Lifespan of a new 12v leisure battery

[SimbaDog]

Can anyone tell me roughly how long one could store a brand new leisure battery for before using it?
I've been offered a couple of new unused ones at a good price but don't actually need them at this time, not sure how long they store for

 

[Sandyman]

Can anyone tell me roughly how long one could store a brand new leisure battery for before using it?
I've been offered a couple of new unused ones at a good price but don't actually need them at this time, not sure how long they store for

I would say almost infefinately as long as you keep them topped up from time to time.

One of the batteries ani't a NewMax 110Ah is it ? Being sold by someone with the name of Donald ?

 

[agurney]

Can anyone tell me roughly how long one could store a brand new leisure battery for before using it?
I've been offered a couple of new unused ones at a good price but don't actually need them at this time, not sure how long they store for

When I bought one at the beginning of the season the shop provided an information sheet that gave expected lifetimes that matched my experiences: discharging deeply and regularly it might only last one or two years, but only using 20% and keeping it topped up you could expect up to ten years.

... I'd take up the offer and give them an occasional charge to keep them topped up.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Keep it charged up properly; 5 or 6 years no problem.
Don't keep it charged; 5 or 6 months maximum.

 

[Plevier]

Normal industry practise with new warehouse stock is (or was, and I doubt if it's changed since I left the industry) recharge every 6 months. This will be a boost charge at typically 14.5V for a few hours followed preferably by a day or so on float typically 13.8V.
If you only have a float voltage charger you would be better giving it a day or two every month.
We would not sell it as new after more than 12 months, there will be some deterioration but probably not really noticeable in less than a couple of years. I would certainly expect significant capacity reduction in 5 years.
The lower the storage temperature (within reason) the better. It's corrosion that does the damage and like all chemical reactions this is slower at lower temperatures.
If it's not kept adequately charged it will also suffer from sulphation.

 

[SimbaDog]

Thanks, however what about if it is dry?

 

[Alfie168]

Thanks, however what about if it is dry?

If it is dry and sealed then as I understand it the shelf life is pretty well limitless. Thats why they are often supplied dry to dealers. What is then important is the commissioning process to ensure it gets fully charged up in the correct manner, but there will be instuctions for that.

Tim

 

[SimbaDog]

If it is dry and sealed then as I understand it the shelf life is pretty well limitless. Thats why they are often supplied dry to dealers. What is then important is the commissioning process to ensure it gets fully charged up in the correct manner, but there will be instuctions for that.

Tim

Thanks

 

[Plevier]

If it's dry charged it must be airtight sealed to keep moisture out. Normally this is done just by self adhesive stickers on the vents. Even then it will degrade slowly (sulphation by acid retained in the plates). We used to guarantee dry charged for a year, I think some manufacturers give them 2 years.
Dry charged isn't a very good technical solution, it's advantage is freight rules and costs, wet batteries being hazardous cargo.
To get best results they need filling and charging carefully to the correct regime. Dealers often get away with just filling and putting straight into a car because nobody checks the capacity and car batteries in general have a pretty easy life. If you want a good life and capacity from a cycling battery that won't do.

You're unlikely to meet dry uncharged these days.