Outside Winter Storage Question

[Suregrip391]

If one were to store their already winterized Escape (that also has solar panels on the roof) outside in the wintery and icy snow with no protective cover on it, what would be best…do you plug in to your house power and use the battery disconnect switch? Or what would you do in these circumstances to keep things well? Thanks in advance!

[gbaglo]

I keep my 2009 17B plugged in to the house whenever it's not in use. I have no battery disconnect switch.

[mtnest]

We live in southern Wisconsin. During the winter our Escape 19 with solar panel and two 6-volt batteries is kept outside. The only thing we do is clear the solar panel of snow, even if it's just a little. The battery disconnect switch is left on. To be sure the batteries are charging I check them once or twice a week. -Tom

[Perry Butler]

Our 2018 5.0 is outside 24/7/365. Currently the battery switch is off, but the solar controller bypasses the battery switch, so the panels can charge with our rooftop solar. However, I've had the rooftop solar disconnected for a few weeks and the SiO2 batteries were at 12.96 when I was in the camper an hour ago. Tonight is projected to be -18 F.

The only items running are the Victron 100/30 solar charge controller and Victron shunt. I check the camper once a week.

Because of a funeral, we leave Jan 24, so I'll clear the panels a couple of days before turning on the furnace, a day before we pack, and then leave the next day. Our furnace runs 24/7 all the way to Arizona.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Suregrip391]

Thanks all, I’m guessing even though there is solar nothing needs to be turned on or off in regards to that when plugged in charging the batteries? Some kind of smart technology happening here?

[MyronL]

The only thing that would make me nervous is exposing the roof solar panels to a surprise heavy hail storm.