I just ordered a 2qt battery filler jug I plan on keeping on board in the battery compartment. I like that it fills to the correct level and stops. How often do you all check the levels on your batteries?
Battery maintenance for dummies
- Thread starter Justin_NSA
- Start date
Beginning of the season, end of the season and at least once during the short Lake Ontario season. I use a turkey baster and a jug of distilled water.
My first thought is, are all batteries made the same so that "Auto level/off" feature is right for all batteries? Out of high school I worked at a gas station where we just filled that same container with tap water. Now, I wonder what that was doing to the batteries. It is probably not a problem, but I'd wonder if the water can stay clean during periods of non-use? I use a dish-soap bottle with the top that you can squirt the water into the battery.
Dave, do you leave a charger on when you close up? Just wondering if that would increase the frequency of inspections. My ProCharge is supposed to be smart so it should taper off.
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Valid question. They may be, or maybe the filler is adjustable. I just submitted that question to the manufacturer. They might even respond.
https://www.plews-edelmann.com/products/funnels-fillers-and-measures/75-030/
The amount of water a battery uses and gets is based on the use of the battery, the amount of charging and access. Only YOU can determine this for YOUR bank. What anyone else does is irrelevant.
Check it every month until you know how long in between YOU can go.
The question is liking asking others "How often do you shower?"
I ain't gonna answer that one, though.
My complicated rig includes a gallon of distilled water, a plastic cup and a small funnel.
Check it every month until you know how long in between YOU can go.
The question is liking asking others "How often do you shower?"
I ain't gonna answer that one, though.
My complicated rig includes a gallon of distilled water, a plastic cup and a small funnel.
Yes, we leave the charger on and connect to shore power at the dock. If we don't the beer in the refrigerator will get warm.
In the spring, the batteries typically don't need to be topped off. They are fully charged and disconnected each fall, so the there is no charging. I do need to top off the batteries mid season and before the last charge in the fall.
I have a ProMariner Pronautic charger.
<envy> I need to get my fridge going. When we bought, the PO said it was the compressor. I've never checked it out.
Thanks for the info.
I wish I could use that! I use a small funnel with a length of hose,...and a mirror on some fills.I just ordered a 2qt battery filler jug I plan on keeping on board in the battery compartment. I like that it fills to the correct level and stops. How often do you all check the levels on your batteries?
I check the levels, top off if needed, in the spring and fall, the only time I use a 110V charger on the hard.
Stu, Ditch the funnel and get a clear plastic Ketchup squirt bottle.
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/301662654700-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/301662654700-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
I have a couple of those battery filler jugs and have used them for several years on both of my boats and golf cart. They work great on all. Used to check my batteries every month or two but they rarely need to have water added to them and I do keep them plugged in all the time year-round at the marina. I would say they need water about once per year.
bob
bob
I think using tap water with it's impurities can cut the life of a battery. Trojan has a whitepaper on this. They aren't selling distilled water
https://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/WP_EffectOfImpurities_0612.pdf
https://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/WP_EffectOfImpurities_0612.pdf
Once a month. At the beginning of each month I plug in for a couple of days to charge. Don't like staying plugged in full time. Too many questionable boats around me plugged in 24/7. In cooler weather level does not drop much, however, in the hotter months the water will drop a bit more but never exposes the plates. Use distilled water only. 4 T-105 6v Trojans still going strong after about 10 - 12 years.
It ain't a ketchup bottle unless it's red?
Not a bad idea, but why should I spend anything beyond what I have that's been working for 20 years for me?
Thanks for the idea, though.
Hmm, maybe the dollar store...
Unless you use water directly from a Flint city water source....... the lead in the water should extend the battery life shouldn't it?