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Lithium Battery Winterization

MVrentasMVrentas Member Posts: 6
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
I have a Tab 360 and have seen multiple recommendations on what to do with the battery in the winter.   I live in Montana with cold weather temps.  For the winter I will cover my tab so no solar power will trickle into the battery.   My question is should I charge my battery to 100% or 50%-75% before covering or Should I pull the battery out which is a pain because the way the 360 is designed, I will need to take out the seat which has multiple screws and I would like to avoid that.  Thanks for any assistance.  
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Comments

  • pthomas745pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,340
    A fully charged battery, with the battery switch off, and no power coming in to the trailer, can hold a charge for months. All you would need to do is to occasionally check the battery status with the Victron app.

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • MVrentasMVrentas Member Posts: 6
    Thanks! Just to confirm..So leaving the battery in the tab at 100% with no power and battery off  in cold weather is ok for the batteries life?  
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  • WayneWWayneW Member Posts: 245
    Most manufacturers recommend keeping lithium batteries at around 50% for long term storage, different from lead acid batteries. How low do you anticipate winter temperatures to get?  Montana in the winter ain’t warm!
    2021 320S BD
    2017 F-150
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
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  • MVrentasMVrentas Member Posts: 6
    It can get pretty cold.  -20F is not unusual but those temperatures only last briefly..  Usually temperatures average lows are 16F-20F. December thru March.
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  • BridgerSunsetBridgerSunset Member Posts: 108
    We had a few nights in the minus teens/20s last year in SW Montana, but had a minus 40's night in the prior year.  Temps inside the camper aren't quite as brutal since it's frequently encased in snow.  But, still, the cold lingers inside.

    I've always figured the cost of these lithium batteries warrant storing inside in the winter.  If you can find the manufacturer's recommendation, it should give you a direction to go.
    2021 T@B 400 Boondock  - Chev Silverado 3500HD 6.6L - Toyota 4Runner 4.0L
    SW Montana USA


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  • marleecampsmarleecamps Member Posts: 167
    Here in Minnesota we routinely get temps below zero.  I have a LiTime lithium battery and store it in my basement, based on manufacturer recommendations. 
    --Marlee
    2021 Tab400 Boondock; TV 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited; Minnesota
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  • HoriganHorigan Member Posts: 799
    edited September 24
    I assume the 360 comes with Battlehorn batteries. Per their instructions; fully charge, disconnect all loads and chargers, and store above -10F. 
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6
    Bellingham WA
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  • MVrentasMVrentas Member Posts: 6
    I emailed NuCamp. The Tab 360 has a LiFePO4 Lithium Battery.   It should be 50% charged and can be left in the camper as long as the battery connector is off and no power is going to the battery (I have a cover so no solar power will trickle in)
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  • HoriganHorigan Member Posts: 799
    pthomas745 said:
    I cannot imagine the amount of work that would be required to remove the 4 Battleborn batteries from a 400 with a Multiplus, and then have to re install them.  

    Agreed. I’m surprised Battlehorn says to bring them inside if below -10F. My SOK battery manual says cold storage temps won’t hurt it. My battery stays in the trailer. 
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6
    Bellingham WA
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  • RCBRCB Member Posts: 228
    More Rocket Science… Winter Storage
    I recently installed two 12.8v Eco-Worthy Lithium. I am using the original RV charger (2019 - 400) and the solar panel. The Victron controller voltages were adjusted to suit. So far all is working well, xcept the batteries sit at 100% when the RV is in the storage yard and for several weeks at a time.

    I watched a UK video based on the Victron mptt 75/15 controller. It showed an option to select a Charge Profile; one for In Use, and a second for Storage. For the second the charge voltage was adjusted to maintain a desired SOC ie 50 - 60% for long term (winter) storage. I cannot find this option on my controller. Has anyone found the Charge Profile options ?

    The local Victron dealer in Toronto advised to deplete th3 batteries to the recommended SOC and disconnect both the battery and controller. He saw no benefit in adjusting the charging voltage to maintain 50 60% SOC. This works if you do not intend to use the batteries when visiting or for routine RV maintenance. 

    How are others handling winter storage ?
    400 - 2019
    St Catharines, ON
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