Battery dead after off road for 18 months

[Disco Mike]

Wait, I'm confused. Are you saying that if I leave my lights on overnight or something and the battery is dead in the morning I chouldn't jump it and let it idle to charge it back up? What would be the solution--charge it with a trickle charger or something? Or are you just saying that I shouldn't do this with an old battery that doesn't hold a charge anymore?

The solution would be to not leave your lights on.
Yes you can jump it and yes on a few hour drive the alternator will slowly pull the battery back up, but it is a strain on the alternator and will shorten it's life the more you expect that from it.

 

[ChuckD]

I did have the battery in heated storage for those 18 months.

Was the battery on a concrete floor? That will draw down any battery over time.

ChuckD

 

[BobbyRover]

Wow...all this great feedback.

I think I'll look at replacing the battery then.

One last question...does anyone have a photo of how the clamps attached to the posts? I have 2 nuts and screws (that look like "T") but not sure how they line up exactly?

If replacing the battery would you go to the dealer? I've seen some say they are around the same price but I never get that feeling at my dealer.

Thanks!
Bobby

PS ChuckD - it was on a concrete floor all that time.

 

[ChuckD]

I just found this link: http://www.thebatteryterminal.com/TechTalk_Batteries_on_Concrete.htm

As I am 76 years old, I guess I qualify as one who is full of outdated wisdom!!

ChuckD