BCM Community

I just purchased two new 8D for the bus. Sure would like to keep them healthy for a good long time. Right now, I have the IOTA 25 amp battery charger for 24 volts systems connected when in storage. It seems to do a good job. I have been told by my battery supplier that I should also look at getting the desulfator to extend the batteries even longer. I was also advised to have a solar trickle charger connected should the shore power go out.

Anyone have expereince with these units. They sure seem very popular in the U.K. where batteries are much more expensive. The link below gets to the home page of one unit. Sure would like some opinions.


http://www.infinitumstore.com/store/1997968/?sitecookie=9800155d5bec29952474df0cfdb4c327 (http://www.infinitumstore.com/store/1997968/?sitecookie=9800155d5bec29952474df0cfdb4c327)

Desulphators have been discussed at length before, with very varied opinions being expressed. Try searching the archives. I remember one comment to the effect that controlled boiling of the battery was the best method of forcing the sulphate to dissolve back into the electrolyte. That seemed very logical to me.

Jeremy

PS. If you have brand new batteries the best thing you can do to keep them desulphated is to prevent them getting sulphated in the first place - use them regularly and don't let them spend time in a discharged state.

We have one that looks just like the one in your link. It was made in Indonesia, IIRC. It works fine and just as described.

The indicator lights are just that; they will tell you about the voltage on the leads. We used ours to desulfate a junked battery this week.

Other designs turn on only when the system is charging and are left connected at all times, such as Sulfa Tek.

For the money, you can buy a Battery MINDer Plus, which will give you three stage charging and desulfating, all in one.

Good luck on your choice.

Tom Caffrey

Desulfating charger worked for me in an industrial setting. Used them primarily for 8Ds and 6 Volt deep cycles batteries. Made a believer out of me.
Dennis

We don't have 8D's. I use 2 group 31's. We also live full time in our MC 5A. I have a Shauer 2 Amp three stage charger connected full time. I leave the main switch off. The batts are going on 6 years old now and are ready anytime we are. For the house batts I have an Intelepower 45 Amp 3 stage connected full time to two 6V. batts for the 12V house needs, (lights, water, furnace, etc...), I don't have an inverter or converter. Those batts are the same age and seem to have as much life as when new. Personaly I don't see the need for anything besides proper maintenance.

Don & Sheila