Motorhome going into storage, batteries being removed.

[TrevandJenny]

As I have recently broken my tib and fib I will be off motorhoming for a while. Our MH has been removed to a secure storage centre.
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I am having the leisure batteries removed this week together with other items. Question is,
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As the Solar panel is roof mounted what is suggested regarding safety as it will still produce voltage through the Sargent 328 controller.
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I understand that taking the fuses out prior to removing batteries is the safest way, however what do you do ref the power being still supplied to the controller From the panel.
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[wildebus]

You are using the Solar Controller in the Sargent? I would be inclined to switch the selected battery on the Sargent control panel to Vehicle Battery. Then you could use the solar to maintain the Starter Battery which is remaining fitted and connected and will have residual discharge?

 

[trevskoda]

I have an inline fuse from solar which I can remove, if your van is undercover then either remove the starter bat and take home to float charge or find a power socket where its stored and put on float.

 

[trevskoda]

You are using the Solar Controller in the Sargent? I would be inclined to switch the selected battery on the Sargent control panel to Vehicle Battery. Then you could use the solar to maintain the Starter Battery which is remaining fitted and connected and will have residual discharge?

No good if stored in a dark shed.

 

[argoose]

If stored in a dark shed, remove batteries and cover solar panel with old blanket.
Should stop any charge being produced by the panel.

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

I don't understand why you woild remove battery as van going in to storage.

 

[wildebus]

No good if stored in a dark shed.

Very true. But as the OP said there would still be voltage form the solar, have to assume stored in the open (very few motorhome/caravan storage places are under cover)

 

[TrevandJenny]

You are using the Solar Controller in the Sargent? I would be inclined to switch the selected battery on the Sargent control panel to Vehicle Battery. Then you could use the solar to maintain the Starter Battery which is remaining fitted and connected and will have residual discharge?

Superb suggestion thank you.

 

[TrevandJenny]

I don't understand why you woild remove battery as van going in to storage.

I had a couple of wants on our recent trip north, VP semi air plus battery change, had the VP fitted then broke leg, no battery change. Removing them to test out as advised by MH contributor, if totalled will go with the change Charging control and batteries option when able to go north again.

 

[TrevandJenny]

Very true. But as the OP said there would still be voltage form the solar, have to assume stored in the open (very few motorhome/caravan storage places are under cover)

Yes it’s in the open.

 

[trevskoda]

If stored in a dark shed, remove batteries and cover solar panel with old blanket.
Should stop any charge being produced by the panel.

Blankets blow off, remove the inline fuse from panel to regulator.

 

[trevskoda]

I don't understand why you woild remove battery as van going in to storage.

It will discharge and be scrap if solar dont keep it up, also not easy to start and nick.

 

[maingate]

Leave everything as is. If solar only charges leisure batteries and not engine battery at the same time then run a fused wire to the engine battery too.

Clive`s

motts.org

 

[TrevandJenny]

Leave everything as is. If solar only charges leisure batteries and not engine battery at the same time then run a fused wire to the engine battery too.

Clive`s

motts.org

The 328 system charges both leisure as well as engine, thanks for your thoughts though.