# How to store batteries for 3 years?

**URL:** <https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655>\
**Category:** Battery & Chargers\
**Created:** [August 27, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655 "2012-08-27T17:28:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Read\_Mc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c67d28/32.png) [@Read\_Mc](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Read_Mc)\
**Post date:** [August 27, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655/1 "2012-08-27T17:28:30Z")

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I have 18 Napa GC8 (8-volt) batteries in my EV. I am leaving the country for 2-3 years (Peace Corps) and want to know which option is best:

1. Keep batteries in vehicle, parked outdoors but covered with tarp. Temperature can range from -20F in the winter to 90+F in the summer.
2. move batteries and charger indoors, stored in a closet with temperature ranges of 50F to 75F.  
In both scenarios, batteries will be charged once a month to maintain charge.

- Read Mc

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**Author:** ![LuvMyTJ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/luvmytj/32/537_2.png) [@LuvMyTJ](https://community.electricforum.com/u/LuvMyTJ)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655/2 "2012-08-29T19:33:16Z")

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Three years is a long time for them to survive, but I suppose it’s not impossible. They will require regular care if they are to make it that long. Keeping them inside living space such as a closet is a dangerous proposition due to off gassing. If the closet is ventilated and it’s in a ventilated garage, then maybe. Mild temps are better than cooler temps. In the best case scenario the batteries are being exercised, recharged and tested with a hydrometer regularly.

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**Author:** ![Allen\_carter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b782af/32.png) [@Allen\_carter](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Allen_carter)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 11:45pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655/3 "2014-03-09T23:45:17Z")

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Thanks for sharing this. I didnt know that

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**Author:** ![EvForum](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/evforum/32/322_2.png) [@EvForum](https://community.electricforum.com/u/EvForum)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2014, 1:12am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/how-to-store-batteries-for-3-years/2655/4 "2014-03-21T01:12:03Z")

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Thanks for sharing that LuvMyTJ - these are vital facts that we all need to know.

Regards,

Mark