Big Bart
Tow&Slow
When testing batteries -
1) If lead acid (Not AGM) check and if low fill the battery with distilled water.
2) Clean off any corrosion on the terminals.
3) Charge them with a battery charger. (Like BBQ brisket, slow and low is better, like 2amp over night per battery.). But 10 or 20 amp quick charge will work too.
4) Test with battery cables off when you have two batteries.
5) Use a carbon pile load tester like a Sun VAT or Snap On. ($200-400 used.) Or a conductance battery tester like a Midtronics. ($100-200 used.). Now your auto parts store will have one or both and likely will test for free. Important part is bring it in topped off and charged. Or the test will likely say the battery needs to be replaced.
Try to get a battery with a 3 or 5 year full replacement. A 3 or 5 year pro rate means you only get back the portion of time left. So if your battery lasts 2 years and six months, they will only give you a small credit for the last 6 months.
Remember if you have AAA and in a city metro they will bring batteries to you at your house, campsite (Not off highway), dock, roadside, etc. I believe they come with a 3 year replacement warranty. They are reasonably priced. They have a conductance tester with them.
1) If lead acid (Not AGM) check and if low fill the battery with distilled water.
2) Clean off any corrosion on the terminals.
3) Charge them with a battery charger. (Like BBQ brisket, slow and low is better, like 2amp over night per battery.). But 10 or 20 amp quick charge will work too.
4) Test with battery cables off when you have two batteries.
5) Use a carbon pile load tester like a Sun VAT or Snap On. ($200-400 used.) Or a conductance battery tester like a Midtronics. ($100-200 used.). Now your auto parts store will have one or both and likely will test for free. Important part is bring it in topped off and charged. Or the test will likely say the battery needs to be replaced.
Try to get a battery with a 3 or 5 year full replacement. A 3 or 5 year pro rate means you only get back the portion of time left. So if your battery lasts 2 years and six months, they will only give you a small credit for the last 6 months.
Remember if you have AAA and in a city metro they will bring batteries to you at your house, campsite (Not off highway), dock, roadside, etc. I believe they come with a 3 year replacement warranty. They are reasonably priced. They have a conductance tester with them.
