deep cycle battery questions!

[beermak]

How often is recomended to equalize a deep cycle battery? Whats the gain in performing such procedure?

I have 2 trojan t105 and 1 std 12v 110ah conected to dial with a heart charger/inverter.

so far i learned over time..

Dont take more than 70% capacity
Check water level
Check corrosion and conections
Dont start the engine on deep cycles never

Any other recomendations should i take towards battery care?

Thanks!

 

[NYBo]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

By "equalize," I take it you mean "charge." You can leave the batteries on maintainers all the time, or just hook them to a regular smart charger every month or so. (I also take it that English isn't your first language.)

Never let them sit discharged; charge them right after use.

There is no reason not to start the motor with a deep cycle battery.

 

[beermak]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

here i found an article about it..
http://shop.pkys.com/battery-equalization.aspx

i read the manual from the charger and recomends it almost every 3 months or X cycles... dont remember. But in the real world is it worth? pays off in some way?

the battery's are constantlly charged at max capacity by the charger which is connected when the boat is docked

 

[Silvertip]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

So please explain what you mean by "equalize". You can do only two things to a battery: 1) charge it or 2) discharge it. If the term you are referring to is "cycling" then the process is to manually discharge the battery to a specific level (70%) and then charge it back up. We do that with NiCd and NiMh batteries but it is not necessary with a deep cycle.

 

[NYBo]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

So please explain what you mean by "equalize". You can do only two things to a battery: 1) charge it or 2) discharge it. If the term you are referring to is "cycling" then the process is to manually discharge the battery to a specific level (70%) and then charge it back up. We do that with NiCd and NiMh batteries but it is not necessary with a deep cycle.

Not only not necessary, it would just shorten the life of the battery.

 

[KJINTF]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

Yes you should "Equalize" the deep cycle batteries every 3 to 5 months depending on usage
The equalize function does a great job with 6Vdc wet cells in series
Each and evey cell should be tested with a hydrometer after the EQ function
Suggest a good multi stage charger that does the EQ manually not automatically
Trojan batteries can easily be taken to 50% SOC without any damage
Just make sure you get them back up to at least 90% SOC soon after usage.

Do a google search on battery EQ you will quickly find more info than you need

 

[pootnic]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

Good not to run your batteries down past 70%
Check for corrosion and conections....good point
Go ahead and use a deep cycle for starting as long as it has enough CCA(I've read 20% more is better)
Check water level....hardly ever and if that is a problem,your battery is probably on it's last legs.
Equalize...never have...get 4 to 5 years out of a battery(2/3 times a week 8/9 months a year).I do put the charger on the battery once a month to keep it topped up.

 

[generator12]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

How often is recomended to equalize a deep cycle battery? Whats the gain in performing such procedure?

When properly applied, occasional equalization extends the life of a lead-acid battery.

The cells in a battery are not identical; they will have slightly different amp-hour capacities, and be at slightly different states of charge during and after use. These differences increase as the batteries age and are cycled repeatedly.

To deal with this, we occasionally deliberately overcharge the battery so the weaker cells are brought up to full charge - 2.4 volts. This is called "equalization." When we do this, the "normal" cells heat up and give off gases, so care is needed. After equalization, we need to ensure that the electrolyte level is up to par.

Equalization stresses the batteries, and so shouldn't be done excessively. But in a battery containing one or more cells that are "showing their age" or reacting to use more than others, it's necessary to prevent those from becoming so low on charge that the load current being supplied by the battery doesn't cause them to actually reverse polarity. This sort of thing can destroy a battery.

So, yes, if your battery gets a lot of use, it's good practice to equalize it by "gently" overcharging it - slowly and slightly, once in a while.

 

[beermak]

Re: deep cycle battery questions!

Excelent, bats where just replaced and will do it maybe next year. im lucky the charger will do the procedure by pressing a button

So far im very pleased with deep cycle bats, where i live they cost 50% more than a regular battery and they are hard to get!

That is y i hope to get as much as i can from them!