Battery charging

[searay]

Well went to get the batterys to charge at home, I took a picture so I can hook them up the right way. Looking at the Picture looks like a no brainer.
View attachment 10072
View attachment 10072

 

[2xR]

Yup... looks like even I could do it. That means it's extra simple.

 

[SilverSurfer]

You got it under control. Taking the pic is a good idea. But do pay close attention to the terminals when ya re-install the batteries. I've know a couple of guys that didn't pay attention to the '+'/'-' terminals and tried to hook 'em up...lol.

You'll do just fine, bro.

-ss-

 

[searay]

You got it under control. Taking the pic is a good idea. But do pay close attention to the terminals when ya re-install the batteries. I've know a couple of guys that didn't pay attention to the '+'/'-' terminals and tried to hook 'em up...lol.

You'll do just fine, bro.

-ss-

Will do... Check and double Check The Battery Posts.

 

[searay]

Another question: when I charge the batterys do I charge to 12Vor14V for a full charge?

 

[SilverSurfer]

I always handled charging by putting 'em on a slow charge until the meter read above 12 volts. Then test each one for bad cells. As long as the battery's good...you mainly need 12 volts. I'm not positive, but I believe the ideal number is 13.4...but don't hold me to that one.

-ss-

 

[searay]

I have one charging for 5 hours on slow charge and it won't go over 12v. Should I let it go longer?

 

[SilverSurfer]

This is my experience. I would never go over 6 hours on slow charge, figuring I probably had a bad cell in that particular battery. Let it go another hour and if it's still not at, or over, 12v...test it. It most likely has a bad cell not accepting charge.

-ss-

 

[searay]

I"ll let it go for another hour and stop, Then go to the next one. The volt tester is showing 12v. The only reason there're dead is from sitting for 5 months. I should have taken the negs off.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I hear ya...hindsight is 20/20. Just consider it lesson learned...lol.

It sounds like you have just a volt tester. Once ya get 'er running, I would suggest you have a shop with a cell tester check 'em out at your earliest convenience. That's the key test which needs to be done to ensure you don't have another problem.

Something else which should be kept in mind. I had a 120" Double Eagle bunk with all the bells and whistles, and found that my batteries would need changing out every two years. Battery life cycles should be paid close attention to, and delt with accordingly. Understanding this will prevent any future events with dead batteries at inappropriate times.

-ss-

 

[searay]

Your right,, All I have is a volt tester. I called my shop and they will do a Load test for me. As for the batterys, They are only 13 months old.

Heres a funny thing, My old batterys lasted 5 1/2 years almost never heard of.

 

[SilverSurfer]

You ain't lying there...5+ years is unusual. But then it truly does depend upon the quality of the batteries and the loads placed upon 'em...lol

-ss-

 

[searay]

Update: After charging the Batterys all weekend I thought they were charged. My 12v Tester showed 12v, Wrong they only had 10V time to throw tester away. I took the Batterys to my repair shop for the Load test, They all failed.

Being the nice guys they are they charged them over night to a full 12v.
Did the load test, 3 good 1 just OK.
They didn't even charge me for doing the charging or testing.
I cleaned all posts, Hooked them up and started the Truck.
No problem...Yeah

 

[SilverSurfer]

Good deal. Glad to hear ya got a break.

-ss-