It’s that time again, crops are coming out of the fields, leaves are turning, and cold weather is just around the corner. We may be able to get a few more weekends of camping in, however, it is time to start thinking about storing our RV for the winter.

Most RVers know what to do about winterizing the freshwater system with either antifreeze or blowing out the lines with air however, few take the time to identify the type of house battery they have and how to properly store it. Should you leave the unit plugged in to keep the battery charged, remove the battery or batteries and keep them in a garage, or just let them sit?

Types Of Deep Cycle Batteries

The batteries used to power your 12-volt components in an RV commonly referred to as “House Batteries” are deep cycle which means they are designed to be drawn down to a certain percent of power or amp hours and recharged several times. This is what a “cycle” is referring to. They are designed to provide prolonged 12-volt power over time vs a chassis or engine battery that is rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and designed to provide high power to turn an engine over for 30 seconds.

There are three types of deep cycle batteries used in RVs, Flooded Lead Acid (FLA), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), and the newer Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04). Each version has a different charge profile and also a different recommendation for storage.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)

These batteries have been used for years and are still the “standard” battery due to availability and cost. If you are not boondocking, or dry camping much and don’t need high amp-hour capacity, the FLA battery is perfect, it just needs a little more maintenance and TLC when it comes to charging and storage. FLA batteries have lead plates inside that are covered in acid and are prone to sulfation. As the power is drawn down, Sulphur coats the plates and requires a multi-stage charge which starts with a bulk stage that is a high voltage charge and breaks up the sulfation. Most RV converters/chargers do not have this, rather an initial charge of 13.6-volts and a maintenance charge of 13.2-volts. This will not break up the sulfation and the battery will lose storage capacity. It will also “gas” the acid and you will need to check the fluid level at least once a month.

FLA batteries will naturally drain power if not connected to a charger and even faster if left connected in a rig that has components that will run even with the battery disconnect switch in the off position which should mean everything is disconnected. However, the LP leak detector typically bypasses the disconnect switch and will drain a battery in less than 2 weeks. A drained battery will sulfate faster and in cold weather, a low battery can freeze and ruin the battery. FLA batteries need to have the fluid level checked more often as well.  

If you have access to 120-volt power, I would recommend not plugging in the shoreline cord, rather get a portable 120-volt battery maintainer that has desulfation such as the Battery Minder. Plug that into the storage facility outlet and connect it to the battery. You can find the Battery Minder at Northern Tool. The smaller unit will be sufficient for two house batteries.

If you do not have access to 120-volt power at the storage facility you can use a small solar panel and a charger/desulfation product like the Battery Minder, or remove the batteries and hook them up to one in a garage. Another option is to go to the storage facility and start the unit every 30 days and let it run with a desulfation product for an hour or more.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

AGM batteries also have lead plates covered with acid like the FLA models but are sealed and have a fiberglass material between the plates and are less susceptible to sulfation. However, a misconception is that AGM batteries will not sulfate however they can still be affected without the proper charge and storage.

Most AGM batteries require an initial charge of 14.4 – 15 -volts and then a float or maintenance charge of 13.5 – 13.8 – Volts. So the typical RV converter/charger will not be effective in maintaining an AGM battery and especially not during storage. However, if your rig has a programmable converter such as the Progressive Dynamics PD9000 series, it will keep them maintained properly if the unit is plugged in.

However, in my opinion it is best to use a small charger/maintainer that is designed for AGM batteries. Using a typical 2 amp trickle charger is not sufficient, rather one that can be programmed for the AGM charging profile.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04)

The Lithium battery has become the “hot” battery recently as it will not sulfate, has a cycle rate of anywhere from 5-10K which means it could last for 10 years or more, and can be drained to 100% of it’s power capacity known as amp hours.

The downside of Lithium besides the cost, is it needs a 14.4-volt charge which most converters/chargers do not have, and can not be charged in below-freezing temperatures without some type of heater which is usually controlled by a battery management system (BMS) within the battery. That of course is only with the good Lithium Batteries which is a select few.

I have posted several articles about swapping out your standard FLA and AGM batteries for Lithium and what is required for charging, temperature control, and even DC to DC converters so we will not go into that, however I found the best thing to do for storing Lithium Batteries is to simply disconnect the negative cable or cables depending on your configuration. According to Go Power, Expion 360, Battleborn, and others that supply the RV industry, the Lithium battery will only draw down less than 1% in 6 months if there is no draw on the battery such as an LP leak detector. If you disconnect the negative cable, there will be no draw at all.

About the author: Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles authored an RV handbook reference guide, and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Sandra L. ~ “Both times we’ve had to call Coach-Net, they have been very friendly, compassionate, and helpful. This last time the representative even called me back to say he talked to his manager and they would help us even more by paying part of the second service call fee. Unexpected and amazing!”

I absolutely adore having a bathroom with us wherever we go. In fact, it might just be one of my favorite things about RV travel, especially since we have kids in tow. That said, RV bathrooms are far from perfect. For this reason, I have upgraded and changed every single RV bathroom we’ve ever had.

