Community Forums

Gadget Man · 03-06-2016, 10:49 PM

I have four Interstate wet cell deep cycle house batteries. I store my MH at home and keep it plugged into shore power all the time. My Magnum inverter/charger does a good job of maintaining the charge level and I top off the electrolyte level on a monthly basis. We use the MH frequently so the batteries get used regularly. The only exception is winter, when the RV sits idle for about four months. I exercise the generator every month, so I was wondering if I should exercise the house batteries as well. For instance, shutting off shore power for a day to allow the batteries to see some service during the winter. Any thoughts?

Craig

Mr_D · 03-06-2016, 10:58 PM

Never heard of it, nor have I ever done it. My last set of Interstate U-2200's went 10 years befire I replaced them and they were still good enough to last all night.

Arch Hoagland · 03-07-2016, 12:00 AM

Like Mr-D I have never heard of that either.

I keep my coach plugged in at home and, other than checking water every couple months, pretty much leave the two 6 volt batteries alone.

Tony Lee · 03-07-2016, 06:05 AM

Batteries and myself share one thing - we both detest unnecessary exercise.

Main thing in winter is that they are charged so they can't freeze.

One possible problem is that if you are adding significant quantities of water, then maybe your Magnum isn't doing such a wonderful job and float voltage is too high.

JohnBoyToo · 03-07-2016, 06:15 AM

I had to replace my batteries and suspect the previous owner did not set everything as he should... but not upset about it, heck, I'm still feeling the 4 new trojans out and how things should be set up

Would rather have it set up right before there is a problem...

How do you set the Magnum 'correctly' for your batteries ?

I do know it depends on the amp-hr's of your batteries, and charge rate, and etc.. school me !

AKJohn · 03-07-2016, 06:51 AM

Here is source of useful information

Battery Information Table of Contents, Basic to Advanced

This site covers all types of batteries but if you locate lead acid batteries on the table of contents you'll find specific information on prolonging the life of your batteries including storage.

TLGPE · 03-07-2016, 07:35 AM

AKJohn, thanks for the BU link. Lots of good info there! Not all of it useful very often, but good to have when we need it.

Tom

spyderRV · 03-07-2016, 08:45 AM

I use a progressive dynamics charge wizard.

"EQUALIZATION Mode 14.4 Volts - Every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes prevents battery stratification & sulfation - the leading cause of battery failure."

Charge Wizard RV Battery Charging