If you camp your caravan or RV away from mains power, for example wilderness camping, or free camping, then you know the importance of having batteries in good condition. Problem is, batteries are often neglected and the rough and tumble of off-roading doesn’t help matters. This articles provides some pointers for keeping your batteries in top condition for that outback camping trip.

Top priority is the care and maintenance of your main cranking battery. If all else fails, a healthy cranking battery will get you out of trouble and back to civilisation. So if you have auxiliary batteries for non essential voltage loads, keep them isolated from the cranking battery. You can see how to do this in this article.

With all batteries, give them a regular checkout.

• Check the casing for any damage such as cracks or leaks, and make sure the battery is secured properly. Having a battery bouncing around as you travel over rough roads is not good and the life of the battery can be drastically reduced.
• Check vent caps are tightly in place then check the top of the battery for dirt and fluid spills. Clean as necessary with a solution of ordinary baking soda and water, then rinse off with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Make sure no fluids get into the battery itself.
• Check the terminals for corrosion and the terminal connections for tightness. Clean dirty terminals and clamps with a post and clamp cleaner, then give a light coating of petroleum jelly before tightening. This will help in preventing further corrosion.
• In the case of flooded battery types, check the electrolyte levels in each cell by removing the vent caps and visually confirming that the level is above the plates.  If not, add distilled water until the plates are just covered and then charge the battery.
• Check the off load voltage with a DC voltmeter and the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer.  For a healthy battery with 100% charge the off load voltage should be 12.7 volts and the specific gravity of the electrolyte 1.277. The voltage test should be done after the battery has been idle off load for at least 6 hours.  If the voltage or specific gravity readings are low, charge the battery.
• If you are going to store a battery for an extended length of time, fully charge it first then store in a cool dry place. Do not let it freeze nor have to tolerate high temperatures. Whilst in storage do not forget to check the off load voltage and electrolyte specific gravity regularly, taking corrective measures as necessary.

 
Be aware that batteries hate being discharged and for maximum life expectancy should never be discharged below 50%. If you have AGM batteries they can tolerate being discharged below 50% but you shouldn’t use this as a rule. If you fully discharge a battery you will likely kill it or at least severely limit its useful life.

 
Batteries love being charged, but there is a right way and a wrong way. Overcharging a battery will also shorten its lifetime. If you value your battery make sure you invest in a decent three stage charger. This will ensure the proper voltages and current values are applied for optimum performance and prolonged battery life. Do not fall into the trap of spending out on good batteries and then using an inferior charger.

 
Take care of your batteries and they will take care of you.

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Related posts:

1. Battery Monitors – Explained
2. 12 volt Batteries for Camping
3. A Dual Battery System to Boost Your Camping Power
4. An Intelligent Dual Battery Isolator
5. Preparing for the Camping Season

Filed under: General Tips