House Batterys

Even for deep cycle batteries every time you allow them to discharge completely you will shorten their lives! As stated a trickle charge will keep the batteries topped off. To charge those house batteries will take at least 8 hours, charging them from the engine alternator in that state is at best "lame". severely discharged batteries require care and time to bring them back, (they still will have their life shortened). Keep them charged, do not over charge, and they will reward you with long life!

I understood the reason for placing lead acid batteries on plywood instead of bare concrete had to do with protecting the cement in case of an acid spill or boil-over. The acid will damage the cement to some degree.

I have heard before the other reasons shared here, but I won't comment on them because I really wouldn't know. As Dakzuki stated, it is possible it was a concern in the distant past, maybe no longer an issue.

Yup, here is the one I use:
http://www.batterymart.com/p-2012-batteryminder-12-volt-2-amp-charger.html

Get a "Battery Minder" Model 1500 12vdc smart charger and leave connected to batteries connected in series for 12 vdc. Check electrolyte levels and add distilled water when/if needed to cover the plates. This item claims to de-sulphate/rejuvenate most batteries without over-charging.

dennyida wrote:
I don't know what it is about cement but I can tell you from experience and a lower bank account that it will.

Back in the days of semi porous/permeable battery cases there was a possibility due to chemical reaction through the case. Whether it happened or not is another story....batteries were inferior back then compared to these days anyway. Battery cases are constructed differently these days.

The story continues however.


A battery maintainer is the best for storing batteries. They don't cost much at all.

I store my boat and RV batteries in my 60 degree garage all winter with no charger. They are always fine in the spring. The last set of boat batteries lasted 7 years.
I install off grid solar systems in cabins and homes for a living. I install lots of batteries on concrete. I heard that saying about concrete so many times I had to look it up. It turns out that many years ago it was true. Battery cases used to be made of glass and then rubber. Also, concrete had some ingredients in it that could cause a problem. Concrete isn't made that way anymore and battery cases are now plastic. So, while it used to matter many years ago it doesn't anymore. For some reason the myth continues.
I have known batteries to be permanently installed directly on concrete for years and give very good service. Mine sit on concrete all winter. It just doesn't matter anymore.
Look it up like I did.

dennyida wrote:
I don't know what it is about cement but I can tell you from experience and a lower bank account that it will.

Believe whatever you want, but it's not the concrete. It may be the lower temperature.

Hi,

The warmer the batteries, are the more they will self discharge. I'd charge them for 24 hours once per month, checking the electrolyte levels after about 16 hours.

The cement is an old wives tale.

I prefer to leave my battery bank in the RV. I do have a modest solar system to maintain them.

I don't know what it is about cement but I can tell you from experience and a lower bank account that it will.

dennyida wrote:
NOTE, make sure they are on a dry wood base and not on cement that will kill a battery real fast.

Another myth.