How to store batteries over winter

[MOPanfisher]

All my batteries in things, boat, tractor, ATV, mower etc get stored right where they live and work.  if I know they are gonna sit for a long time I pull the cables, otherwise the occasional recharge and they are good to go.  Amazing though that they seem to fail shortly after the warranty is up.  I would be ahead in frustration if I wrote on the wall the out of warranty date and simply went to NAPA and bought a new one, at least I wouldn't spend an evening on the water cussing a bad battery as often.

[Moonpath]

I just store mine in the basement on a chair and then trickle charge them in the spring.  I have done this for a long time and my batteries have worked well the following year.  

[dave potts]

I think that went back to the old days when batteries did not have the protective plastic casings that modern batteries have.  The lime in the concrete, which is chemically basic, could react with the electrolyte in the battery which is acidic should any seep out of the battery.

[fishinwrench]

Even though I know it's not true I still never leave one sitting on the shop floor.  I'll find a piece of cardboard or plywood to set it on, even if it is just going to set there for a day.  

If a person lives with a certain belief long enough it becomes impossible to fully let go of when you finally learn it is bogus.

[snagged in outlet 3]

3 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

If a person lives with a certain belief long enough it becomes impossible to fully let go of when you finally learn it is bogus.

No kidding!

[dave potts]

Actually, I store mine the same way.  I've got four batteries so I just set down a six foot 1x6 and set them on it.  Just to be safe.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I think that the cold temperatures of concrete may play a factor in the old myth.  The wood acts as an insulator from the concrete and gives a more stable temperature, maybe...?

 

[176champion]

About every 2 weeks i plug my on board chargers in until the green lights come on then i unplug them...Someone gave me a group 29 battery and it was like 4 years old, i didnt use it so i left it sitting outside for over a year and someone wanted a battery to use and i told them i didnt know if it was any good or not, they came and got it and it was still good held a load test and he installed it and motor cranked up...lol...battery had not seen a charger on it for over a year.