How to Prolong Life of Breakaway Battery During Winter Storage

Published 12/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

(747)

$60.86

NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 1 Amp

(157)

$30.15

2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger

(119)

$38.50

Question:

Hi, I purchased and installed the breakaway battery and kit, and am wondering about how to care for my battery. It doesn't have any quick disconnect, but I am wondering about storing it inside for the winter, as Im in a very cold climate and wont be moving the trailer. What is best practice to extend the life of my battery?

asked by: Angie

Expert Reply:

You could potentially store the Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit # 20099 battery inside but that would only protect it from the colder temperatures, so you would still need a solution to re-charge it, and there really isn't an easy way to remove it without having to cut some wires or unscrewing it from the trailer frame.

A better and simpler solution is to use a battery charger/maintainer, like the NOCO Genius UltraSafe Battery Charger and Maintainer # 329-GENIUS1. It will work great to charge your battery without overcharging it; this is the key to prolonging the life of your battery. If you do not have access to shore power, you can use a solar charger # PTW2997 instead. Both feature quick connect clamps for easy installation.

The Hopkins Engager # 20099 does include a weather resistant battery box, so the above listed solutions are your best options to promote battery longevity.

expert reply by: Carla M