Deep Cycle Battery Maintenance

[DavesWorld]

What's the rule of thumb on the care and feeding of a deep cycle battery. We've got a sunstream lift that is going on 5 years old powered by a deep cycle battery. The unit has a solar panel for recharging but we don't get a lot of solar energy in the NW particularly in the winter months. To keep the battery charged, I've attached an extra motorcycle tender that I had on hand and everything seemed to be working fine.

The lift is really working slowly now to raise the boat. Should I replace the battery?

Should I reconnect the tender on the new battery or should I use a difference method to keep it charged in winter months.

We do use the boat in the winter.

Thanks.

 

[sbw1]

If it's a flooded cell, all you need is to keep it filled with distilled water and charge it with a charger that tapers off to a low level when it is fully charged. Flooded cell deep cycle batteries usually last 3-5 years with proper care. If that's what you have, it has given you good service. AGM deep cycles need only charging to last much longer as long as you don't run them into the ground and let them sit fully discharged.

 

[Mr Salt]

If it is a wet cell battery you have gotten the life out of it at 5 years. You should keep it charged all the time, then it will last longer.