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5.3.1
–
Battery Maintenance
•
In the case of TB trailers the battery is
carried underneath the body inside the
vee of the drawbar and access requires
that the body be tilted. Do not attempt
to inspect or charge the battery unless
the tilted body is safely supported
–
not
just held up by the hydraulic ram.
•
The battery needs charging when the light
on top shows red. A green light indicates
that the battery is adequately charged.
Always use a “smart” charger.
•
So-
called “smart” chargers are available which are
supposed to prevent overcharging
damage*. However the most reliable method is to monitor the open-circuit voltage (charger
disconnected, everything off). At 12.2V the battery is half charged. Above this voltage there is
plenty of capacity left and the risk of overcharging is best avoided. Below this voltage charging
in-the green up to the fully charged 12.7V requires careful monitoring.
•
Match charger to battery type and capacity.
•
Ensure charging take place in a well-ventilated area where there is no risk of sparks of flame.
Charging produces small quantities of highly flammable hydrogen gas.
•
Ensure that the charger leads are connected to the correct battery terminals: positive to
positive, and negative to negative BEFORE SWITCHING ON THE CHARGER.
•
Once charging is complete SWITCH OFF THE CHARGER BEFORE DISCONNECTING ITS LEADS TO
THE BATTERY.
•
If the battery becomes hot or acid leaks out, then stop charging immediately. At this point the
battery is almost certainly damaged and dangerous and should be replaced.
•
Do not charge a frozen battery, or a battery with a temperature above 45
°
C.
•
The battery will self-discharge slowly even when unused. Allowing the battery to fall into deep
discharge** will make recovery slow or impossible. A voltage check and appropriate recharge
every 6 months is essential.
•
In very cold weather internal freezing is a risk. Should this happen the battery may split and
leak. Keeping the battery fully charged greatly reduces the risk of freezing damage.
•
Rapid charging should be avoided if at all possible because it will result in up to 30% reduction
in the number of charge cycles the battery will accept.
