--- In [email protected], "tahrens301" <tahr...@...> wrote: > > Hi Larry... > > Batteries that ended up with no electrolyte - it had all > boiled off.
Not good for battery life, for sure. > We've had numerous 'battery maintenance' systems on our > trucks over the years which have resulted in the batteries > having a shortened life. All were touted as 'will not > overcharge, etc'. Obviously, they did overcharge. Were these "consumer" grade "battery maintenance systems"? If so, that could explain some things. A good, proper, float charger will apply the proper float VOLTAGE, not some often arbitrary "trickle charge CURRENT of x value", or carry a "will not overcharge" statement. My point is that an ordinary cranking or trolling deep-cycle battery need not boil out under prolonged maintenance charging. I've kept trolling-type deep-cycle batteries on a float voltage of 13.6, +/- .05 volts for 7-8 years, at which point their capacity was not useful anymore. I simply checked the electrolyte every few weeks, added a bit of distilled water, and never had a problem. The exact float voltage is the key. Find out what the battery manufacturer recommends. In any case, 13.6 +/- .05 volts won't be far off. Hope this helps. Laryn K8TVZ
