Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
Seconded! And thirded.
I see this point frequently overlooked by people who are either new to engine-off coasting OR disabling their alternators.
You NEED to monitor battery voltage to prevent damage!
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+1
Even if the battery seems okay one day it can be dead the next, I think that cranking speed is not a very good indicator of State Of Charge, V monitor is better although I've been unlucky on the accuracy of my monitors (including the SGII). Best to recharge if in doubt. Charger current gives a good figure of SOC, and the asymptote gives an indicator of battery health.
EOC/FAS is definitely hard on batteries. Even with my V monitors and charger I have a hard time pushing more than 3 years from a battery given my restarting habits.
There's a list of solutions: on-board trickle charger or solar charger (do solar chargers need a controller to prevent overcharging?), deep cycle batteries, desulfating charger.
My latest thing is a desulfator/charger. (BatteryMINDer, not totally sure it works yet - will get back to you later.) I'm hoping it will extend battery life beyond the typical 3-6 years. Assuming it works I believe it's the most cost-effective option, particularly since I can use 1 BatteryMINDer for multiple cars, and since it (should) save multiple batteries in the long-term.
Amazon.com: BatteryMINDer Model 12117: 12 Volt 1.33 Amp (12V 1.33A) Charger/Maintainer/Desulfator: Automotive