FWC Battery care

[Vic Harder]

If they are plugged in and charging, they can stay outside. Only discharged batteries are at risk of freezing, even up here in the GWN.

 

[Vic Harder]

To add some science to my last statement..


http://mathscinotes.com/2013/02/battery-freezing-math/


Vic

 

[john cotterman]

I have AGM with Iota/IQ4. My rig is parked in a carport where I also have an AC circuit for operating an external flood light as well as shop outlets. I turn that circuit (and the light) off when I go to bed and back on in the morning. The rig is plugged into that circuit, thus the battery is receiving AC juice approx 15 hours a day and off 9 hours a day. I could plug the rig into an AC circuit that is always on, but figured the time off is a good thing. Does it really matter with the Iota in the mix?

 

[Vic Harder]

I have AGM with Iota/IQ4. My rig is parked in a carport where I also have an AC circuit for operating an external flood light as well as shop outlets. I turn that circuit (and the light) off when I go to bed and back on in the morning. The rig is plugged into that circuit, thus the battery is receiving AC juice approx 15 hours a day and off 9 hours a day. I could plug the rig into an AC circuit that is always on, but figured the time off is a good thing. Does it really matter with the Iota in the mix?

15 hours of juice and no load? No problem!

 

[klahanie]

^ I like it, simple and effective - for you.

After six full years (including six winters) and almost 1,000 camper nights, our original battery pair is going strong.

In a word, impressive.

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I don't know if it's typical for other AGMs but fwiw the Lifeline manual states, While in storage boost charge every 90 days or when the OCV drops to 12.5v (this corresponds a 75% SOC).

Also that, Batteries should be stored in the coolest environment available, preferably not exceeding 20'C. The higher the temperature, the faster the battery will self-discharge and require boost charging.

Regarding freezing, a chart therein indicates electrolyte freezing point at 100% SOC at -70'C, 75% SOC at -47'C

http://lifelinebatteries.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6-0101-Rev-E-Lifeline-Technical-Manual.pdf

 

[ntsqd]

Occurs to me that if one is concerned enough that there are battery heater blankets and pads that are frequently used in extreme cold areas. These are normally wired together to the block heater. I see not reason why the batteries in a garage couldn't have pads under them. They probably wouldn't need to be on all of the time. Put them on a thermostatic controller & set it to come on when the temps go below your comfort zone.