Marine RV Maintenance Tips

Proper Marine RV maintenance is essential for your vehicle’s performance and longevity. It also keeps you and your family safe. Whether you’re traveling on vacation or spending your day at the office, Marine RV maintenance is critical. 

Battery protectors

Battery protectors are an essential part of marine RV maintenance. They protect the battery posts from corrosion and the alternator and starter connections. There are many different types, and they are suited to other applications. So whether you’re a recreational vehicle owner, a professional marine technician, or a casual boater, you can find a battery protector for your needs.

Battery connectors should be cleaned periodically to prevent corrosion. You can use cleaning solutions or a soapless steel wool pad to clean the terminals. After cleaning, dry them with a disposable lint-free rag. Battery terminals can also be treated with anti-corrosion terminal grease.

Maintenance chargers

Marine and RV maintenance chargers keep your batteries charged when you’re not using them. These simple devices plug into a household outlet and connect to your batteries’ terminals. They come in a constant-voltage or multistage charger to ensure your batteries are fully charged without overcharging. Because lead-acid batteries make up the heart of an RV’s 12-volt DC electrical system, they must maintain their health with regular charging.

Marine-grade battery chargers are the most popular option for RV owners. They can restore battery performance and detect acid stratification and sulfation, resulting in longer battery life and the more robust engine starts. Many of these devices also feature built-in diagnostics that help determine if your battery needs a charge.

Marine batteries, unlike most car batteries, have a specific amperage value. The amperage value is the energy a battery can safely and effectively absorb. Batteries with amperage values of two amps or higher will charge quickly. Those with lower amperages will take longer to recharge.

Deep cycle batteries

Deep cycle batteries are designed to last a long time. A typical battery will last for at least 20 to 50 cycles. The best way to extend their life is to charge them fully when not in use. It’s a good idea to check their charge level periodically and re-top them up if they are below 20%. Another essential thing to keep in mind is temperature. Batteries stored in extreme temperatures will deteriorate faster.

There are three main types of deep-cycle batteries. One type is a sealed, maintenance-free type. This type does not need to be upright to work and is also suitable for recreational vehicles and boats. The other type is the absorbed glass mat (AGM). This type uses woven glass fiber separators to keep the electrolyte close to the active plates, resulting in excellent charge efficiency.

Unlike regular starting batteries, deep cycle batteries cannot provide the same cranking amps as their conventional counterparts. As a result, they are generally more expensive. Most large rechargeable batteries are Lead-Acid, with some NiCad batteries available. NiCads are very expensive, however, and they have a high disposal cost. Lithium-Ion batteries are just beginning to show up, but they are also much more costly.

Storage of batteries

Battery storage is an essential aspect of marine RV maintenance. Batteries should be stored in an excellent, dry location away from extreme temperatures. When properly stored, batteries maintain their peak performance throughout the year. Before storing batteries, check their condition by cleaning them out and thoroughly cleaning them. Removing the surrounding area of dirt and debris is also essential. Lastly, when storing batteries, be sure to charge them first. Once fully charged, they should be stored in an airtight container away from moisture.

Batteries come in many different styles. One type is the serviceable battery. These are usually made with a removable cap. Another type is the value-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery, which contains a gel or fiberglass mat between the plates and is leak-proof. This battery is expensive but is often the best option for marine applications. In addition, it can be charged faster and has less maintenance.