This summer we built a new barn where now I'm able to store my horsetrailer inside for the winter.  In the past I've had the batteries pulled out and put in my semi-heated garage and was wondering if I still need to pull the batteries and would you advise to leave the trailer plugged in if I do?  Does it hurt anything to leave my trailer plugged into electric?

Thanks!

Depending upon the age of your trailer, you may or may not have a converter, that allows a maintenance charging system for your batteries. Our Sidekick did not. The result was, if the power were constantly applied through the shore cord, the batteries would become over charged when no load was applied to deplete them. The system was adequate when it was actively being used, but not for long term storage.

A charged battery with no drain, can maintain a charge for a month or more in very cold weather. Every time the temperature drops, it's not necessary to recharge it. However, if there are parasitic losses or the battery is aged, then as its voltage drops, it can become more suscepatble to freezing and damage.

As I previously mentioned, some battery maintenance chargers are quite inexpensive and have worked well for my needs. The battery lives of my LQ batteries have been the same as my automobiles, one is now seven years old. It takes only a short time to disconnect the B+ lead, and clip on the charger. In the Spring, the reverse is effected, the water is checked, and another season starts. The various trailers' electrical systems have not been constantly powered, which reduces the probability of component failures.

Even with converters having maintenance capabilities, I have chosen to use aux maintence chargers, instead of the expensive built in converters for long term cold storage. Even after replacing and updating the converter in the Sidekick, it was subsequently stored whilst using a maintenance charger. I've been successful and pleased with the results.

I talked with they guy that works on my trailer at the RV dealership and he said I do have a converter and I also have a switch to shut down the system.  He suggested to fully charge the batteries and then use the shut off switch.  I would think I could have a problem with the battery loosing charge after time and then having a problems not knowing.  The safest route sounds like having a charger put on.

As always thanks for your knowlege and help!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

This is currently on sale for $4.99. Item # 42292, coupon #98472441

Yes your trailer has a converter, but does the converter have a 3 step battery maintenance ability?

The situation is complicated by two batteries.  The float chargers stop when the voltage rises to the preset limit.  If one of the pair doesn't take the charge, it draws the voltage down, the charger keeps charging, and the other battery get over charged.

In another situation, two batteries connected in parallel will discharge each other.

Two 12 volt batteries are cheap (relatively!) but cause structural problems in 12 volt systems.

"I recently looked into the inexpensive float chargers from Harbor Freight that Gard mentioned above.  Looking at their website I found the user ratings for this product to be less than stellar.  When multiple ratings are negative I usually take notice, especially when the poster "claims" the product either didn't work or supposedly ruined their batteries.  Worth checking out for yourself before purchasing".

I included the mention of this product, because I have owned and used four of them for several years and have enjoyed perfect reliability and maintenance. Prior to their acquisition I purchased two "Battery Tenders" at a cost of over thirty dolars each, that now sell for about $40 each. Both of these brands have worked equally well and are interchangeable in their service.

Any expenditure should involve research. I had hoped my experiences would help others towards that goal. If my usage had been anything less than acceptable, I would not have taken the time to promote a product that would harm anyone's property. Whenever possible, my pre purchase research is biased towards the testimony of owners with the product of which I'm contemplating. There are various reasons why some people find a product acceptable while others don't. In addition, any electronic device can fail at any time for a multitude of reasons. My neighbour's recommendation was enough that I tried the HF brand.

Spending $5 to save a $100 + battery seems a bargan to me. Spending $40 to save a $100 battery is still a good bargan. Your choice.

Gard,

What is a 3 step battery maintenance?  I really don't know what I have other than what he told me that I have a converter and it's built in the fuse box/breaker box system.

Thanks!

A three stage charger will vary the recharging voltage to the battery, depending upon how depleted it is. If it is very low, the charging voltage can be a high as 14.4 volts. If you are using the LQ, it may charge at 13.6 volts, and if it's fully charged, the charger may drop to 13.2 volts.

A maintenance charger goes another step. If the battery recharging needs are very small and the charging only requires milliamps, the charger will temporarly shut off, and then reset if the battery's needs increase. This is a long term maintenance step, some of the older converters do not include. Some of the older converters are nothing more than fancy battery chargers, that if left alone, can overcharge and sulfate the battery.