Forum Discussion

rwj146's avatar
rwj146
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017

Battery Discharge

I bought two new Duracell 6 volt golf cart batteries around the first of March. These batteries unfortunately for me, have been sitting waiting for my two week repair to be finished.

The repair is beginning its 3rd month (about) and have been told it will be ready around the first.

Part of the work I am paying for is installation of a two battery holder and battery boxes for them.

My question... These are not gel batteries, If I read the discharge rate chart right these things may be ruined, is that correct?

Much of this is my fault, it never occurred to me until late this past week.

Can they be saved or is it best just start over?

Thanks for any answers or solutions.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 25, 2017
    I would certainly attempt to charge them, then equalize them. They may have lost some capacity but are still far from being door stops.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2017
    They should be just fine. My 6V batteries sit all winter long in the TT and the MH with out a bit of problem. I just disconnect the negative battery cable. Put them on a charger and go from there.

    Bill
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2017
    Sitting how? Hooked up or not? If not, probably fine as long as they were charged beforehand.

    Perhaps by saying 'gel' you're referring to AGM.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 25, 2017
    What it the voltage on the batteries?
    How long have they been at that voltage?
  • rwj146's avatar
    rwj146
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2017
    The batteries are or were new, never installed. They are at the repair shop in Oklahoma. I did not check the voltage when I dropped them off.

    Thanks so much for the replies.

    Not hooked up, they are inside the trailer still in their boxes.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 25, 2017
    So sitting NIB and disconnected. I think they are fine. Charge and use normal once installed.
    Once installed will be a good time to review the charging system and possibly upgrading.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2017
    rwj146 wrote:
    The batteries are or were new, never installed. They are at the repair shop in Oklahoma. I did not check the voltage when I dropped them off.

    Not hooked up, they are inside the trailer still in their boxes.


    New batteries sit on dealership shelves for months before being sold and although there will be some small amount of self discharge that's certainly not going to cause battery death in just a few short months. Forgetaboutit. :W
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2017
    Is this in the 1988 TT? Did you get a newer converter for that TT? If not, then the 6s won't get a proper recharge, which means them seeing 14.4 or better for as long as it takes to get their SGs up to spec, say 1.285 ( after allowance for temperature)

    Once SG stops rising that is your target for future recharges (baseline SG) You need to do that with any new battery after getting it home, and especially with these with the extra shelf-time.

    Then you should be fine--if you have a converter or some other charger that can meet the charging specs for those 6s.

    Yes, it is very annoying to have the RV shop steal your camping time like that.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2017
    rwj146 wrote:
    If I read the discharge rate chart right these things may be ruined, is that correct?


    No not at all.
    What exactly does your statement above mean ?

    Most new wet-cell batteries end up at about half charge or a bit less after you add the acid....and before you charge them good the first time. Letting them sit like that shouldn't cause any real serious problem.

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