the cab battery as needed, if not either keep it on hookup or take it fir a run every 2-3 weeks.

  • MidsomerMikey
    MidsomerMikey Forum Participant Posts: 46 ✭✭
    edited December 2016 #3

    How old is the Motor Home? The cold weather won`t help & if the battery is old then probably the cold has finished it off. You will need to take it home & charge it up then see if it holds the charge.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited December 2016 #4

    I'd say cold weather wouldn't help. Maybe your battery was tired as well? We have a solar panel for habitation better that trickle feeds the engine one, but once we have flat battery but it was old. We have been on extended (3 or 6 months) visitts to our
    daughter in nz in winter leaving our cars on the drive, we use a small solar panel in the vehicle attached to the battery, works a treat. I believe they came from Halfords.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2016 #5

    whilst the cold weather doesnt help, it will be the drain applied by the cab electrics (alarm/immobiliser) that drags the battery down...

    ...if stored outside fit a solar panel, if inside plug it in periodically....Happy

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2016 #6

    I find that about every 3 weeks my vehicle battery depletes to about 12.3/12.4 volts and requires charging.

    With the alarm and goodness knows what else this is the norm with both new and old batteries.

    The low temperatures simply shorten the time cycle.

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2016 #7

    The battery will remain in a good state of charge if you take the M/H for a run every couple of weeks or so. Visit local beauty spots and have a picnic in the van is only one of many trips you can take.  Never a good idea to leave any motor vehicle unused for weeks or months on end.

    Cheers..................K

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited December 2016 #8
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • jan1148
    jan1148 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited December 2016 #9

    Thank you all for your well informed advice. I do have a solar panel but being new to motor homes is a little daunting.the aa got me going which was a great relief.regards Pete.

  • QFour
    QFour Forum Participant Posts: 442
    edited December 2016 #10

    There is something wrong with your system then if it's not charging the Main Battery as well as the Habitation Battery. You really need a TWIN Output Solar Controller to do the job properly. Easy to spot they have a picture of TWO Batteries on them.

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