battery thirst question

[plantguy90]

just wondering, some of my batteries have an awful thirst, I can fill, refill next day, and a few days later, have to fill again.

Some batteries run almost bone dry, and I notice there is a lot of acid leakage, so some basic battery care questions: Does battery age factor into the thirst issue? I try to fill after charging now, but some carts still produce a lot of leaks.

I was told I should leave charger on every night, they are work carts, they don't run all day, just used for transport here and there, distance wise they don't travel much in a day.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by plantguy90

just wondering, some of my batteries have an awful thirst, I can fill, refill next day, and a few days later, have to fill again.

Some batteries run almost bone dry, and I notice there is a lot of acid leakage, so some basic battery care questions: Does battery age factor into the thirst issue? I try to fill after charging now, but some carts still produce a lot of leaks.

I was told I should leave charger on every night, they are work carts, they don't run all day, just used for transport here and there, distance wise they don't travel much in a day.

This is TRUE. plug them in everyday.

the water issue you described.....you have GOT to have some batteries that have cracked cases.....otherwise....you should NEVER have to refill that often. I live where is HOT and only have to put water in about once a month.

AND if you have batteries that have gone DRY.....its time to go to the BATTERY STORE.

[sportcoupe]

If you deep discharge the batteries they will gas much more during charging loosing more water then "normal". Do you have a battery meter, either a bar style or better yet digital? If not you need one to prevent over discharging the batteries and shortening their life dramatically.

[scottyb]

Old batteries use more water because they charge harder as they loose their ability to recuperate. Get a meter, Charging every night is not needed for a cart that goes short distance. My personal shop cart might go 500 ft 3-4 times a day. I recharge about once a week when the meter says it needs it

Excessive charging is not good and may shorten the useful life of the batteries -

[tteckster]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Excessive charging is not good and may shorten the useful life of the batteries -

So, you're saying it's better to only charge when SOC meter hits a certain number? Not every time you ride and park?

[grhopper]

If so, what's the magic number for a 48v pack?

[rib33024]

the magic number for a 48v pack, is to charge when it is 48 volts, that is 50%

[grhopper]

I know not to let it get below 50%, but should I wait till it gets to 50% before charging? I usually plug it in each night, and I know it doesn't get that low every day. The cart may get driven a mile or 2 per day.

[plantguy90]

Weird part is the batteries (Trojans) boil off a lot of water, but they still read off around 6.5 v, but all that acid isn't great.

[eflyguy]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Old batteries use more water because they charge harder as they loose their ability to recuperate. Get a meter, Charging every night is not needed for a cart that goes short distance. My personal shop cart might go 500 ft 3-4 times a day. I recharge about once a week when the meter says it needs it

Excessive charging is not good and may shorten the useful life of the batteries -

Doesn't the smart charger detect that they are pretty much charged, and simply go into maintenance mode?
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