Battery Charging

[Studman]

Ok I have 2 batterys from the boat , one from the jet ski and another from the quad.
I would like to bring them all inside and put them on a trickle charger for the winter.
I found a 4 bank charger that I think will do the job nicely
the question is ,
Is it a bad idea to bring them in the house and set up the charger?
I was thinking keeping them in the warm house would be better the the cold garage ( which will get pretty cold, I am in CT)
How about in the furnace room?
Should I be conserned with fumes? or "gases"
Should I even bother keeping them on charger?
any help would be great, Thanks

 

[Lazy Daze]

The garage will be fine. Fumes are minimal, at best. I wouldn't put it right next to an open flame, mind you, but there's not much to worry about. I would, however, make sure that whatever you set the batteries on will be OK if you accidentally have a spillage.

Just be careful on which charger you buy - don't buy it strictly based on price. Instead of a "trickle charger" (which can still overcook a battery), look for a "maintainer" or a "conditioner". Google the brand "Battery Minder" to see what I'm talking about.

And, yes, the #1 thing you can do for your batteries is to keep them on charge all the time.

I leave mine in the boat (on charge) in the winter, but the boat is at my house so it's always plugged in.

Don't forget to check the fluid level occasionally and add DISTILLED water.

 

[Studman]

I understand the Garage being fine but I was thinking of putting them in the house where it will be warmer.
The "playroom" ( which has become a dump room) I guess will work
Think it's a big deal to bring them inside?

 

[Lazy Daze]

As long as you're OK with possible leakage where you will put it, sure, inside is fine. Large scale leakage is unlikely with today's batteries and chargers (good ones, that is), but it is still a possibility and you should take that into account.

 

[JimG]

IMO... I would leave them in the garage on charge, no where near living quarters... lead acid batteries on charge can produce hydrogen which is combustible.