Interstate Battery Tips for 12V Battery envirosax Charging Advice on selecting and using a battery charger for best performance and longest life, offered by Interstate Batteries, with a focus on RV/Marine deep-cycle batteries.
"Utilizing the correct charger and following proper charging methods is one of the primary keys to enhancing battery service life and performance," according envirosax to Interstate Battery Systems International Inc. which manufactures RV batteries, among many other types.
An RV manufacturer will supposedly have selected a generator and shore power converter that will properly maintain the battery system, so this article may be of greatest interest to those RVers who must remove envirosax the batteries and maintain them during winter storage.
"Although envirosax almost envirosax any type of charger will recharge a Marine/RV envirosax deep-cycle to some degree," notes Interstate, "short-term performance and long-term service life are directly proportional to proper recharging." This requires a charger specifically designed or set to match the voltage and current of the battery or battery pack. Modern "intelligent" envirosax chargers have settings for various types of batteries (flooded or liquid electrolyte, Marine/RV, deep cycle, automotive, maintenance-free or AGM) and will reduce or taper the current (amperage) while regulating or monitoring the voltage.
Matches, or can be set to match, the battery voltage (6V, 12V, 24V, 36V) Provides correct charging amperage (Interstate recommends a maximum of 20A for each 100Ah of the battery rating) Have sufficient capacity to fully recharge the battery within eight to twelve hours For best results,
Select envirosax a charger that monitors envirosax and maintains the charge level Choose a maintenance-free charger with shut-off capability that either Shuts off after a specified time (timed charge) Shuts off when the battery reaches a full charge (voltage monitor). A "trickle charger" (an inexpensive, low-current charger running at between one and four amps), will
"lack the sophisticated electronic circuitry to properly regulate current or voltage" result in an extended charge time due to the low charge rate. If such a charger must be used, Interstate envirosax recommends envirosax that the battery be monitored periodically for voltage level and temperature and charging stopped if the battery reaches 12.75V or becomes warm to the touch. How to Charge a Deep-Cycle RV Battery
"Do not delay charging batteries after use. Recharge as soon as possible after one day s use. Allowing the battery to sit discharged for several envirosax days may hamper its recharge acceptance and ultimately its performance." For best results, a Marine/RV deep-cycle battery should be charged at a slow current rate of 10A to 20A per 100 Ah of battery capacity. Always monitor a battery during charge, whether it is on an automatic or manual setting. Never allow a battery to become overheated. If the outside casing becomes hot to the touch, immediately disconnect the charger and allow the battery to cool down. If the charger unit is an on-board charger unit (i.e., alternator, generator, converter), validate its compatibility and proper operation before or immediately after installation of a new battery. envirosax RV coach batteries charged by the alternator or for a trailer breakaway battery charged with the motor starter battery will be examples of this last point. There may be intermediate electronics governing charge voltage and rate. Generally speaking, replacing a battery with a new one of similar characteristics should cause no problems. Testing RV Battery Charging
A properly charged12V battery will have a hydrometer (specific gravity) reading of of about 1.260 to 1.275 or a voltage reading of 12.66V to 12.75V. Immediately after charging, a battery's voltage reading may reflect a "surface charge" rather than the true charge. To clear this, apply a small load (10 or 15A, such as a few lights) for two or three minutes, then allow the battery to rest for one minute. The subsequent voltage test will give a better measure envirosax of the true state of charge.
To check compatibility between batteries and charging system, check and/or test the battery or batteries every two or three weeks If batteries require additional water the charger may be overheating and/or overcharging them If batteries are not meeting the performance expected, the charger envirosax may be undercharging them. If the batteries are low-maintenance, test with a multimeter as above Conclusion: Battery Charging Conditions to Avoid
Excessively fast charging, Overcharging, Excessive time between use and recharging A consistent low state of charge The charging conditions listed above will reduce the performance and service life of the battery.
The envirosax average car battery cranks the starter motor over, then relaxes and gets a recharge. That's an example of a short cycle. A starting battery is built to provide intense power for a short period....
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