Charging/maintaning battery over winter

[LoweJosh]

I have a lithium battery for my troller and a lead acid for my starter. I will be storing them in the garage over the winter.

I have a NOCO Genius smart charger. It can only charge (and maintain) one battery at a time.

What’s the best course of action to keep them in good shape. Hook one up and switch every month? Do one for three months and the other for three months?

Not sure if I’m splitting hairs, but since these batteries get pretty pricey, I want to do the best thing possible.

Don’t know if it matters but the lithium was new this year. The lead acid came with the boat. No idea how old it is but it takes and holds a charge well.

Thanks for any input.

Cheers,

JI

 

[cyclops222]

All your times will work fine. Is the Lithium a TRUE ....LIFEPO4..... chemistry ? Should not need any touch up charging.
The excellent Lead Acid needs a once every 2 months or a trickle charger. If it has removable cell inspection caps / covers ? Remove them and check water levels. Any lead plates that have Lead exposed to air ? That lead becomes permanently DEAD. The rest of the Lead in the acid will still work fine. About a 1/4" of water covering the Lead is fine.
Calling the Lead battery company will tell you how much water is needed. There are lead Acid battery testers at auto places.

 

[Grub54891]

I charge overnight in the fall after winterizing, unhook batts, then cover the boat for the winter. Batteries last me close to 8 years. In spring hook up and go after checking water levels. I leave them in the boat with temps at times down to -40.

 

[LoweJosh]

Thank you all! Just the information I needed.
Cheers.

 

[KD4UPL]

Don't float charge the lithium
It really should be stored around 80% or less. The lead acid shouldn't need it either. I leave mine in the boat all winter and it starts in the spring. The last battery I replaced was 8 or 9 years old.