Deep cycle battery question

[Guest]

My deep cycle battery seems to be taking longer to charge and it is three years old, my question is that the first sign of it going bad, or do they just stop one day?

[Guest]

I have not notice any effect on longetivity it just seemed to be taking longer to charge than it used to. Thanks for the info, and the reply.

[korn_fish]

You probably already checked, but check your terminals and your 'gator' clips on the charger. Make sure the terminals on your battery are shiney and that the wires on your charger are OK.

could also be that your charger isn't working properly.

You probably already looked, but make sure the switch on your charger didn't go from 6 amp to 2 amp etc.

If you changed chargers, that may also be the issue as the amp rates may be different.

Just some thoughts,

[skyking]

Have you checked your water level in the battery lately? It could be that the level was low and your plates started to sulfate. I added some Battery Equalizer made by MinnKota to my batteries this year. It's supposed to help your batteries to charge quicker, last longer, and prevent sulfation of your plates. If you do add water make sure it's distilled water and not tap water. Good Luck

[united jigsticker]

Do you notice any difference in longetivity or performance from it?

Deep cycles don't just "go bad". They will reduce in performance over time.

Typically when they start to go bad, they will seemingly charge up quicker, because they start to "resist" charging.

The only way a battery would suddenly "go bad" is if it was left uncharged and allowed to freeze over the winter.

Some batterys last 2 years, others last longer, up to 7 years, depending on the care and maintenence.

Right up until this year, I had the original Ultra Life starting battery that came with my 1996 Lund cranking my motor. And the deep cycle that came with it was replaced 2 years ago. Not bad for a battery I thought would be cheap and unreliable.

As long as it was kept about 70% charged last winter and the winter before, it should be fine. Also, it's better to slow charge them then fast charge, as less heat from resistance is built up.

I personaly use a 6amp charge. Takes longer, but builds less heat, and thouroughly charges the battery better.

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Good fishing,
UJ
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by united jigsticker (edited 05-19-2004).]