Preparing Your RV Battery for Summer Road Trips

Before you embark on a great summer adventure, it is important to make sure that your RV battery is ready to roll. Since RVs typically spend much of the year parked, keeping the battery in good condition should always be a primary concern. Here are a few steps you need to take to ensure smooth sailing once you get on the road.

Inspect the Battery Case

The very first thing you should do is inspect the battery case and the surrounding area for any signs of cracks, leaking, or corrosion. When left sitting, batteries can be damaged unexpectedly. If you see that the battery case has cracked or leaked in any way, it is time to find a replacement.

Top Off Your Battery

Modern sealed valve batteries like those we sell here at MK Battery don't require frequent topping off--in fact, they hardly require any maintenance at all. They only need a monthly top off to ensure they do not disharge over time. However, if you have an old flooded battery, you'll need to check the fluid levels. Even if there is no visible sign of leakage, it is likely that some of your battery electrolyte has evaporated over time. In order to keep your battery healthy, you will need to add water to the top of your battery until it is full. The water is what carries the electrolyte and keeps your battery from burning up.

Clean Battery Terminals

After you have topped off your battery, it is time to seal the cap and clean the battery terminals. You may want to apply an anti-corrosive lubricant before tightening down the leads. If there is sign of corrosion around the leads, you might be able to clean it off using a stiff bristled brush, but you must use caution.

Recharge Your Battery

Once everything is installed properly, you can charge your battery one last time. If possible, use a charger that automatically switches to maintenance mode when charging is complete, and make sure to verify that your battery is holding the proper voltage. If it does not appear to be charging properly, have your battery tested.

The sooner you start preparing your RV for your summer road trip, the less stressed you will be on departure day. A bad battery can really throw off your plans by preventing you from even starting your RV when it’s time to go. With these four simple steps you can ensure that your battery is in great shape before you pull out of the driveway. For more help with your RV battery, contact MK Battery today and speak with one of our battery experts. We offer the highest quality in sealed valve battery and deep-cycle options with low maintenance and a long lifespan.