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08-30-2017, 08:18 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
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I know panels loose some of their ability to produce as time goes by, they state something like "25 year warranty on >80% power output and 10 year warranty on >90% power output." in the specs.
I've never heard if that time frame is lengthened if you store the panel out of the sun for extended periods.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
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08-31-2017, 08:50 AM
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#22
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Beaconsfield, Quebec
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19
Posts: 24
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If anyone is planning on storing the trailer in an enclosed area where the solar panel is covered, Reace recommends the following:
"If you can leave the trailer plugged in, that would be the easiest method. Having said that, plug the trailer in to shore power for a day or so to ensure the batteries are fully charged. Turn the battery isolator switch to 'OFF' and disconnect the shore power. Two or three times over the winter, plug the trailer in and turn the battery isolator switch on for a day to top the batteries back up then switch the isolator back off. The batteries will not freeze as long as they are fully charged."
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08-31-2017, 11:58 AM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Westcliffe, Colorado
Trailer: 2010 EggCamper (#083); 2017 Escape 21 (#053); 2016 F-150 5.0L FX4
Posts: 1,765
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Quote:
Originally Posted by War Eagle
Tom, In our 2017 21', the storage switch turns off the propane detector, as well. The only thing I can think of that continues to get on-board battery power while the storage switch is turned off is the power jack. Seems like there was something else, but I can't recall right now.
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I just remembered! It only took me a couple days, but I did it! The other thing, that I couldn't remember previously, is the safety brake control box. So don't pull out that pin even with the storage switch turned off.
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08-31-2017, 01:52 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Upstate, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19 - June 27, 2017
Posts: 279
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miguezc
If anyone is planning on storing the trailer in an enclosed area where the solar panel is covered, Reace recommends the following:
"If you can leave the trailer plugged in, that would be the easiest method. Having said that, plug the trailer in to shore power for a day or so to ensure the batteries are fully charged. Turn the battery isolator switch to 'OFF' and disconnect the shore power. Two or three times over the winter, plug the trailer in and turn the battery isolator switch on for a day to top the batteries back up then switch the isolator back off. The batteries will not freeze as long as they are fully charged."
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What effect does the switch have on solar? Let's say you want to swap out the batteries. For example, I've read that it isn't advisable to disconnect the solar panels from the batteries.
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08-31-2017, 02:12 PM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 2013 19' & 2013 15B
Posts: 2,634
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The GoPower web site had these instructions for winterizing your solar equipped RV:
Solar RV and boat Care in Cold Climates
- Cover panel(s) with something that will not allow light to pass through
- Label your solar panel wires positive & negative; unhook your solar from your Go Power! solar Controller
- Put wire nuts on the positive & negative leads from the solar panel(s)
- Disconnect your batteries and store inside
- Check batteries at least once a month and charge if necessary
__________________
2013 19' \ 2013 15B, 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad
"It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it." - 1907, Maurice Switzer
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08-31-2017, 02:32 PM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: kootenays, British Columbia
Trailer: Looking for 15b
Posts: 221
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We always take our batteries out for storage in our winters which can be snowy and get down to -27 c (-16 F) Are there other people in those types of temps and colder who leave their batteries in place and periodically plug in with no damage?
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08-31-2017, 02:42 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
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You'll have to look up the freezing temp of batteries but I think it's down around -50F if fully charged
I've left mine in for the 6 or so years with no issues. You may get a bit colder then us.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
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08-31-2017, 08:39 PM
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#28
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Placerville, California
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19
Posts: 39
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Thanks
Wow! What great advice from so many of you on my original post. I currently have my solar panel covered, thanks Jon, and my batteries at home to be charge. There is no convenient power at the storage facility. I will eventually put the batteries back into the trailer and repeat the process throughout the winter. The question which still perplexes me is my batteries were at 1/3 full and 11.5 volts after one month of storage. Using the 50 percent rule, I not sure if I damaged them. Not sure how people are going 2-3 months. Again, thank you so much for your knowledgable responses. Very helpful.
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09-01-2017, 12:46 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: St.Albert, Alberta
Trailer: 21 ft November 17th
Posts: 847
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A bit of a side note but sort of relates to the topic. I have just had to replace my propane detector that is under 3 years old that is supposed to have a 5 year life span. Of course could just be a poor unit and hope for better luck next time but it got me thinking ... I remove our batteries in the winter but once they are hooked up in the spring I leave the trailer master switch in the on position until fall as the solar panels just keep it charged all summer. I think I'll start turning the switch off when the trailer is not in use .
__________________
MacRae, 21ft
2016 GMC Yukon SLT
St.Albert Alberta
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