How to trickle charge motorhome batteries

[NoviceMack]

I have a Benimar motorhome which is kept inside a storage facility unattended in the winter . I am disabled so it will not be used during the cold months. It has been suggested I use the EHU to keep the batteries topped up using a timer on the cable for power to run for two hours each day. I am unsure whether I just plug in the cable only or do I have to switch on any of the switches on the power control panel inside the motorhome and leave them on? Advice would be appreciated.

 

[otherclive]

I’ve a caravan but if the battery is left on the van for any length of time I will disconnect the terminal leads and use a CTEK charger which maintains the battery in good condition. This obviates the need for having the caravan powered up to allow battery charging from its inbuilt PSU..

 

[ProfJohnL]

I have a Benimar motorhome which is kept inside a storage facility unattended in the winter . I am disabled so it will not be used during the cold months. It has been suggested I use the EHU to keep the batteries topped up using a timer on the cable for power to run for two hours each day. I am unsure whether I just plug in the cable only or do I have to switch on any of the switches on the power control panel inside the motorhome and leave them on? Advice would be appreciated.

I am not over familiar with "Benimar motorhomes" so I googled images of them. Based on what I saw I'd guess you will have two batteries: One which starts the engine, and runs the driving side of things, and a second battery for the habitation side of the motor home. These two batteries are not usually directly connected together, so you can't run the starter battery down when your using the accommodation, and you cant use the habitation battery to start the engine. But there will be some control system that allows the engine's alternator to recharge both batteries when the engine is running.

The EHU connection will usually power a charger but it only charges the habitation battery.

Which battery or batteries are you concerned about?

 

[JezzerB]

If I were the OP Prof I'd be concerned about both; if left for long periods they would both last a lot longer if the op could get them on CTEK or similar chargers.

 

[Beachball]

I have a Benimar motorhome which is kept inside a storage facility unattended in the winter . I am disabled so it will not be used during the cold months. It has been suggested I use the EHU to keep the batteries topped up using a timer on the cable for power to run for two hours each day. I am unsure whether I just plug in the cable only or do I have to switch on any of the switches on the power control panel inside the motorhome and leave them on? Advice would be appreciated.

Hi NoviceMack. The best thing to do is speak to the dealer where you purchased your motorhome from. They will have the information you need with the right experience to tell you how to care for your batteries in storage during the winter period.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If I were the OP Prof I'd be concerned about both; if left for long periods they would both last a lot longer if the op could get them on CTEK or similar chargers.

I think it's important to find out exactly what Macks needs are.

 

[JezzerB]

Agreed and dealer and base vehicle specialist advice essential but there are wo batteries so two concerns. May need to have to consult both depending on how Good the dealer is. All my baateries get trickle charged if left for over 3or so weeks in the winter ie two motorbikes and 3cars. Caravan is solar but no Good if storage is undercover.