How to Charge A Deep Cycle Battery Properly?

Although deep cycle batteries last for a longer period compared to normal ones, there will come a time that you will need to charge these dependable power suppliers. Most mobile homeowners maintain their deep cycle batteries frequently by checking its discharge status.

As this deep cycle RV battery provides a stable current for long periods of time, you need to be wary of its status so you won’t go extra low before recharging them. Going below 20% of their status can cause heating issues and can therefore cause damage. Knowing when to charge and how to charge properly will keep your deep cycle batteries in great shape for a better performance.

Step by Step Teach You How to Charge A Deep Cycle Battery

Step 1: Remove the battery from its storage area

Deep cycle batteries provide you a great current for a long time. Since they are mostly built to last, deep cycle battery owners often neglect them in their storage areas. The first step in charging your battery is to remove them from their usual spot. Most deep cycle batteries are in corners or in hidden recesses. These areas can accumulate dust and dirt. Taking them out will give you a better look at the condition of your battery.

Step 2: Switch off the battery

At this point, you would want to switch off the deep cycle battery. This will give you a great chance at checking them without wasting its power.

Step 3: Inspect the battery

After your battery has been shut off, it is now time to fully inspect your deep cycle battery. As it might have been in your storage area for a long time, it might accumulate a ton of debris. Check out for salt particles, corrosion over the terminals, and the integrity of the connectors. You may also wipe these off to ensure that there is no impedance as the battery is being charged. Inspect all sides of the battery, and check if there are any damages on its body.

Step 4: Use a multi-stage battery charger  

The key in charging your deep cycle battery is in investing with the right charger. Aside from keeping your battery level up, this will ensure you that the battery’s condition is maintained with the right way of charging them.

A single-stage battery charger might damage your battery if they are on for too long. On the contrary, a multi-stage battery senses the requirements of your battery. It takes account the health of the battery and charges it gradually in multiple stages. This will guarantee you a longer battery life and a greater efficiency.

Step 5: Connect the charger to the battery

Most battery chargers come with connectors. Using an alligator clip, connect the battery and its charger. Make sure you are connected on the right port. You also need to ensure that the terminals are free from any other wire that is not needed for the charging.

Step 6: Charge your deep cycle battery

Switch on the deep cycle battery. After which, you may also switch on the battery charger. From its name, this charger uses multiple stages in restoring power to your battery. The Bulk Stage will restore power of around 80% on your deep cycle battery. The next stage is the Absorption Stage. At this point, the charger trickles the voltage on your battery, and regulates this according to your battery’s needs. The last stage is the Floating Stage where it maintains the power stored at optimum levels.

Step 7: Charge the battery with the time it needs 

The amount of time your battery will be recharged depends on the battery size, the charger size, and if the battery is completely flat. Some batteries would take around 10 hours to charge if they are completely flat.

Step 8: Check the amount of voltage using a volt-meter or multi-meter

After charging the battery for its recommended time, you may now remove the battery against the charger.

A device like a volt-meter can check the amount of voltage on your battery after it has been recharged. Place the two prongs on the right negative and positive side. Check the reading after. Most batteries have a charge table or reading guide on their box. This guide usually indicates how much battery discharged with their corresponding voltage. For example, if it reads 100% at 12.7 volts, it indicates the battery is full with 12.7 volts on its reading. Compare the read voltage on the volt meter on the charge table.

Step 9: If you are uncertain if your deep cycle battery has been charged, check the charger

There will be certain times when after checking the battery in contrast to the charge table, it would still come out undercharged. This point, you need to check the charger in isolation. You may test it on another battery to check if it is charging. You may also double check the voltage on the charger and the battery, and how long the battery was charged.

Charging your deep cycle battery properly is vital to keep its performance up. Investing in a good charger, checking it regularly, and charging it at the right time will surely keep your deep cycle batteries in good shape for a long-term use.

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