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Old 09-14-2022, 01:22 PM   #1
cgeis48
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Winter Solar Operation with Lead Acid in Storage

Hi everyone, I'm leaving my 2022 Montana in outside storage just south of the Canadian border over the winter. It will not be connected to any utilities so my question is; should I take the lead–acid batteries(2) out over the winter or leave them in and let the solar system maintain the charge? If I take the batteries out, I would store them in my warm garage on a trickle charger. Ideally, if I could leave them in place and disconnect the negative terminal it would be much simpler, but I'm not sure if that's best for the batteries. Your assistance is much appreciated
 
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Old 09-14-2022, 01:41 PM   #2
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Leave them in and disconnect them. Make sure they are fully charged before disconnecting and you will not have any trouble.
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Old 09-14-2022, 05:47 PM   #3
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What he said ^^^^^^^^^^
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Old 10-20-2022, 07:57 AM   #4
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Really?? I have the same issue as the OP. I am afraid that the batteries will freeze over the winter but, I can't figure our how to leave the batteries on board and let the solar keep them charged. I figured it was easy to disconnect them from the coach by turning off the isolator switch. but, when I do that I still have 12v throughout the unit. I can't figure out what that switch does???
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Old 10-20-2022, 08:42 AM   #5
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Here's a picture of the giggy box showing the wiring.
You see the disconnect switch? It isolates everything but the solar charger and the breakaway switch. If you turn the switch off the solar will continue to charge.



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Old 10-20-2022, 08:46 AM   #6
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I leave my batteries hooked up all winter, and the solar panel keeps them charged. Denver, Colorado.

Been doing this for years, with no problems.
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Old 10-20-2022, 09:08 AM   #7
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Do the 5'vers come with this? Mine is a 2021 and I can't find the box??
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Old 10-20-2022, 07:32 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trooper View Post
Do the 5'vers come with this? Mine is a 2021 and I can't find the box??
It really, really helps if you add the year and model of your Montana to your signature line. It allows us to provide a better answer when we know more about what you have.

Your 2021 doesn't have a Giggy box. That is a 2022 feature. You have a Red Disconnect Key in the convenience center that is allegedly a disconnect switch. Only it doesn't disconnect all the 12V parasitic draws. The ONLY answer is to disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Or leave it so you have 120V shore power charging the battery OR solar charging.
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Old 10-20-2022, 07:32 PM   #9
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My understanding is the Giggy box came out in 2021. If you have one it will be part of your battery disconnect!



https://www.keystonerv.com/innovations/giggy-box
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Old 10-20-2022, 08:20 PM   #10
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If your 2021 does have the Giggy box, it would likely be the larger black box with the red switch on it below the silver colored inverter in the photo
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Old 10-21-2022, 06:57 AM   #11
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I am still trying to navigate this forum. I will try to figure out how to edit my signature.

Thanks for all your help. I may take a chance and leave the batteries on board.
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Old 10-21-2022, 08:47 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Trooper View Post
I am still trying to navigate this forum. I will try to figure out how to edit my signature.

Thanks for all your help. I may take a chance and leave the batteries on board.

To edit top left, Bottom gold band of menu options. Click on UserCP and add your info there.
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