Forum Discussion

Glenn_And_Kitty's avatar
Glenn_And_Kitty
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013

VRLA Battery question

I purchased a new Yamaha generator and it was shipped to me. It came with a VRLA Battery. The battery was shipped dry with the electrolyte solution shipped separately. I put the solution in the battery and sealed it, no problem. Now I need to charge up the battery but there is a warning to use the proper battery charger.

I have a battery charger that has a setting for "conventional batteries" and a separate setting for "Maintenance Free and Deep Cycle". Can I charge the VRLA battery on the "Maintenance Free/Deep Cycle" setting or do I need another type of battery charger?

Glenn
  • Yosemitebobr's avatar
    Yosemitebobr
    Explorer
    Nov 08, 2013
    Doesn't your generator charge once it's started, and isn't there a pull start (although I don't think you will need it) to start the generator? Once you've added the acid, you should be ready to go, just start up the gene and let it do the job.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2013
    Our 10 yr old gen (Honda 3000) had a battery when new, but it died first year from lack of gen use (I guess), and us being newbies (I guess). Used the pull cord ever since.

    No idea how often or how long you have to run the gen to maintain that battery. No way am I going to pay for a new battery when all I have to do is pull the cord--those batteries are not exactly free! :(
  • pnichols's avatar
    pnichols
    Explorer II
    Nov 08, 2013
    BFL13,

    You pull-start a Honda 3000?! I don't even like pull-starting my Honda 650 or Honda 1000.

    To the OP: Just use the "Maintenance Free/Deep Cycle" setting of your charger on the VRLA battery ... it will be fine.

    I've had VRLA batteries in vehicles, boats, and now our RV ... for years, and I've never used special chargers on them. I still use one in the boat that is at least 12 years old - and those in my RV are almost 8 years old. Most VRLA batteries are very rugged.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Nov 09, 2013
    pnichols wrote:
    BFL13,

    You pull-start a Honda 3000?! I don't even like pull-starting my Honda 650 or Honda 1000.................

    .


    Yep, no sweat. Fires right up one pull.

  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2013
    pnichols wrote:
    To the OP: Just use the "Maintenance Free/Deep Cycle" setting of your charger on the VRLA battery ... it will be fine.
    No special charger needed although I would heed the charging specs. I blew up an ATV battery once and no it was not old. I now use my HF maintainer as a charger on it. Works like a champ.
  • Glenn_And_Kitty's avatar
    Glenn_And_Kitty
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2013
    OP here: Thanks for the replies. The Yamaha Gen I have does not have a pull start rope.

    I'll charge the battery on the "Maintenance Free and Deep Cycle" setting for about 6 – 8 hours and then give it a try.

    Thanks again for the help.
  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2013
    Yosemitebobr wrote:
    It's not a large battery by no means, should not even take that long
    X2, probably half that time.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Nov 09, 2013
    My Vector charger says to use the 10a setting on small batteries and the higher amp settings for bigger batteries. Also has a Wet/AGM/Gel choice.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,191 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025