Deep Cycle Battteries

[DaveinWA]

Are you supposed to run a deep cycle battery completely down before recharging it? If you don't, does it develop a memory and shorten the useful life of the battery?

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Deep Cycle Battteries

Nearly all batteries used in Marine applications and sold as "deep cycle" are lead-acid batteries.<br /><br />ALL lead-acid batteries will have a reduced life if you run them completely flat, as oposed to keeping them topped off as much as is practical.<br /><br />Deep-Cycle batteries, are designed and constructed with more plate surface, which allows them to be discharged a little further than "normal cranking/starting" lead-acid batteries, before becoming permanently damaged.<br /><br />If you want best life from these batteries, keep them charged/topped off, as much as is practical...<br /><br />Also... Since most all "spiral wound", and "gel-cell" type marine batteries are also of the lead-acid variety, this same rule applies to them.<br /><br />Just be sure to NOT over charge these "sealed" batteries, as they too will "gas" if over-charged, and when that happens, you cannot replenish the electrolyte, like the normal "wetted" types of batteries that we're all used to seeing in our cars, trucks, etc..., thus the life will get VERY short if you over-charge them...<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan

 

[Boatist]

Re: Deep Cycle Battteries

Dave in WA<br />Your battery will last longer if you charge it right away after use. Key is to not over charge and charge one a month even if do not use battery.<br /><br />Deep Cycle batteries have fewer thicker plates with less surface area and can be discharged farther without damage but the sooner you recharge the better. Get a good AUTOMATIC charger as these shut off when the battery is charged or hold the voltage to a point where will not over charge. I like the 10 amp size as can charge most Group 24 batteries overnight and be ready next day.

 

[DaveinWA]

Re: Deep Cycle Battteries

Thanks for the advice, it's very much appreciated. I have a charger that has a deep cycle setting- How long should I charge the battery on that setting? Is it possible to overcharge it using that setting?

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Deep Cycle Battteries

Dave,<br />Depends on what the charge rate is, and whether it is set to automatically shut itself off, when the charge cycle is complete.<br /><br />Read up on the infor that came with the charger, or write to the manuf. of that charger, and get their input on it's proper use...<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan

 

[Boatist]

Re: Deep Cycle Battteries

Dave<br />If the charger is not automatic then yes it will over charge even if only a 2 amp charger. Best way to tell when charged is to check battery with a volt meter. When voltage gets to about 14 volts it is charged. Do not let it go over 14.4 volts for more than a short time.