battery maintenance during down-time

[Bottomfeeder]

So I need yet another pearl of wisdom from the veterans. I've got this great DIY halogen light now. And I wish I was using it every night. But sometimes I'll go for a week without needing the light.

So: How long do I leave the fully charged battery (a 14.4 V 5000Ah water bottle job from batteryspace) on the shelf before doing anything like topping it off on the trickle charger? A weeK? Two weeks?

Of course I would top it off in order to maximize run time right before a ride. I'm just wondering about occasional extended shelf time.

Thanks. DanO

[edzo]

depending on the type of battery...

but you are fine leaving it for a month no matter what type

[dekindy]

http://batteryuniversity.com/index.htm

This is a fine website that was recently brought to my awareness by another forum member. Part 1 I believe contains the answer to your question. Generally, batteries liked to be stored at mild to cool temperatures at less than full charge. Periodic maintenance for some are required during extended shelf time.

[cyccommute]

So I need yet another pearl of wisdom from the veterans. I've got this great DIY halogen light now. And I wish I was using it every night. But sometimes I'll go for a week without needing the light.

So: How long do I leave the fully charged battery (a 14.4 V 5000Ah water bottle job from batteryspace) on the shelf before doing anything like topping it off on the trickle charger? A weeK? Two weeks?

Of course I would top it off in order to maximize run time right before a ride. I'm just wondering about occasional extended shelf time.

Thanks. DanO

Since you are right at the ragged edge in terms of run time, you should probably charge before a ride if you let the battery sit for a week. You might want to top the charge if you let it sit for more then 3 days. If you have any reserve for the run time, you wouldn't have to worry but in your case...be conservative.