The two most common causes for Rv Battery failure are undercharging and overcharging.
Winter Rv Battery storehouse
Undercharging is a consequent of batteries being repeatedly discharged and not fully recharged in the middle of cycles. If a Battery is not recharged the sulfate material that attaches to the discharged portions of the plates begins to dry into crystals. Over time this sulfate cannot be converted back into active plate material and the battery is ruined. This also occurs when a battery remains discharged for an extended duration of time, like during storage. Sulfation is the estimate one cause of battery failure. The second leading cause of battery failure is overcharging. Overcharging batteries results in severe water loss and plate corrosion. With that said let's look at how to properly store your Rv batteries.
Before we talk about storing the batteries we need to talk about battery safety. Lead acid batteries consist of sulfuric acid which is very corrosive and can cause severe burns or even blindness. And the hydrogen gas that batteries furnish when they're charging is very explosive. When you work around batteries you need to wear goggles and gloves, take off all jewelry and do not smoke or use any open flames.
Battery+chargerCaution: If you accidentally get battery acid on your skin, flush it with lots of water and if it gets in your eyes flush with low pressure water for 15 minutes and call a doctor.
When you put the Rv in long term storage it's a good idea to take off the batteries and put them in storage too. This is quite uncomplicated to do. The first thing we want to do is visually contemplate the batteries for any distinct damage. Any fluid on or around the battery may be an indication that electrolyte is leaking from the battery. A damaged or leaking battery should be supplanted immediately. Whenever you take off any battery always remember to take off the negative concluding or cable first, and then the distinct cable.
Battery Tip: When you take off a battery turn off the ignition switch, all electrical switches, and any battery disconnect switches before you disconnect the battery cables. Whenever you take off any battery cables label them first so you remember how they go back on the battery. When you reinstall the battery do it in the reverse order. Setup the distinct cable first and then the negative cable.
Clean the batteries with a 50/50 combination of baking soda and water if necessary, i.e. Use one pound of baking soda to one gallon of water. Now you can check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water if necessary. The minimum level required is at the top of the plates. If it's below the plates add enough distilled water to cover the plates before you charge the battery.
Test the battery state of charge with a voltmeter or hydrometer and charge any batteries that are at or below 80%. An 80% charge is practically 12.5 volts for a 12 volt battery and 6.25 volts for a 6 volt battery. Lead sulfation starts when a battery state of charge drops below 80%. After charging the batteries check and fill each cell to 1/8 inch below the fill well with distilled water. Overfilling cells will cause battery acid to overflow.
Caution: Batteries should only be charged in a well ventilated area and keep any sparks and open flames away from a battery being charged. Check the electrolyte levels before and after charging batteries.
A discharged or partially charged battery will frost much faster than a charged battery. Store the batteries in a cool dry place but not where they could freeze. Batteries in storage will loose a division of current through internal leakage. It's not uncommon for a battery to discharge up to 10% a month when it is being stored. Cold temperatures slow this natural discharge process down and warmer temperatures speed the process up. Test the
stored battery state of charge every month and charge batteries that are at or below an 80% state of charge.
Completely charge the batteries before re-installing them next spring. For optimum execution you can equalize the batteries after they are fully charged. An equalizing charge is an growth in charging voltage similar to a bulk charge to change any crystallized lead sulfate back into its former components.
If you determine to leave the batteries in the Rv while it is in storage remember to check the state of charge monthly and charge any batteries at or below an 80% charge. Some Rv converter multi-stage chargers and aftermarket chargers are designed to enunciate a float charge on the battery without removing the batteries from the Rv. Remember, for the converter charger to work the Rv will need to be plugged in to electricity.
For more facts on Rv batteries check out our Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance Dvd.
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk, owner of Rv instruction 101
Winter Rv Battery storehouse
My Links : Helmet Motorcycle Wireless backup camera Cars Automotive Security Systems Alternator Repair kits
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS
