Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

[StarcraftBrian]

I bought a new autocraft size 27 deep cycle with 160 reserve for my trolling motor.
date stamp is 11/13 brought it home put it on the charger and was reading only half full.
Now six hours later on a 10 amp charge still not done.
what do you guys think? I don't think the battery should have been that low to begin with.
should I return and have the new one tested in store before bringing it home.
what charge should I be looking for on the tester at the store?
thanks for the help.
Brian

 

[tazrig]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

:welcome: Battery companies usually don't fully charge the batteries when they ship them as it takes extra time and money. Assuming you are using a smart charger then six hours really isn't that bad as the charger will increase and decrease the charge as needed and trickle or shut off completely when done. Autocraft recommends 10A for the first 4 hours and then 2A for another 4 hours. If it it isn't fully charged (reading 12.6 Volts) then bring it back and have them "load test" it. That will show you if the battery is holding a charge. Sometimes the first charge can take longer than expected.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

Just let it charge till its done.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

battery manufacturers usually only put in the electrolyte. they usually do not charge the battery beyond that.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

battery manufacturers usually only put in the electrolyte. they usually do not charge the battery beyond that.

Battery companies usually don't fully charge the batteries when they ship them as it takes extra time and money. Assuming you are using a smart charger then six hours really isn't that bad as the charger will increase and decrease the charge as needed and trickle or shut off completely when done. Autocraft recommends 10A for the first 4 hours and then 2A for another 4 hours. If it it isn't fully charged (reading 12.6 Volts) then bring it back and have them "load test" it. That will show you if the battery is holding a charge. Sometimes the first charge can take longer than expected.

A brand new battery has never been charged.
The Factory ships the batteries DRY, without any electrolyte in them.
The Electrolyte/Acid was added at the Local Auto Parts Warehouse and then shipped to the store, or the store added the acid on site, just before they put it on the shelf for sale.

If you ordered a new battery through the mail, it would arrive bone dry, with a separate container of Electrolyte/Acid that you will need to fill the battery with before charging and use.

Your situation is completely normal and as expected.

 

[StarcraftBrian]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

Ok thanks guys.
Results after the charge:
12:45 13.42v
1am. 13.39v
1:30 am. 13.30v
4pm today 13.22v
Will this continue to drop like this till it reaches 12.5?
Brian

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

Ok thanks guys.
Results after the charge:
12:45 13.42v
1am. 13.39v
1:30 am. 13.30v
4pm today 13.22v
Will this continue to drop like this till it reaches 12.5?
Brian

Yes, it will!
A very strong/new battery will drop very slowly and will likely settle out closer to 12.7v at room temperature.
Without any load, It may take 24 hours or more.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

If these readings are with the charger on, it will stay at the 13.2V.

Take it off the charger and let it sit for an hour and then measure the voltage. Should be 12.6V at that point.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

If these readings are with the charger on, it will stay at the 13.2V.

Take it off the charger and let it sit for an hour and then measure the voltage. Should be 12.6V at that point.

+1^^^ might take a little longer to cool to room temp but once it cools to room temp it should read 12.6 as Bruce pointed out.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

Just to add my experiences, I noticed when I added an onboard charger to my boat I started getting a lot more out of my trolling motor battery. I literally unplug the charger just before heading out, and one hour later when I reach the water I start to use it. I can troll and fish 8-10 hours, and use under 50% of the battery.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Should I have to charge my new deep cycle for 6+ hrs

+1^^^ might take a little longer to cool to room temp but once it cools to room temp it should read 12.6 as Bruce pointed out.

The hour is for the surface charge to dissipate.