Forum Discussion

bobcouch's avatar
bobcouch
Explorer
May 03, 2020

Battery Dilemma

After sitting for about six months, I have a battery that is probably toast.
It's a standard 12V, wet cell battery that is currently reading 6.2 VDC. My charger doesn't indicate that it is bad, but will only charge for 5 minutes or less before the thermal overload shuts it off.
I read between cells, looking for a bad cell and the difference between cells is proportional all the way across.
Any idea what went wrong?
More important - is it fixable or is it trash?
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 03, 2020
    No one mentions age of battery? Shame.


    A young battery has a tiny chance of recovery.

    2 years old you'd have a better chance if you held a seance. I ran my car battery down to 0 and it was brand new. Back to Costco it went. With a 35 year history of no returns if you think this unethical, sue me.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 03, 2020
    RV batteries tend to have drains that can't be shut off and 6 months can ruin it. That's one reason why I have a full cutoff switch on the battery post.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 03, 2020
    Get a 30 watt solar panel and a $23 weatherproof controller from WindyNation to keep your battery charged when your TT is in storage.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 03, 2020
    Probably trash, but if you want to charge it, you will have to parallel it with a good battery.
  • cavie's avatar
    cavie
    Explorer
    May 03, 2020
    Take it to auto store and have it charged and load tested.

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