No Stow Mode-Keep Ollie Plugged in All Winter?

[212Tolly]

We are used to Airstreams that have a Stow Mode switch.  And, we would remove batteries and place on trickle charger during winter. Is their a main electrical cut off switch on Oliver?  How do you handle batteries in the winter or do you just leave plugged in all the time??  I'm not mechanical and appreciate any advice!!!

[Raspy]

Fortunately, mine fits in the garage and it is always plugged in.  The garage is heated from waste solar heat, so I never have to winterize it.

 

Point is:  Always plugged in doesn't hurt a thing.  Fully charged batteries are freeze resistant.  The Ollie battery charger won't hurt your batteries.

 

When it's freezing, but not extremely cold, my other trailer, outside, has heat tape on the water supply and an electric heater on low inside.  Still not worried about the batteries if they are on a charger, but I don't leave that one plugged in all the time because it is not a smart charger.

 

 

[donthompson]

Jason Essary at Oliver advised me that the only way to make sure there is no drain on the batteries in storage is to disconnect the cable to the negative post in the battery compartment.  I have 4 6-volt AGM batteries.  There is a main negative cable that is easy to disconnect.  This is the method I used until yesterday.

 

I now have electricity in my indoor storage space, so I won't have to do this in the future!

 

 

 

Don

[Try2Relax]

As John said, plugged in to a standard 15A circuit is fine, the Oliver electric system will keep them safe. Or, if you have solar, just leave it outside and your fine.

 

If your choice is to disconnect, then that isn't as easy, there isn't a main switch, but you can get a battery terminal cutoff switch on Amazon, about $10, and install it to break the circuit.

[Mike and Carol]

We stay plugged in when not traveling. We keep the fridge running all the time too. If you have the capability I would keep it plugged in whether you winterize or not. We don’t winterize down here and travel almost all year round, so it’s nice to be always ready to go. Mike

[DavidS]

Tolly, There have been discussions on this topic before. There are breakers that can shut off power, that are located under the street side bed. Photos here and here. The positions of the breakers may be different on newer units; they are different on mine. Rather than having to lift the bed to shut off power, I installed a battery disconnect switch. Easy to install and easy to use.

[212Tolly]

We will winterize soon.  Seems simple enough with the great video of the process. And, we will keep 212Tolly plugged in all winter and see how we do with the batteries. We are new to Oliver as of April this year so our first winter. Thanks for all the good thoughts!!