Conditioning/"formatting" new batteries: update in 1st post
(UPDATE -- based on advice from you all, I have "freshened" my batteries using the DC charging output on my Honda generator. It is supposed to put out 8 amps, but I measured it at 5, which was perfect for this job. The voltage was just over 15 during the charge -- the water started bubbling right away. I left the caps off so the gas could escape. I ran the generator for an hour for each battery. No way to tell if this had much of an effect -- the specific gravity of the batteries was maxed out before I started, according to my hydrometer.
We will see how these batteries perform -- thanks for the advice! End of update.)
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.)
We will see how these batteries perform -- thanks for the advice! End of update.)
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.)
