RV Lithium Battery Storage Tips: Prevent Draw & Damage

If you're planning to store your RV for any period of time, it's important to know how to properly handle your lithium battery. Many RV owners assume that simply turning off the vehicle is enough, but overlooking the specifics of battery storage can lead to unnecessary power loss or even long-term damage.

To start, let’s understand the key differences between battery types. Traditional lead-acid batteries—including gel and AGM—experience a steady self-discharge, typically losing about one volt per month when left idle. So if a fully charged battery reads 12.7 volts, it could drop to around 11.7 volts in just 30 days. This kind of drain, if left unchecked, can leave your battery deeply discharged by the time you're ready to use your RV again.

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are far more efficient in maintaining their charge. They don’t suffer the same level of self-discharge, but they do contain internal battery management systems—essentially mini computers—that remain active unless intentionally turned off. These systems create a “parasitic draw,” slowly consuming power over time, even when you're not using the RV.

There are two simple and effective ways to prevent this unwanted power loss.

The first option is to use the battery’s built-in off switch—if it has one. Turning the battery off completely shuts down the internal electronics, eliminating the parasitic draw and preserving the stored charge. This is the easiest and most direct way to protect your battery during periods of inactivity.

If your lithium battery does not include an off switch, don’t worry. The second option is to use your RV’s disconnect switch. Turning this to the off position will cut off all voltage from the battery to the RV’s electrical system. This ensures that no current is being drawn from the battery, essentially mimicking the effect of a physical power-down. It’s important to note that when using this method, no power will be available to the RV itself—so make sure you’re comfortable with that before proceeding.

But why is this all so important? One of the key risks with lithium batteries is charging them under improper conditions, especially when there’s still a trickle draw while the RV is inactive. If the battery remains connected and is charged intermittently without supervision, the internal chemistry could be stressed, potentially causing permanent damage like lithium plating on the anode surface. This can reduce battery capacity and shorten its lifespan significantly.

For longer storage periods, most manufacturers recommend storing lithium batteries at around 50% state of charge. This helps preserve battery health and extends its usable life. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the battery every few months and recharge it to about 40–60% if needed, just to make sure it hasn’t dropped into a low-voltage state.

Proper storage location also plays a role. While lithium batteries are more temperature tolerant than their lead-acid counterparts, keeping them in a cool, dry environment helps reduce chemical stress. A stable indoor area like a garage or dedicated RV storage unit is ideal.

Protecting your lithium RV battery during storage boils down to a few simple steps: turn it off if it has an off button, or use the RV’s disconnect switch to eliminate voltage flow. Store it at about half charge, check it every few months, and ensure it’s kept in a dry, moderate environment. By following these best practices, you’ll ensure your battery remains healthy and ready to go whenever you're back on the road.