While many batteries are designed to only discharge some of their capacity, a deep cycle battery is designed to discharge the majority of its capacity. Because of the unique nature of deep cycle batteries, such as the Trojan battery, how you charge and maintain this type of battery is fundamentally different. 

Required Stages Of The Charging Process

To recharge a deep cycle battery, you will need to understand the four stages of recharging a deep cycle battery. The bulk stage is when the charger is operating constantly. At this stage, the battery can be given any current that it will accept, but the current cannot exceed 20% of the ampere-hour rating. Otherwise, there is a risk that the battery will overheat. At some point, the battery reaches the absorption phase. This is when the battery is nearing the stage of being fully charged, and the voltage is constant. At this stage, the current begins to decrease. These are the two phases required to fully charge a deep cycle battery.

The Optional Stages Of The Charging Process

The other two stages are optional. The equalizing phase is an overcharge that is 5% greater. The purpose of this is to balance the voltage. This process is also good for battery maintenance because it can remove the sulfate crystals that may have built up on the plates. Then the last option is the float. This is used to maintain the level that the battery is at. This is a continuous cycle that is used when you are storing a battery.

Cycle The Battery Lightly

You will want to cycle the battery lightly for the first few cycles. This allows for a completion of the forming process of the plates. It should be cycled at less than 20% of its discharge when completing the process of forming the plates. 

Avoid Opportunity Charging

Avoid engaging in opportunity charging. This is a short period of charging that is engaged in when the battery is not in use. This can shorten the life of the battery because it reduces the cooling time. It is better to allow the battery to discharge and to undergo periods where the battery is recharged. It is also better to store and fully recharge the battery while keeping it at the float cycle. But even if you take good care of your deep cycle battery, you will eventually need to replace it.