Bring the batteries home or not?

A few points:

Batteries will self discharge and sulphate if not kept charged. This will lead to a shorter life, but its not clear whether its 5% less or 25% less. They should not freeze if they were put away full charged.

Best of all things possible is to connect them to a float charger for the entire winter. (Not a trickle charger).

The block of wood under them when on concrete is mainly to make sure the fluid at the bottom of the battery is close to the same temp as the fluid at the top of the battery. It has nothing to do with loosing electricity through the bottom of the battery to the concrete.
 
Some info from an authority on batteries & battery chargers. NOT ME!

Storing, charging or operating batteries on concrete is perfectly OK. The most important things to avoid:
Freezing. Avoid locations where freezing temperature is expected. Keeping battery at a high state of charge will also prevent freezing. Freezing results in irreparable damage to battery's plates and container. [Freezing can happen between -19 F (40% charge) and -98 F (fully charged)]

Heat. Avoid direct exposure to heat sources, such as radiators or space heaters. Temperatures above 80° F accelerate the battery's self-discharge characteristics.
Step by step storage procedure: 1. Completely charge the battery before storing. 2. Store the battery in a cool, dry location, protected from the elements. 3. During storage, monitor the specific gravity (flooded) or voltage. Batteries in storage should be given a boost charge when they show a 70% charge or less. Completely charge the battery before re-activating.
 
they naturally discharge but the cold slows down the discharge.
http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/carfaq13.htm

Lead sulphate, created from plates and sulfur acid during a charge, won't freeze unless it gets real cold...approx -12C. (http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/carfaq4.htm#freeze_points)

So it is a question of care and feeding. If you store in the basement they will lose their charge faster than cold outside, but you can float charge them.

I am going to save my back and leave the batteries. I'll just them them off in the spring when I prepare for striper season on the Chesapeake.

RECOMMENDATION: tap them with a multimeter and decide which to do at winterization time. if you get 12.6v-12.8v you have a full battery, cut them off, and let em sit.
 
Just to clarify its not storing on concrete that is the issue its the temp of it vs surrounding area. So if the concrete is going to be colder than the surrounding area, then a block of wood between the concrete and battery is a good idea. Or hard foam.
 
I just knew it had something to do with the old type of battery case but could not put my finger on it. It was driving me bats. Finally located it on "Interstate Battery" web site.

Will storing my battery on concrete drain the charge?
No. Regarding today's batteries, this is a myth. A battery placed on concrete will not discharge any faster, but a battery will discharge over a period of time wherever it is placed. If the battery has a surface layer of acid or grime which is conductive, the battery will self-discharge more rapidly than if it were clean and dry.

This myth does have some historical basis. Many years ago, wooden battery cases encased a glass jar with the battery in it. Any moisture on the floor could cause the wood to swell and possibly fracture the glass, causing it to leak. Later came the introduction of the "hard rubber" cases, which were somewhat porous. A current could be conducted through this container, which had a high carbon content, if the moist concrete floor permitted the current to find an electrical ground. The wise advise of the old days to "not store batteries on concrete" has apparently been passed down to us today, but it no longer applies.
 
I keep mine in my basement. I have a battery maintainer $35.00, I switch it back and forth every week or so. Four seasons on this set of batteries. If it is easy, I would take them home.
 
So the answer is mixed. But if its easy and if you have a float charger at home (or want to fool with a trickle charger once a month) then bring them home. Although best is a float charger at home.

If they are big and left on the boat, they will sulfate slightly, but may not significantly reduce their life.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top