Charging gelcells?

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photo_van
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Charging gelcells?

Post by photo_van »

Anyone using gells for their second battery? I was given a couple of nice MK 12 volt gelcells. On the battery it says specifically; "charge voltage not to exceed 14.1 volts". I believe the altenator puts out more than that. Research has shown me that this is common among gells, but I didn't really find any answers for vehicle applications other than expensive voltage regulators. Any suggestions?
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1998 AWD/4WD
4" lift, 31x10.50's, NP 242j/c hybrid, 4.10 gears, S10 front disconnect, rack & pinion steering, trans cooler, rock sliders, ARB fridge, house battery and 100w solar, swing out rear rack with foldout camp table, bed and passenger swivel chair
dirt bag camping rig
1981 Toyota 4x4 pu
1974 John Deere 710

JaxSPL
I get chills without my van.
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Re: Charging gelcells?

Post by JaxSPL »

On that brochure link you posted it says charge voltage cycle: 13.8-14.6 and float charge: 13.4-13.6

My alternator outputs 14.5 as I believe most factory alternators do (at least the ones I've messed with). So it should be good.

But then again, I'm starting a battery bank of lawn mower batteries :) .
I Am Dennis. Van is Da Boom
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Topic author
photo_van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 592
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 4:38 pm
Location: 7000' in the Mountains of California
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Charging gelcells?

Post by photo_van »

Thanks. Ya, I'm wondering why the battery label says 14.1 and the specs say 13.8-14.6? My old analog multimeter isn't accurate enough to get a good voltage output on my alternator. May be time to upgrade to digital.
1998 AWD/4WD
4" lift, 31x10.50's, NP 242j/c hybrid, 4.10 gears, S10 front disconnect, rack & pinion steering, trans cooler, rock sliders, ARB fridge, house battery and 100w solar, swing out rear rack with foldout camp table, bed and passenger swivel chair
dirt bag camping rig
1981 Toyota 4x4 pu
1974 John Deere 710
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