Key takeaways
- Store at 50–60% state of charge, not 0% or 100%.
- Keep it dry, between 0 and 25°C, and disconnect slow loads.
- Top up every 3–6 months; do not charge while frozen.
- In spring, check voltage and charge fully before heavy loads.
1. State of charge for storage
A lithium pack is happiest around 50–60% state of charge for long storage. Leaving it at 100% for months accelerates ageing; leaving it at 0% risks a deep discharge that the BMS may not recover from without a charger.
If you are leaving for months, discharge to about 50–60% first. Do not “store it full for winter”.
2. Where to keep it
- Dry place, between 0 and 25°C, away from flood risk.
- Disconnect inverters, monitors and anything with a standby draw.
- If the battery stays in an unheated vehicle, bring it inside when temperatures go below −20°C.
- Do not charge while frozen; warm it above 0°C first.
3. Top up every 3–6 months
Check the voltage or the app’s state of charge every few months. If it has dropped below about 30%, recharge to 50–60% and disconnect again. A battery that sits at 0% for a season may need a charger to wake the BMS.
4. Returning to service
- Check the voltage before connecting anything.
- Charge fully with a LiFePO4 charger and confirm the charger reaches the correct voltage.
- Check terminal torque and corrosion; clean and re-tighten if needed.
- Run a small load first, then the inverter, and watch the app for protection events.
5. If the battery stays in the RV
Disconnect the negative terminal if you cannot switch everything off. Leave the battery in a dry compartment, not on a concrete floor in a damp garage. Cover it from direct sun but do not seal it in a airtight box.
Common questions
Can I leave it on a trickle charger all winter?
A LiFePO4 maintainer with the correct voltage is acceptable, but it is not necessary. If you use one, check the voltage and the app occasionally; do not use a lead-acid equalise/desulphate mode.
Should I bring the battery indoors?
If the storage space drops below −20°C or you need to charge it, yes. Otherwise a dry, shaded compartment above −20°C is fine.