Maintaining Batterys during Winter

[California_Clarky]

Apologies if this has been asked before but I cant seem to find a definitive answer.

As I wont be using my Cali as much during the winter I dont want to Sorn it and not use it because I feel the that will have a detrimental effect on vehicle just leaving to stand , but in order to maintain the batteries how often should I put it on EHU at home and how often should I give it a run out and what is the minimum I should aim to do.

TIA

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I’ve owned my 2008 Cali since 2009 and I’m still using the original batteries that last 4 days with the fridge on. No heater.

Our van is used for summer use and spends the rest of the time parked up in a bay down the road. For months and months. The only time I plug it in at home is the night before we go somewhere and I load the fridge. The only exception is we do occasionally use it for day trips and maybe one Airbnb trip a year. The rest of the time it sits idle for winter etc. They have gone flat at least 3 times.

I honestly think all batteries vary enormously. I couldn’t have treated mine worse if I tried. After 16 years I’m considering getting new batteries or a solar top up. 2 new batteries are cheaper than solar.

 

[kurienp]

Apologies if this has been asked before but I cant seem to find a definitive answer.

As I wont be using my Cali as much during the winter I dont want to Sorn it and not use it because I feel the that will have a detrimental effect on vehicle just leaving to stand , but in order to maintain the batteries how often should I put it on EHU at home and how often should I give it a run out and what is the minimum I should aim to do.

TIA

If possible, keep it plugged in continuously. Does not do any harm and will only benefit. If needed, run a small heater or a dehumidifier in it. Keeps it nice and toasty and fresh!

VW recommend once every month for about 24 hrs.

 

[acer]

Apologies if this has been asked before but I cant seem to find a definitive answer.

As I wont be using my Cali as much during the winter I dont want to Sorn it and not use it because I feel the that will have a detrimental effect on vehicle just leaving to stand , but in order to maintain the batteries how often should I put it on EHU at home and how often should I give it a run out and what is the minimum I should aim to do.

TIA

General advice on here is to charge the leisure batteries on hookup for 24 hours every month, but fitting a solar panel removes this need.

Looking forward to learning the consensus on how often to drive it.

 

[acer]

If possible, keep it plugged in continuously. Does not do any harm and will only benefit. If needed, run a small heater or a dehumidifier in it. Keeps it nice and toasty and fresh!

VW recommend once every month for about 24 hrs.

I think some people will advise letting the battery cycle up and down, rather than constantly being charged, but I don’t know.

 

[dspuk]

Manual says put on EHU once a month for 8 hours. 24 hours won't hurt it though. I'd personally never leave it on continous charge. You could put on EHU on a Amazon Smart Plug and leave it on, setting the plug to switch on for 8 hours weekly or monthly. We have a solar fitted which keeps the batteries maintained fine when not driving for extended periods.