Blog

Your Air-tow trailer has a premium Interstate Deep Cycle Battery, designed to handle repeated discharge cycles while providing reliable power for extended periods. Proper care and maintenance are essential to maximize its lifespan and performance. Below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your battery.

Understanding Battery Usage

Shallow vs. Deep Discharge

To extend the life of your battery, avoid deep discharges. The ideal practice is to discharge no more than 50% before recharging. Extreme or severe discharging before recharging will shorten the battery’s lifespan, so keep an eye on the power level to prevent excessive depletion.

Regular Recharging is Crucial

Think of your battery like a 20-gallon fuel tank—if you use it, you must refill it. To maintain optimal performance, charge your battery daily after use. Leaving the battery on charge long enough to reach 100% ensures it stays in peak condition.

Storage Considerations

If your trailer sits idle for an extended period (45-60 days), the battery should be trickle-charged overnight at 6-10 amps to maintain its charge. Regular top-offs will prevent sulfation, which can reduce battery capacity over time.

Battery Maintenance Tips

Even “maintenance-free” batteries require some attention to perform their best. Here are essential upkeep practices:

• Clean and Tighten Terminals: Corrosion buildup can affect battery performance. Periodically clean the terminals with a wire brush and battery terminal cleaner to ensure a solid connection.
• Monitor Battery Temperature: The battery should never become hot to the touch during recharging. If it overheats, reduce the charging rate immediately. Overnight charging should be done at 6-15 amps, and to avoid damage, it should never exceed 25 amps for more than 15 minutes.
• Trickle Charging: A low-rate trickle charge (maintenance charge) helps keep the battery at full capacity when not in use for long periods.

Watering and Charge Monitoring

Adding Water

Should your battery require additional water, use purified or distilled water only. Do not overfill the cells—ensure the fluid level covers the plates while leaving about ½ to ¾ inches of air space below the top of the battery.

Using a Hydrometer

A hydrometer ($10-15) is a valuable tool for checking the battery’s state of charge. Look for consistent readings across all five cells, indicating a properly balanced charge.

Additional Key Points

• Interstate Deep Cycle Batteries do not develop a memory effect, so they never require a complete discharge.
• Always recharge your battery at the end of every use to maintain peak performance.
• Avoid leaving your battery in a discharged state for extended periods—it will lead to sulfation and reduced capacity.

Need a Replacement or More Help?

If you ever need battery service or a replacement, contact 1-800-CRANK IT to locate your nearest Interstate Dealer. You can also visit interstatebatteries.com for additional battery care tips and product information.

Conclusion

Proper battery care will extend the lifespan of your Air-tow trailer, maintain efficiency, and prevent unexpected failures. Regular maintenance, recharging, and monitoring will ensure your battery is always ready to power your equipment when needed. By following these best practices, you can get the most out of your Interstate Deep Cycle Battery and avoid costly replacements.

If you have any questions about your Air-tow trailer, contact us today. Our team is happy to help.