Need to charge up my deep cycle marine batteries?

Question

Do I take off the covers when I charge them? ALso what type of charger do I use?

Answer 1

If your batteries do have "caps" on them, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer sealed deep cycle batt anyway. Reason being that acid can leak out if your severly heeled over, or the battery breaks loose. No need to remove the caps unless your pumping too much juice into them, too quickly. Please DO use a marine battery charger specifically designed for deep cycle batteries. DO NOT use a cheap automotive charger that you picked up at Kragens, especially if your boat is in a slip in the marina. This creates hotspots, and speeds up electrolysis.

Answer 2

Yes you can take the covers off but not necessary. As for the charger if you want a slow deep charge a 2-6 amp charger is best for at least 12 hours but not more than 24 and this is only if the battery in question is dead or close to it. Never charge a deep cycle battery with a charger set over 10 amps.

Answer 3

Get a new charger that has a chip in it to make sure that the battery isn't overcharged. When you say "take off the covers" do you mean the caps on the cells? If so, DON'T DO THAT. The only time you need to take them off is to add water, preferably with a special pitcher made for the purpose. Please do some more research so that you don't get hurt.

Answer 4

Take off the covers that would stop any change of the battery blowing up. You want to put them on a slow charge for 24 hours on about a 6 amp. charger.

Answer 5

I have 150 amp charger with 4 battery leads> Any good 10 amp charger with shut down will work>Taking off the covers will let the water fumes escape> I Have 6 deep cyc in my boat and total of 9 batterys and have never remove the cap except to fill with water> 48 sport fish>