Below are some of my favorite RV bathroom upgrades. Each of these is simple and relatively inexpensive, but so very helpful.

Sink Backsplash

I hate that RVs rarely come with backsplashes behind the sinks. The walls get dirty and they are much harder to clean than a tile backsplash. Besides, a backsplash breaks up the monotony of the beige RV walls and can add a pop of color.

For this reason, I will absolutely always recommend installing a backsplash in your RV bathroom. Peel-and-stick tile works perfectly for this, and absolutely anybody can work with it. I love the way a backsplash can brighten the space immediately.

Oxygenics Shower Head

Another thing I hate? The shower heads that come in RVs. Why in the world do they put such cheap, useless shower heads in these things? A better shower head is a must if you plan to use your RV shower often at all.

Oxygenics shower heads are ideal for this. They actually improve water pressure without using any more water, meaning you can have a better shower experience without using your entire freshwater tank or filling your whole gray tank. Even if you’re camping with full hookups, this can be handy because it helps keep you from using all of the hot water.

Retractable Clothesline

Honestly, I never would have thought to put a clothesline in the shower, but one of our old RVs had one installed when we bought it, and we used that thing regularly. It was perfect for hanging swimsuits to dry when the weather was wet, and we even used it to dry laundry once or twice.

I hope to install a retractable clothesline in our current RV at some point because I really miss having one, and I imagine you’d find it useful as well. Fortunately, there are many options on the market and they are really easy to install.

Soap Dispensers

Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel can all be cumbersome to deal with in an RV. They will fall off the shower shelves and spill if you forget to move them before moving the RV, and trying to keep them on the narrow shower shelves while washing can be annoying. This is where wall-mounted soap dispensers come into play.

There are many versions of these, but all of them do the same thing: dispense shampoo, conditioner, and/or shower gel into the palm of your hand with the push of a button. These are relatively easy to install and so worthwhile!

Over-Toilet Shelf

Many RV bathrooms lack storage space, meaning finding spots for things like towels and toilet paper can be a problem. An over-the-toilet shelf can be extremely helpful because it uses the otherwise unused space over your toilet as a storage area. I do recommend mounting the shelf to the wall somehow to keep it from tipping, but otherwise, the installation is as easy as it gets.

Over-the-Door Toiletry Holder

Another way to give yourself more storage space and keep things as organized as possible? An over-the-door shoe organizer. Yes, these are intended for shoes, but there is no reason you can’t use them for other things—and in my opinion, one of the best ways to use such an organizer is to hold toiletries.

Fill the pockets with ponytail holders, hair pins, hairspray, gel, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and anything else you might need in the bathroom. Get a see-through holder and you’ll be able to see exactly what is in each pocket.

Command Towel Hooks

Last but not least, I had to include at least one Scotch Command product in this list. In this case, I am recommending their large towel hooks, which can hold an entire bath towel with no problem at all.

I love that the hooks can be installed by anyone without any tools at all, and that they are just as easily removed without any damage to the RV walls. Of course, it’s also nice to have plenty of places to hang damp towels.

As you can see, there are plenty of super easy ways to upgrade your RV bathroom and make it more functional. Which of these upgrades will you do first?

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Swain W. ~ “Service was excellent and follow up was fantastic. It means a lot to be taken care of when you are down. Very happy with everyone’s performance I would not have known what to do or who to call if I had not had Coach-Net. You all were excellent.”

Fall is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for the fall camping season. Honestly, fall might just be my favorite part of the camping season. The crisp, cool weather, colorful leaves, and warm, hearty foods that come along with fall are somehow simultaneously comforting and invigorating.

Looking to get the most out of fall camping this year? Here are my top tips for doing just that!

Where to Go

Not sure where to go camping in the fall? I’ve been all over the country and these are the best spots for falltime fun.

Go Leaf Peeping

My first recommendation? Head somewhere with amazing fall foliage. The colors that brighten the world during the autumn season are absolutely magical, and in certain areas of the country, they are especially stunning.

I recommend one of the following locations:

• North Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Maine
• Arkansas
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Oregon
• Vermont

Visit a Farm

Farms are also amazing places to be during the fall months. September and October are when the fall harvest occurs in many areas of the country. It’s also when fall festivals happen at many farms, meaning corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, and lots of other options for family fun.

Consider investing in a Harvest Hosts membership to find a farm that will allow you to camp.

Or Head South

Not a fan of the chilly fall weather? You could also choose to head south to escape the cold. This would of course mean missing out on the pretty leaves, chilly nights around the campfire, and brisk hikes, but you’d get to enjoy a little more sunshine before winter sets in.

I recommend the following spots for fall-time sun chasing:

• Arizona
• Texas
• New Mexico
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• Florida

What to Do

Not sure what to do while out enjoying fall camping? Obviously, swimming is out in most parts of the U.S., but don’t worry, there are tons of other amazing options for getting out and enjoying the weather.

