Battery Maintenance - NewMar ventana 2017 Owner's Manual

Battery Cycle vs. Battery Life
A battery cycle is one complete discharge and recharge cycle (100 percent to 20 percent, and then back to 100 percent).
Battery life is directly related to how deep the battery is cycled each time. The most common cycles are 10, 20, and 50
percent. Be cautious of ratings that list the number of cycles, unless it also states how low the battery is being
discharged.
For example, telephone type (float service) batteries have been advertised as having a 20-year life. However, the rating
only stands true at five percent depth of discharge (DOD), and the life span is much less when used in an application
where the batteries are cycled deeper on a regular basis. Those same batteries are rated at less than five years if cycled
to 50 percent.
If a battery is discharged to 50 percent every day, it will last about twice as long as if it is cycled to 80 percent DOD. If
cycled only 10 percent DOD, it will last about five times as long as one cycled to 50 percent. The most practical number
to use is 50 percent DOD on a regular basis for the best use of effective storage and cost.
In addition, there is an upper limit. A battery that is continually cycled down five percent or less will usually not last as
long as one cycled down 10 percent. At very shallow cycles, lead dioxide tends to build up in clumps on the positive
plates rather than in an even layer.
Battery State/Voltage Chart
State of Charge
100%
75%
50%
25%
Discharged
This battery state voltage chart is used as an example. Your specific battery manufacturer's chart may vary.
Note: Both voltage and specific gravity tests should be performed with no load on the batteries and without any supplied
charging. Turn off all draws and charging. Allow the batteries to stabilize, and then proceed with the test.

Battery Maintenance

Battery maintenance is an important issue often overlooked by many RV owners and technicians. As batteries age, their
maintenance requirements change. This means longer charging time and/or higher finish rate (higher amperage at the
end of the charge). Usually older, serviceable (unsealed) flooded batteries need to be watered more often, as their
capacity decreases over time.
Before attempting battery maintenance, make sure all coach power sources are disabled (ignition, generator,
shore power, inverter).
Common Causes of Premature Battery Failure
Source: http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/artic...ry-basics.html
1. Deep discharges (leaving your lights on)
2. Misapplication
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Specific Gravity
1.265
1.225
1.190
1.155
1.120
12 Volt 6 Volt
12.7 6.3
12.4 6.2
12.2 6.1
12.0 6.0
11.9 6.0