profdant139 wrote:
I just replaced my two group 31 batteries after five years of hard use (over 300 nights of dry camping). I have read that the new batteries should be conditioned or "formatted" to reach maximum performance, prior to actual use in my trailer.
So I have two questions: is conditioning prior to first use really necessary, and (if so) what is the best way to do this? (I have, of course, fully charged the new batteries, and they are hooked up to my Batteryminder Plus.)
(By the way, I tried to look this up in the archives, but I could not find a prior discussion of this particular issue, which seems odd. If I missed an earlier discussion, I am sorry.)
Thanks in advance for your advice!!
(PS -- in case anyone is wondering, I decided to replace both batteries because one of them started to run down faster than the other one did. Strangely, the specific gravity in both batteries tested fine, but there was no doubt that one of the batteries was significantly weaker. And yes, both batteries were scrupulously maintained -- they never went below 12.1 volts, I checked the water level routinely and added distilled water as needed, and they sat on the Batteryminder whenever we were not traveling. I figure five years is a fair lifespan, especially given that we tow over rough dirt roads and have traveled quite a bit in sub-freezing weather. The battery boxes are necessarily on the tongue of the trailer, exposed to low temps.)
(Another PS -- these new batteries are from NAPA Auto Parts, just like my old ones. For reasons I do not understand, the prices at NAPA were far lower than those elsewhere, for seemingly-identical group 31 batteries -- same amp/hours, same dimensions, same weight.)
Batteries in parallel are NEVER a good idea..
They can NEVER be evenly matched, the weaker of the 2 will draw down the other battery, and if one battery develops a partially shorted cell, as is common....
A fully shorted cell could lead to an explosion!
