Bus stored all winter now batteries are dead

[slager55]

I stored the bus from Oct to May 1 and now the house batteries are dead and will not hold a charge.
Any ideas besides buying new batteries?

Yes, I should had a trickle charge on all winter but I did not.
Thank you

[Robin97396]

Nope. Sounds like your batteries are toast. Sorry.

You could take your battery out of the bus and keep it at your home during the freezing months so it doesn't freeze.

It's good to be cranking up your bus several times a month to keep things in working order, including your battery. I shouldn't talk, I was snowed in for two months this winter.

[Versatile]

Maybe not. Use 2 12 volt batteries hooked together in Series and then FLASH the battery by touching the posts together for 3-5 seconds.

Recharge battery. If that fails. Mix 7-8 oz. of Epsom Salts into of at least 1/2 quart of 150 degree water. After it is dissolved and cooled. Then remove 1/2 of the electrolyte and replace with the Epsom salt dissolved in Distilled water.

Charge the battery

Either it will be good or bad.

[Robin97396]

I've heard of using epsom salts before. I still want to try that sometime. There are several different solutions that can be used in place of acid.

I was taught that if batteries froze it causes the plates to short out. Even if it could hold a charge, is that a battery you're going to want to depend on during even a weekend camping trip?

[Versatile]

Cheap to try. Yes i would up grade the batteries later.

[BlackJohn]

I would certainly try that method mentioned and put them on a slow charge for a day or so. Maybe longer but the chemicals should disolve all the crud on the plates. Give it a try for sure till you find a great deal on batteries if they have to be replaced.
Good luck.

John

[slager55]

Thank you all, I will try what you all recommend.

[bluebird90]

I would be leary of flashing the batteries. Seen them explode that way.
What I have done successfully, is put them on a 10 amp charge for several hours, then go to a 2 amp charge for a week. I have brought batteries back to life that way.
Check battery age first. more than 3 or 4 years old, don't waste your time. Also, many of the newer battery chargers will not charge on a stone dead battery. Jumper in a good battery for a while to fool the charger.

[Iceni John]

The only accurate way of determining a FLA battery's health is by using a hydrometer to check its Specific Gravity. For most batteries, 100% fully charged should be about 1.265 SG at 80 degrees F. Trojans are slightly more, but they require a higher Absorb voltage than most. Rolls has a useful summary that applies to most batteries: Measuring Specific Gravity : Technical Support Desk

Faffing about with magnesium sulfate ("Epsom salts") won't dissolve the hardened lead sulfate crystals on the plates. Try it if you want, but your batteries are only scrap cores at this time, worth a few bucks towards your next battery purchase. Moral of the story - use a proper charger, and check them regularly. Batteries are murdered more often than dying a natural death!

John

[BlackJohn]

Have to agree and not being a chemist that sounds plausible too. Some batteries will recover with a long slow charge though if one has time. No guarantees though because every battery will have a different condition.
The verdict is in folks,check and charge regularly.
Thanks John

John

[Versatile]

Before about 1960 it was common to recondition batteries. I knew a company that even made batteries years ago and reconditioned as well. He had a Growler that he flashed batteries with. It was 700 volts but low amps according to his grandson.

[PNW_Steve]

Another option is a "desulfator":

DIY Cheap battery charger desulfates old lead acid batteries - $12 | Gold is Money - The Premier Gold and Silver Forum