How Often To Charge A Spare Battery?

[BML]

I have been given a nearly new battery from a vehicle that had its engine destroyed as a result of its cam belt failing so which is a god nudge to check one's cam belt.

It may come in usefull to take camping to run lighting. So, could anyone tell me how often should a battery be charged to keep it in good order?

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hi BML.

 

Vehicle batteries of the type you have are not really suited to the type of use you are going to put it to as they don't like being deeply discharged. However they will do it OK and will last for many charge/discharge cycles if you don't let the voltage drop too low. You can buy chargers now which don't just charge the battery up, they'll keep it in good condition over a long period of lay-up and are ideal for people with classic cars. A charger of that type would be best for what you envisage.

 

That much being said, I was once given a battery which was completely flat and managed to restore it to life by leaving the charger on overnight. I used that battery to power a bilge pump on my boat for many years until it finally died.

 

Cheers. Hope this helps :rolleyes:

[Johndouglas]

Vehicle batteries of the type you have are not really suited to the type of use you are going to put it to as they don't like being deeply discharged.

 

I have often heard this said. I have caravanned for many years and have always used as the on-board caravan battery, the same type as is fitted to my Xantia or C5. The van also has a remote mover fitted and the battery is capable of moving the van quite a long way without showing any signs of distress. I keep the van parked alongside the house with the mains permanently connected. I switch on the onboard charger for a few hours every two to three weeks. Unlike a mains battery charger, a caravan onboard charger won't charge to more than 13.8.

[BML]

I take the point about it not being the appropriate batery for caravanning and about the special charger. I will try to find one. Many thanks.