What the makers say
| Battle Born (12V) | EG4 LifePower4 (48V rack) | |
|---|---|---|
| Charge level for storage | 100%, then disconnect completely | 50% |
| How long | about 75–80% left after six months | recharge after 8–9 months |
| Storage temperature | -10°F to 140°F; colder than about -15°F risks cracking the case | 32–113°F; best 33–90°F |
| Self-discharge | 2–3% a month | (not given) |
Most guides online say "store at 40–60%". That matches EG4, not Battle Born. Neither is wrong for its own battery, and the difference is small over a season. When in doubt, use your battery's manual.
Steps
- Charge it to the level your manual says.
- Disconnect it completely. A battery monitor, inverter, USB socket or propane detector can drain a battery in weeks. Flip the battery disconnect switch, or take the negative cable off.
- Keep it cool and dry, out of direct sun, off wet floors. Indoors is best for long or very cold storage.
- Check it every three months or so, and top it up if it has dropped well below where you left it.
- Before you use it again, let a cold battery warm above freezing before charging. How to charge a LiFePO4 battery has the settings.
Vans, RVs and cabins over winter
- Rig parked outside: disconnect, and if the forecast goes below about -10°F, bring the batteries inside.
- Off-grid cabin left empty: leave the solar connected so it keeps the bank topped up, or disconnect everything if the system will be off. A rack battery that can't charge below 32°F simply waits for a warmer day.
- Spare batteries: store them at the level the maker gives, and rotate them into use once a year.
More on cold: can lithium batteries handle cold weather?
Questions people ask
Should I store a LiFePO4 battery fully charged?
It depends on the maker. Battle Born recommends charging to 100% and disconnecting completely; it says the battery will still be at 75–80% after six months. EG4 recommends 50% and recharging after 8–9 months. Both are fine for their own batteries, so follow your manual.
Can LiFePO4 batteries be stored in the cold?
Yes, within limits. Battle Born's storage range is -10°F to 140°F, and it warns that colder than about -15°F can crack the case and speed capacity loss. EG4 lists 32–113°F for its rack batteries. The bigger cold-weather rule is about charging: don't charge below freezing.
How long can a LiFePO4 battery sit without charging?
Months. Self-discharge is about 2–3% a month (Battle Born), and EG4 suggests a recharge after 8–9 months. Anything connected, like a battery monitor or a USB socket, drains it much faster, which is why both makers say disconnect.
Do I need to take the batteries out of my RV for winter?
Not if they stay within the storage temperature and are fully disconnected (a battery disconnect switch or the negative cable off). Take them inside if the rig will sit below about -10°F.
Sources
- Battle Born 100Ah 12V battery manual (storage at 100% and disconnect; -10°F to 140°F; 2–4% a month) Battle Born Batteries
- Battle Born BB10012 datasheet (self-discharge 2–3% a month) Battle Born Batteries
- EG4 LifePower4 48V V2 troubleshooting and maintenance guide, section 5: storage (50%, recharge after 8–9 months, 33–90°F best) EG4 Electronics
Every number on this page comes from these sources. Spotted something out of date? Tell me.
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