Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Another "battery" question for DavidE-----
David--------In regards to a regular 12 volt Marine Battery from Johnson Controls, only used in my boat during the summer months---------my question
is: Should one keep the battery charged up over the winter (I normally put it on the charger about every month) or just let the battery sit for the
winter, only charging it up at the begining of the Summer season? I keep the battery stored in my garage in winter, and it seldom freezes here, and
never in my garage.
(I am having an argument with my knowledgable neighbor over this one----he says just let it sit for the winter)
Barry
[Edited on 7-2-2012 by Barry A.]
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
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Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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My unused group 29 here requires 22 amp hours charge every month to keep it topped off. Inactive electrolyte will stratify meaning heavier acid goes
to the bottom and is much more destructive to plates. Charge the battery monthly with 2-8 amps until acid bubbles constantly, then disconnect. The
battery will last many more years that way. A general rule but a very good one with any flooded battery is to allow them to charge until they bubble.
A solar system that really taxes the chemistry should allow the batteries to charge to 101% state of charge weekly. Batteries are no longer
inexpensive because of lead and antimony speculation. If it were ALL DUE to government regulation batteries would be inexpensive here in Mexico where
around 15% of the batteries in the western hemisphere are manufactured. There are no qualified refineries here that can manufacture lead paste. LTH is
gigantic. Every last OPTIMA battery is manufactured in México. LTH is in Monterrey N.L.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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I've met my quota of "ex-CIA, Vietnam helicopter gunship door gunners, and astronauts" in Mexico.
How do you tell an engineer?
Easy
Ask him if a glass of water is half full
A pessimist will say it is half empty
An optimist will say it's half full
An engineer will tell you it's twice as big as it needs to be.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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acadist
Super Nomad
Posts: 1125
Registered: 3-31-2007
Location: Spanaway,WA
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Mood: Waiting for the Sun
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do not store on a concrete floor
Dave
I moved to CO and they made me buy a little rod to make it feel like a real fish
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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| Quote: | Originally posted by acadist
do not store on a concrete floor |
thats an urban myth
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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batts
I prefere group 8's if you have a dolly cart and lift !! LOL
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Many thanks, DavidE. I now have the satisfaction of knowing that what I have been doing for years is correct, not-withstanding my neighbor's
insistance that I was doing it all wrong. 
At his age (very old), and knowing that he really really thought he was right, I think I will just be happy knowing the truth, and leave it at that.
Thanks again.
Barry
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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Pocket the money and smile at him :-)
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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bent-rim
Nomad
Posts: 294
Registered: 7-31-2007
Location: Marin County
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Mood: Living la vida mota
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Motorcycle riders use a "Battery Tender" to keep their batteries charged over the winter and when they don't get to ride the bike alot. They're
fairly inexpensive and there are several models available. They won't charge a dead battery, but they are great for maintaining a fully charged
batery. I don't know if they put out sufficient amperage to keep a larger battery charged.
[Edited on 7-2-2012 by bent-rim]
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capn.sharky
Senior Nomad
Posts: 686
Registered: 9-4-2003
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"thats an urban myth " it may be, but...I have had much better luck when I store on a piece of wood and not on the concrete floor of my bodega.
Also, the trickle chargers seem to over charge the batteries if left on for three or four months. Another good idea is to remove on of the terminals
if you are leaving for only a month as a car (and especially a boat) has a tendency to discharge slowly over time. Just trying to be helpful.
Incidentally, Barry, how old is very old? I am 70 but I don't feel very old---just old.
If there is no fishing in heaven, I am not going
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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| Quote: | | Incidentally, Barry, how old is very old? I am 70 but I don't feel very old---just old. |
Good point----------and I really don't know "how old" he really is as he just moved into the neighborhood. I am 74, but I am estimating his age at
over 80 +, and suspect some dementia (perhaps a stroke??) by the hesitant way he talks----but who knows. He is impressive, tho, and has made a LOT of
money over the years at a LOT of different enterprises, he claims. (Owned many small businesses, he says). He seems to know a lot about a lot of
things, but his battery-wisdom just seemed off-base to me, even tho he quoted a lot of fancy stuff that I did not understand----way too technical for
me. Thus my question for you NOMADS.
Barry
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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BARRY A
HOLA,letting a batt sit without a foat charge (13.2) or regular charging will let the batt slowly discharge..which will allow the plates to start
sulfating and the fastest way to kill a otherwise new/maintained batt !! K&T 
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