Batteries
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Cheyenne Wy.
I bought a set of CAT batteries, 850 CCa, for $115. I haven't had a chance to install yet 10-15* is too cold. I have a charger on the truck to keep the batteries charged. Just two questions and I will consider this thread done.
The new batteries have been sitting in the warm house, should I top off the charge before installing?
Also since I use the truck 1-2 times a week would it be wise to have the charger on when not in use with the new batteries?
The new batteries have been sitting in the warm house, should I top off the charge before installing?
Also since I use the truck 1-2 times a week would it be wise to have the charger on when not in use with the new batteries?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
I would think they are charged good enough. If you are only running the truck a couple times or once a week, as long as it's long enough, probably don't need to charge. But if you are only running once a week, I would consider throwing on the trickle charger once in a while. Really depends on how big an alternator you have and how long your running it for. Those are AGM maintnenace free batteries so I would think they will hold a charge well between starts. One thing that I do is check standing overnight voltage in the AM, cold, to see what they are at. Full charge AGMs should run as high as 13.6 volts, standard as high as 12.8 volts. I would say connected to truck, so long as they are over 12.8 after an overnight charging isn't necessary. Watching that voltage over time and charging extra once in a while is good, so long as it's a good long trickle charge and it's not at too high a voltage. Your charger should have a setting for standard lead, soaked batteries bpversus AGM. Use the right setting and trickle over night. Mine tells me when it's done. Then it shuts off.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Cheyenne Wy.
I would think they are charged good enough. If you are only running the truck a couple times or once a week, as long as it's long enough, probably don't need to charge. But if you are only running once a week, I would consider throwing on the trickle charger once in a while. Really depends on how big an alternator you have and how long your running it for. Those are AGM maintnenace free batteries so I would think they will hold a charge well between starts. One thing that I do is check standing overnight voltage in the AM, cold, to see what they are at. Full charge AGMs should run as high as 13.6 volts, standard as high as 12.8 volts. I would say connected to truck, so long as they are over 12.8 after an overnight charging isn't necessary. Watching that voltage over time and charging extra once in a while is good, so long as it's a good long trickle charge and it's not at too high a voltage. Your charger should have a setting for standard lead, soaked batteries bpversus AGM. Use the right setting and trickle over night. Mine tells me when it's done. Then it shuts off.
Thanks! I do monitor things, I will check to see if my charger has an AGM setting.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Always charge new batteries at a low rate for full plate absorption. It's the best way to make sure they start off on the right foot for good performance and longetivity. The last new battery I bought took 5 hours just to reach 100%. They like to "cook" at 100% for a few hours too, so basically almost 8-12 hours.
Usually a vendor with high turnover has fresh stock but not always. Both batts have to be on the same page charging equalization helps. Saves unnecessary wear and tear on alternator stator and diodes.
Usually a vendor with high turnover has fresh stock but not always. Both batts have to be on the same page charging equalization helps. Saves unnecessary wear and tear on alternator stator and diodes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
