Theres stacks of information on how to get the most of your batteries. Heres an overview of some common questions and tricks.

We are going to assume you have Deep Cycle batteries as your main source of electrical supply, because really, a bank of car or motorcycle batteries are just not going to cut the mustard, and a mouse doing duty on a wheel ain’t going to work either.

Why should I use Deep cycle batteries and not car batteries?
Starting a car requires a higher amount of energy for a shorter period of time. Only a tiny amount of the actual battery’s capacity is used for this task. The battery is recharged quickly by the vehicles alternator once the engine is running as the alternator carries the basic electrical load.

Deep cycle batteries supply a relatively low amount of current for a much longer length of time. They are designed specifically to power electric motors and other electrical accessories. Unlike ordinary car batteries, they can be run down and recharged repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity.

Deep cycle batteries are designed with much denser active material and thicker plates than normal batteries to withstand deep discharging and recharging. Car batteries use a porous active material and thin plates so that high-amp energy can be delivered quickly for ultimate starting power.
 
How long will my battery last?
The life of your battery is determined by any number of different things. Primarily, you as head maintenance person, should take steps to ensure you get the most out of it.

To get the most out of your battery, the first thing to consider is a proper maintenance plan. If storing your battery for any length of time, it would be prudent to recharge it periodically so sulfation of the plates doesn’t occur which can lead to really poor performance.
 
Keep your batteries topped up as keeping a sufficient electrolyte level ensures the electrolyte is neither too high or to low. Use distilled or deionised water and never over fill.

Ensure your battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight. Apply a smidgen of vaseline to posts and connections to help reduce corrosion.

Dirt on top of a battery, surprisingly, can lead to discharge and corrosion. Don’t spill oil or grease on the battery. To remove dirt, dust or moisture, wash down with a mix of bicarbonate of soda and water. (same solution you use to get rid of digestion). Rinse afterwards with clear water, then towel dry.

Don’t lay that 14″ spanner over the top of the battery terminals…

Don’t smoke near your battery cos they contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which can easily go bang!

Batteries also contain sulphuric acid. Obviously, you want to keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing, paint if you don’t want it damaged.

Ever lifted a battery that didn’t weigh four tonnes? Incorporate a proper lifting and maneouvering technique when man-handling batteries.

What is “Reserve Capacity”?
Reserve capacity is a battery’s ability to sustain a minimum vehicle electrical load in the event of a charging system failure. How do I know my battery is fully charged?

In most applications, a 10-25 amp charger is recommended. First, determine the battery’s state of charge using a hydrometer, voltmeter or state-of-charge indicator. A hydrometer will determine the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell, while a voltmeter will give you a voltage reading. There are some batteries that come with a state-of-charge indicator eye built in the battery’s cover. The choice is yours.

Don’t use a fast boost charger on deep cycle batteries. A slow charge is more beneficial to your batteries lifespan.

Fact or Fiction?
A battery will not lose charge strictly from placing it on a concrete surface, but it will discharge over time, if only due to neglect.

There is no real evidence that aspirin/disprin will prolong a batteries life. In fact, it is more than likely to cause chemical reactions detrimental to your batteries good health.

Using coke to clean your terminal posts is just as good as using water. There is no real difference