Welcome to Tech Tip Tuesday! As winter approaches, RVers often have questions about maintaining solar systems in cold weather and safely leveling motorhomes. Today, we’re tackling these topics to help keep your RV safe, functional, and ready for adventure—even in freezing temperatures.
Winter Solar System Maintenance: Keeping Your Power Flowing
Winter presents unique challenges for RV solar systems, from snow-covered panels to cold-sensitive lithium batteries. Here’s how to keep your solar system efficient during the colder months:
Clear Snow from Your Panels
- Snow on solar panels blocks sunlight, reducing charging efficiency.
- Regularly check and clear snow from your panels to keep them performing optimally.
Protect Lithium Batteries in Cold Weather
- Lithium batteries can’t accept a charge when temperatures drop below freezing. Charging them while cold may damage their internal cells.Solutions for
- Use Heated Batteries: Invest in heating solutions designed to maintain your batteries at a safe operating temperature.
- Lower the Charge Limit: If heating isn’t an option, set the charge limit to 5 amps to prevent damage while waiting for the batteries to warm up.
By taking these precautions, you can keep your solar power system running smoothly throughout winter.
Leveling Motorhomes: Safety First
Motorhome leveling is another critical topic, especially with larger rigs like Class A motorhomes. An increasing number of RVers are leaving their wheels off the ground after leveling, but this practice carries significant safety risks. Let’s break it down:
Is It Safe to Leave Wheels Off the Ground?
- Technically Possible, But Risky: Hydraulic systems can lift your RV off the ground, but relying solely on these systems can lead to accidents.
- Risk of Hydraulic Failure: Slow leaks in hydraulic systems can cause the RV to lower itself unexpectedly, creating a hazardous situation.
Best Practices for Safe Leveling
- Use Cribbing for Support: Place sturdy supports, like 2×12 boards, under your tires to provide additional stability.
- Lift the RV slightly higher than needed, place the cribbing, and then lower the RV onto the supports.
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Avoid Over-Reliance on Jacks Alone:
- Even reliable hydraulic systems aren’t foolproof. Always have a backup, such as cribbing.
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For Uneven Ground (Fifth Wheels Only):
- Digging a hole on the higher side can help level your RV. This method is not practical for motorhomes due to their size and weight.
Winter Preparation Checklist for RVers
✅ Solar Maintenance:
- Clear snow from panels regularly.
- Use heated batteries or reduce charge limits for lithium systems.
✅ Safe Leveling Practices:
- Always use cribbing to support wheels off the ground.
- Avoid leaving motorhomes fully suspended on hydraulic jacks.
✅ General Winter Prep:
- Inspect and maintain systems like the furnace and water lines.
- Stock up on propane for extended cold-weather stays.
Final Thoughts
Winter RVing requires extra diligence, but with proper preparation, you can enjoy safe and comfortable travels even in harsh conditions. By following these tips, you’ll protect your RV systems and stay warm throughout the season.
For more RV tips and tricks, subscribe to Tech Tip Tuesday, and join us next week for more valuable insights. Safe travels and stay warm!