Battery observations

ajriding wrote:
13 years is impressive and sounds like you do not maintain them as well as you should.
6-7 yrs is a long batt lifespan.

Yes, do keep a trickle charger on them over the winter.

I have a little device called a "de-sulphator" or something. Plugs into any DC outlet in the car, RV and desulphates the batteries. I can't substantiate if it works or not or what it is doing. It is supposed to keep the crud off the plates, i think it sends a little pulse to the battery to "shake" or "vibrate" or in some way remove the scale. It has been years so I forgot all the claims and details.

I run it in the truck every month or so and in the Rv, but not constantly.

It only works when batt is at full charge (or being charged, so over 13v)

I thought I would throw this tidbit in..

My reason for not keeping a trickle charge on them constantly or over winter is I think the more you charge them the more you wear the plates down. Again I have not heard much discussion about that just MHO based on my experience. They have only been discharged once below 50 % but in general the deepest discharges are between 50-60% SOC. Yes I run the desulphater on mine also and on occasion and I also equalize.