AGM Battery Storage - How, What, Why and Where?
What is the best practice and recommended storage for batteries in your RV?
We've put together our top tips for not only the safe storage but good maintenance of your batteries.
There are two main types of battery chemistries that are being used in Australian RV’s. The first is the tried and tested lead acid battery which everybody would be familiar with and the second is the cutting-edge technology that lithium brings to our adventures. Ensuring that you have properly secured and maintained your batteries will ensure many years of great use and also protect probably the second most expensive replacement item in the caravan after a set of four new tyres.
This article deals with the storage of lead acid batteries. As most are aware, there are multiple different versions of the traditional lead acid batteries which includes Gel, Flooded, AGM etc, however from a storage perspective they all have similar requirements.
The most common battery used in the RV market is the AGM as it requires less maintenance and less chance of venting noxious and dangerous gases. AGM does absorb the majority of the gases created internally however if there is an excessive build up due to incorrect charging these batteries will all ‘vent’. There are small vent(s) built into the top of the plastic case (or sometimes the top of the side wall) that allows for excess gas to pass through reducing the internal pressure of the battery. Without this vent the battery could swell within its case and cause even more damage. This can be seen sometimes when a 2V cell within the battery has been damaged and it continues to overcharge, and the gases can’t vent adequately to protect the battery integrity. Below are five points to help maintain your battery.
1. Ensure the battery is secured – regularly checking the mechanism used to secure the battery in your caravan will ensure it does not become loose and risk damage to itself or other electrical devices located nearby. AGM batteries contain lead plates internally and excessive vibration or impact will most likely cause damage which can cause the above issues.
2. Vent to outside – properly considered installations should have a level of venting to the outside environment. To prevent a build-up of these gases in a confined space it is advisable to ensure a suitable vent between the battery compartment and the exterior of your RV. It does not have to be large or impact the inside temperature but should at least allow for a movement of any built up gas (if any) and the outside environment.
3. Battery Compartment is for battery only – check your battery compartment regularly to ensure that only batteries and related cabling etc are stored within. We all know that space is precious inside an RV which is why too often we have seen batteries being stored with anything from excess pillows to acting as the spare drinks compartment. Smart RV manufacturers will have ensured that the battery storage compartment is not too large and therefore tempting to use as a location for those extras.
4. External storage – if the design of your RV allows or is optioned accordingly, we would highly recommend storage of all AGM batteries outside of the living area of your caravan. Several manufacturers are now creating storage fixtures for lead acid batteries under the floor of the caravan and are attached to the chassis frame.
5. Battery Charge Level – we recommend that you do not keep your battery charger or Power Management System permanently connected to your battery whilst in storage. When you first put your caravan into storage for a few months, charge your battery the day before and then turn off the AC power. AGM batteries prefer to be ‘exercised’ and allow for the voltage to drop naturally over time and then recharged. Give your battery a ‘top up’ charge every two to three months.
Similar to how you would look out for the tyres on your caravan to ensure safety and to maximise the investment. Maintaining your battery properly will ensure not only you and your family’s safety but the longevity of a critical component to enjoying your next trip.