Reconditioned House Batteries

[Wolfpack Fan]

I tried something new and so far the results are good. I recently replaced both hose batteries and did not need to return the old ones as an exchange. I figured, what the heck, I'll try reconditioning them. I used a solution of magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) and water. 10 tablespoons dissolved in a quart of warm water. I used a bulb type batter tester to remove some electrolyte and replaced it with the same amount of the solution. Tests are good so far after one night of charging. I'll let it set for a few days so the solution can continue to do it's thing, then give it another specific gravity and load test. I may never need to buy batteries again.

[oldnotdead]

I'm curious, how's it work?OND

[Gary RVRoamer]

Check back in 3 months and let us know how its going then. You can sometimes revive a battery for awhile, but rarely is it a long term success.

[RJay]

Epsom salt as all other salts are an alkaline. So basically you added an alkaline to an acid which will have a neutralizing effect on the acid. However salt water is a conductor so it may explain the the batteries' temporary improved condition.

[mick]

What is a hose battery?

[Wolfpack Fan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick What is a hose battery?

The house batteries in my case are 2 deep cycle golf cart batteries that provide power to the invertor for 110v like in your home and also 12 volt to the motor homes 12 volt accessories and lights.

[Wolfpack Fan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack Fan The house batteries in my case are 2 deep cycle golf cart batteries that provide power to the invertor for 110v like in your home and also 12 volt to the motor homes 12 volt accessories and lights.

Duhhh! I just realized my spelling error in the first post. Hose batteries..............

[oldnotdead]

Hose batteries conduct water to your pressure inverter.

[mick]

Negative or postive ground?

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay Epsom salt as all other salts are an alkaline.

Actually, that is not a true statement.. I double checked to be sure.

[RJay]

And....

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm Actually, that is not a true statement.. I double checked to be sure.

I thought you were going to enlighten me.

[Mr_D]

When our 4 Interstate U-2200 batteries started to show signs of getting weak I got some liquid rejuvenater at Harbor Freight. Poured it in as per the instructions, then added 4 oz of plain mineral oil on top. Now, 5 years later the batteries are still going strong. Maybe not as strong as new but still good enough. I have never run the equalizing routine on them either.
The benefit of the mineral oil is less corrosion and distilled water usage. My 9 year old battery compartment looks better than my previous one after 2 years.

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D When our 4 Interstate U-2200 batteries started to show signs of getting weak I got some liquid rejuvenater at Harbor Freight. Poured it in as per the instructions, then added 4 oz of plain mineral oil on top. Now, 5 years later the batteries are still going strong. Maybe not as strong as new but still good enough. I have never run the equalizing routine on them either. The benefit of the mineral oil is less corrosion and distilled water usage. My 9 year old battery compartment looks better than my previous one after 2 years.

I've used mineral oil in my batteries for a long time. Last March when I bought my current coach I put 4 oz. of oil in the batteries. To date I have yet to have any evidence of corrosion in the battery compartment or on the batteries. It certainly cuts down on the amount and frequency of adding water. I think the mistake most people make is not using food quality mineral oil which has less impurities.