battery storage

[loghomer]

I am thinking about storing my 2 batteries in my basement inside of a tupperware container with a tight lid. My concern is my furnace is down there. since the batteries give off fumes I'm concered about the furnace igniter going off and then boom..How about some ideas!!!thanks

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: battery storage

Batteries give off hydrogen gas only when being charged, so don't worry about that. Also, I get a good chuckle out of people who say not to put your battery on a bare concrete floor for fear it will discharge. That was true back in the Dark Ages, not now.<br />But do charge your battery fully before storing it, and if it's stored longer than 6 months, a recharge will be in order. Lead acid batteries slowly self-discharge, and a discharged battery (past 50%) is a damaged battery. You battery should be protected from extreme low tempuratures as well.<br />Give it one last charge after you take it out of storage and it should be fine.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[snohomishbaddawg]

Re: battery storage

I always charge my batteries about once a month if I don't use the boat, Keeps a fresh charge on the battery. I will also once in a while turn on a light and run the battery down and then charge it again. Don't know if this helps, but it is the old deal of not letting your battery develope a "memory" durring charging. I think if you just take the time to charge them, clean the post and check the water (if needed) they will last a long time.

 

[ED21]

Re: battery storage

Memory problems only happened w/ nicads, not lead acid batteries. I charge mine about once a month in the off season. Many high tech chargers will "float charge" batteries when not in use. Probably worth it for expensive banks of trolling batteries. Try this website http://uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq.htm <br />for battery info.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: battery storage

snohomishbaddawg - are you saying you use a light to run it ALL the way down? If so...DON'T do that! The worst thing you can do to a lead acid is completely discharge it. They have no memory effect at all.