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BFL13's avatar
BFL13
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2013

Does Adding Water to the Batts Make You a Bad Person?

I keep reading how it is a virtue not to have to add water to the batts because you bought the right sort of battery charger etc etc.

I don't get it.

My 6s are on solar and the controller has them back in Float in the afternoon most days in summer. Even so, I have to add water every so often, at least once a month. Nothing seems wrong.

I am suspecting that those who never have to add water are losing capacity because they never get their batteries gassing enough, so they sulfate. If they gas enough they will need water.

So it could be those who feel so virtuous now are ruining their batteries before their time.

What think?

68 Replies

  • I've heard the bi-annual water stories often. I just don't think they're paying attention.
  • I check my batteries the first of the month and add distilled water as needed.
  • RJsfishin wrote:
    My 6'ers were on a PD9155 w/ wizard 24/365. They need some water about once a year. They were over 8 yrs old when I sold 8 months ago. The batts were still performing good......maybe not quite like new, but still very good..

    This info just to give you some ideas.


    RJ, that makes me think all right. Not a clue. Perhaps it depends on how you do your cycling? 60-80s or 75-95s? Float temps vs Float voltages?

    Very strange----
  • No, NOT adding Distilled Water to a battery that is low makes you a bad person (or at least one with a non working battery) :)

    Happy Camping.
  • My 6'ers were on a PD9155 w/ wizard 24/365. They need some water about once a year. They were over 8 yrs old when I sold 8 months ago. The batts were still performing good......maybe not quite like new, but still very good..

    This info just to give you some ideas.

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