Hike

Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity during the autumn months. It’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the colors of fall while also enjoying the pretty weather and exploring the great outdoors.

Bike

Cycling is another great option. Like hiking, riding a bike allows you to get out in the middle of all the beauty fall has to offer. Many also find it exhilarating to ride in the brisk autumn weather.

Stargaze

With fall comes some chilly nights that are just perfect for bundling up and doing some stargazing. Head somewhere with clear night skies, break out the blankets, and spend some time snuggling and looking for planets and constellations.

Have Campfires

Lastly, I highly recommend having as many campfires as possible during the fall. Obviously, campfires are fun any time of year, but they are especially wonderful during the fall when the nighttime weather is cold and everyone is looking for ways to keep warm.

Keeping Warm While Fall Camping

Speaking of keeping warm, you will want to make sure you have ways to do just that while out camping in autumn. Here are my tips for keeping warm while fall camping.

Invest in Space Heaters

Sure, you could use the furnace built into your RV, but I much prefer using space heaters whenever possible. Most campgrounds include electricity in their rates, meaning you won’t be spending any extra to run a space heater. On top of that, using space heaters in place of the propane furnace will allow you to save your propane for things like cooking and using the water heater.

Consider Cold Weather Accessories

There are some seriously cool cold-weather accessories out there these days. Some of my favorites are listed below:

• Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers
• Battery Operated Heated Vest
• Heated Camping Chair

Turn to Warm Meals

Warm meals can also be helpful for keeping everyone warm and cozy. The following meals can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making them ideal for small kitchens:

• Dump and Start Instant Pot Alfredo
• Slow Cooker Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup
• 7 Can Soup

There you have it, everything you need to know to be prepared for the fall camping season. Use these tips and have an amazing time enjoying the chilly weather before winter rolls around.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Millie W. ~ “Our experience was smooth, smooth, smooth. Enough said.” 

When you’re camping, you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors. The interior space offered by an RV tends to be minimal at best—and besides, the whole point of parking your rig in a beautiful place is to get out and enjoy it, right?

That said, it’s a lot more fun to hang out in your campsite when you have a nice outdoor living area set up. In this article, we are going to discuss the key components of an outdoor living space so you can make your campsite the most inviting one around.

Put Down a Rug

First, we highly recommend putting down an outdoor rug. This helps pull everything together, creating a sense of being in a personal bubble even when there are no walls around you. On top of that, the rug makes it comfortable to walk outside your door barefoot and even helps keep your RV floor clean by removing debris before you walk inside.

Create a Kitchen

Cooking inside the RV will make it hot in summer and cause issues with condensation during winter. Obviously, you won’t always be able to take the cooking outside, but when you can, it is an ideal solution to this problem. Of course, you’ll need an outdoor kitchen set up in order to do this and if your RV doesn’t have one built in, you will need to put it together yourself.

For this, we recommend:

• A grill and/or outdoor stove
• A portable sink or dish pan
• An ice chest or mini fridge that can be plugged in outdoors
• A tablecloth to put on the campsite picnic table, and/or a folding table of your own

Grab Some Chairs

Obviously, you will want to be comfortable in your outdoor living area. For this reason, comfortable camp chairs are must-have items. Luckily, there are tons of great options out there. We recommend the following:

• ALPS Mountaineering King Kong
• YETI Trailhead
• Kelty Low Loveseat

Put Up Screens

Sometimes the awning isn’t enough to provide sun protection while hanging out in your campsite. For this, we recommend awning screens. There are both front screens and side screens available, and if you invest in both, you can create a whole screen room!

Shelter in a Clam Tent

Alternatively, you could simply grab a Clam Tent and pop that up in your campsite. We love that Clam Shelters are super easy to set up and take down, and that they are tall enough to stand in comfortably.

These tents come in a variety of sizes, so you can get one to fit all your family and friends. And, you can choose to pull the sides down for an enclosed space or open them up to allow the breeze to flow through the mesh, meaning you can use the shelter year-round.

Invest in Lights

Hanging out in a dark campsite is no fun, and the outdoor lights on some RVs simply won’t cut it. If your RV outside light is a bit lackluster, consider picking up some lighting for your outdoor living space.

We really love to line the outside of our campsite with solar lights, but you could also choose to put a rope of LED lights on your RV awning. If you have a permanent campsite and won’t have to move often, some cute string lights could also be a fun and festive touch.

Get a Fan

Last but not least, you will want to put a fan in your outdoor living space. This serves a couple of purposes that make it an indispensable item at any campsite:

1. The fan gets the air moving, helping to keep you cool when the weather is hot.
2. Because the fan moves the air, it helps keep bugs off your site and away from you.

There you have it, everything you need to make your outdoor living space irresistible. We’re willing to bet you spend a lot more time hanging out outdoors once you have these items set up in your outdoor living space!

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Lynn B. ~ “Coach-Net was excellent from beginning to end. I highly recommend this service!”