Storing Batteries
Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 29, 2002 at 01:00
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Truckster
OK.
Heres the dumb thought for the minute, I specialize in them
Dual Batteries, what if you had both a Deep Cycle, and a Cranking Battery, and swapped them for what sort of trip you are doing?
EG if Im going playing in the mud, put the cranking in for winching..
If Im heading to the desert trip style of thing, go the deep cycle
How long would a battery last doing this sort of thing, being stored in the shed for weeks/months etc.
Reply By: Wayne - Tuesday, Oct 29, 2002 at 01:00
Tuesday, Oct 29, 2002 at 01:00
Truckster,
I use a deep cycle for an elec motor, it stays on a trickle charger all year, I also take it camping to run the fridge off. It's 2 years old and showing no signs of killing over yet.
Wayne
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Reply By: Member - Nigel - Tuesday, Oct 29, 2002 at 01:00
Tuesday, Oct 29, 2002 at 01:00
Batteries will store ok for a couple of months if they are fully charged. They will "self discharge" (starters more than deep cycles), but if you recharge them every couple of months then they'll be ok.
Also may be worth looking into a megapulse (claims to reduce sulphation which is often the cause of premature battery failure) especially if you can't always recharge a battery immediately after a discharge.
There is also the option of the Optima spiral batteries which can be used for both deep cycle and winching or starting, but they are only rated at 55 Ah so they aren't the greatest deep cycle (and they are over $400).
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Follow Up By: Janset - Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Hi Nigel
What is Megapulse? I am unfamiliar with it.
Regards
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Follow Up By: Member - Nigel - Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
It's a little box that creates a rapid pulsing when your battery is being charged. This pulsing apparently breaks down the sulphation in the battery leaving your battery to die a natural death of other causes rather than a premature death from sulphation. For the full blurb see www.megapulse.net
It was recommend to me by a guy who sells solar panels and likes happy customers. They are available from Opposite Lock or Battery World stores or by mail order from Solar Panel Express on 1800 800 846
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Reply By: Derek - Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Truckster. I use a 12volt, wet cell, automotive battery for camping purposes and do the following. I recharge it after each camping trip and the first day of each month. I store it and charge it on a thick block of wood and it lasts for years. This is the advice given to me by the battery company and it has stood me
well. Hope this helps.
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Follow Up By: Member - Nigel - Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002 at 01:00
Good advice, but what's
the block of wood for?
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Follow Up By: Allyn - Thursday, Oct 31, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Oct 31, 2002 at 01:00
I'll leave it for Derek to give you his explanation but this si something you need to look for when purchasing batteries also. A baqttery that has been stored on the concrete floor (steel reinforced) will not last anywhere near as long as one that has been..........say on a rack. That's all I know and I can only guess the reasons so it's over to Derek.
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Follow Up By: Derek - Thursday, Oct 31, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Oct 31, 2002 at 01:00
Allyn is quite correct. It is to prevent the slow discharge of the battery. They should be stored on a non-conductive medium (eg wood or plastic) and kept
well away from moisture.
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Follow Up By: Member - Nigel - Sunday, Nov 03, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Nov 03, 2002 at 01:00
I believe that only applied to they batteries used to be manufactured, but now that they use a plastic case it is not necessary.
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