New Battery Charger installed

[Brian D]

Xantrex Truecharge 20+. Took 90 minutes to get the old charger out and the new one in. I still have to do a few more minor things before the installation is totally complete.Now, Lets see if my batteries will recover or if I have to buy new ones. These are flooded batteries. What would be the nominal maintenance cycle for adding water? It has been a long time since I've used flooded batteries.Just FYI, I have been having to add water just about every two weeks. The old charger was probably killing my batteries. Hope they recover. I'll check the levels with a hydrometer later.

 

[Honeyman]

Should check...

every month or so, but my Trojans only need a little water about every 6 months to top them off. Use distilled water only.I've had that same charger on 2 different boats now (28.5 & 35.5) and it does a great job. Did you install temp. sensor? You can find one on Ebay for about $25.

 

[Dave from Mi.]

Adding H2o

Hi Brian;I have 2 grp 31 flooded for my house bank and a grp 27 for starting. Here in the Great lakes area, (Cooler Temps, and 6 months usage) I usually have to add a little distilled water 3-4 times a year. In the spring at launch time, around May, a mid summer check about middle of July, before our extended cruise, and again in October when I put the boat to "bed". I usually check on the boat in February, run the charger for 30 mins or so and check the water level. With this routine, my house bank is 6 years old, and still hold a good charge, but I replaced them this spring, "just because"With your charger and a regular topping off with distilled water, you batteries should last a long time.Fair windsDave

 

[Brian D]

Temp sensor next go around

Thanks guys. I hope that I don't have to replace the batteries. I'll try equalizing them later on. Maybe that will cure any problems that arise. I'll also look into a temp probe next go around.My fingers are crossed that there isn't too much damage. They are grp27 batteries and still look brand new. I suspect they are about two years old.