Charging batteries during winter months

[TooTired]

I took the batteries out of my boat and put them in the basement for winter storage. I would like to keep them well maintained and ready for spring. What do you think about a 1 amp charge. If i did use a 1 amp charger how long should I leave it on for and how often should I charge them. I have a 6 amp charger aswell, which one would you use. Im thinking the 1 amp (slow) charge would be better for the battery, what do you think?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Charging batteries during winter months

TooTired<br />I like a 10 amp AUTOMATIC charger. You can charge it with your 1 amp or your 6 amp but remember both can over charge if they are not Automatic. I find most charger below 10 amps are Manual chargers. If they are manual chargers best way is to charge until battery reaches about 14.4 volts and then shut off. You can also use a hydrometer to check stat of charge of the battery and shut off when reaches full charge.<br /><br />Today most starting batterries in most autos are charge by alternators puting out 100 amps and do just fine. Many motor homes with deep cycle batterries are also charge on the road by 100 amp alternators.<br /><br />Most inportant thing is charge one time a month and do not over charge.<br /><br /> http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/dcfaq.htm

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Charging batteries during winter months

I have heard to put them on a piece of wood and keep them off of a cement floor.I no longer take the batteries out of my boat.I leave my shore power plugged in so I can have a fan and a lamp go on and off on timer.I usually flip on the charger once or twice a month.I have not had a problem doing it this way.Charlie

 

[ndemge]

Re: Charging batteries during winter months

I have a BatteryTender ..1 amp automatic charger does a VERY good job. it's about $40<br /><br />Hook a meter to it after full charge, and it puts out about .05 amps ...just to keep up with self-discharge. I have a bunch of batteries that are going in my van next year, I just rotate between them to keep them all charged.

 

[jmeydenbauer]

Re: Charging batteries during winter months

I have heard to put them on a piece of wood and keep them off of a cement floor.

I think this had something to do with batteries that were made with wooden cases a long time ago. It's fine to set batteries on a cement floor. <br /><br />BatteryTender works great or any automatic charger used once a month.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Charging batteries during winter months

Not all 'automatic' chargers can be left on for extended periods.<br /><br />If you have one that can, though, it'll charge the battery and keep it up by either constant low charge, interval or trickle intervals. More types are around- sometimes referred to as 'maintenance' or 'intelligent' chargers.