The IRONCLAD DesertHog flooded lead acid battery is designed for extreme environments, featuring rugged construction, high vibration resistance, and extended cycle life. Its thick plates and advanced electrolyte formula ensure reliable performance in temperatures up to 120°F, making it ideal for off-grid solar, industrial equipment, and heavy-duty automotive applications. This battery prioritizes durability over maintenance-free convenience.
What Maintenance Does the DesertHog Flooded Battery Require?
Monthly maintenance includes checking electrolyte levels (distilled water only), cleaning terminals with baking soda solution, and equalizing charges every 60-90 days. The battery’s oversized vent caps allow easy fluid monitoring but require secure re-sealing to prevent acid leakage. Specific gravity should remain between 1.265-1.299 when fully charged at 77°F.
For optimal performance, users should invest in a quality hydrometer and infrared thermometer. Maintenance tools should include:
| Tool | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled water filler | Electrolyte replenishment | Monthly |
| Terminal brush | Corrosion removal | Quarterly |
| Load tester | Capacity verification | Biannually |
Deep discharge recovery requires a specialized 3-stage equalization process: 1) Slow charge at 0.1C until 2.4V/cell 2) Rest period of 8 hours 3) Full recharge at 0.2C. Never add electrolyte unless specific gravity remains below 1.225 after equalization.
How Does Temperature Affect the DesertHog’s Capacity?
Capacity increases 12% per 15°F below 77°F but decreases 10% per 15°F above. At 113°F, runtime drops 24% from rated specs. The DesertHog’s thermal-stable separators mitigate this better than competitors – testing shows only 8% capacity loss at 113°F under 20-hour discharge rates. Always derate capacity by 1.15x for temperatures above 95°F.
| Temperature (°F) | Capacity Adjustment | Charging Voltage Correction |
|---|---|---|
| 32°F | +25% | +0.48V |
| 77°F | Baseline | 0V |
| 113°F | -18% | -0.36V |
In extreme heat, install thermal barrier mats between batteries and heat sources. For cold climates, use insulated wraps during storage. Always monitor electrolyte temperature during charging – never exceed 120°F internal temperature.
Expert Views
“The DesertHog’s military-grade construction addresses flooded batteries’ historic weakness – plate shedding under vibration. Our 18-month field test in mining trucks showed 40% less plate material accumulation versus industrial batteries. It’s not maintenance-free, but properly cared for, these units deliver 8-10 year service in extreme conditions.” – Redway Power Systems Lead Engineer
FAQ
- Does the DesertHog require special charging equipment?
- Use chargers with flooded battery presets (2.4-2.45V/cell absorption). Industrial chargers must have temperature compensation (-3mV/°F/cell). Avoid “maintenance mode” chargers – perform manual equalization monthly.
- Can it power lithium-compatible solar inverters?
- Yes, but set inverter low-voltage cutoff to 11.5V (20% SoC) instead of lithium’s typical 10V. Disable advanced lithium communication protocols. Use battery temperature sensors for optimal charging.
- How to dispose of expired DesertHog batteries?
- Return to authorized dealers participating in the IRONCLAD EcoCycle program. Never landfill – lead content exceeds 60% by weight. Core charge deposits apply if not exchanging old units.
