harrytherid
Full Member
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- 60
Hi you battery experts. How do I look after a new battery until needed?
Last time out I was in the midlands for a few days of icy cold dull weather. Running the Truma boiler/heater, and not a great deal else, my two 110AH batteries and 80W solar panel could not cope. I decided I needed new batteries. When I got home I ordered a 110AH Banner which I was not in a position to fit for a few days.
Then came the forum question of "Battery Charging". I learned that I know little about it and that some of you seem to know a lot. On reading all, I followed the advice on checking batteries and discovered that there is probably little wrong with my existing batteries, possibly a little wrong with the McLouis' charger and possibly a lot wrong with the position of one of my batteries (below the floor in an un-insulated box, soon to become an insulated box when I can get to it).
My problem now is that I have a new battery in my garage sat there until I eventually need it. How do I look after it so that it is in as good condition as possible when eventually it is decided to fit it. The two in the wagon are both showing 13.3volts with the McLouis' charger on mains power and seem to be maintaining that voltage (certainly over 12V) for a few days at least when taken off power. The charger I have in my garage is a very old (about 35 years) 6 amp mains charger which has always done the job when time and accident has caused a flat battery in the car. The MH starter battery is kept up to scratch when at home by switching the solar panel over to it.
I have probably failed to pre-answer and important question but hopefully not.
Yours Harry
Last time out I was in the midlands for a few days of icy cold dull weather. Running the Truma boiler/heater, and not a great deal else, my two 110AH batteries and 80W solar panel could not cope. I decided I needed new batteries. When I got home I ordered a 110AH Banner which I was not in a position to fit for a few days.
Then came the forum question of "Battery Charging". I learned that I know little about it and that some of you seem to know a lot. On reading all, I followed the advice on checking batteries and discovered that there is probably little wrong with my existing batteries, possibly a little wrong with the McLouis' charger and possibly a lot wrong with the position of one of my batteries (below the floor in an un-insulated box, soon to become an insulated box when I can get to it).
My problem now is that I have a new battery in my garage sat there until I eventually need it. How do I look after it so that it is in as good condition as possible when eventually it is decided to fit it. The two in the wagon are both showing 13.3volts with the McLouis' charger on mains power and seem to be maintaining that voltage (certainly over 12V) for a few days at least when taken off power. The charger I have in my garage is a very old (about 35 years) 6 amp mains charger which has always done the job when time and accident has caused a flat battery in the car. The MH starter battery is kept up to scratch when at home by switching the solar panel over to it.
I have probably failed to pre-answer and important question but hopefully not.
Yours Harry