Tired from work so apologies if this seems snotty or disrespectful.
Nice read, but rather misleading.
The article defines overcharging, and it's consequences, but only at one level ,an extreme. Conclusions are based on this worst case scenario: "must frequently rotate batteries...".
It states "An imbalance between two batteries does not automatically level off..." then goes on to explain how it does, by overcharging one battery. It doesn't include - to varying degrees, for various loads or applications with intermittent loads (winch).
It states, "a battery that stays undercharged will become sulfated". Again, the rate that this happens is important, and not covered. Lead acid batteries will have the longest life span when used daily. All batteries discharge. After a few weeks sulfate deposits do start to form, slowly, at a molecular level, with minimal impact on life span. The fully discharged battery will be useless in less than a week.
The voltage regulator controls voltage within a narrow range, usually around 13.5V-14.5V(12 Volt system). A solid state regulator, like my deuce's, controls voltage very well , to within a range of one volt. H2O breakdown happens past a certain voltage, called the 'gassing threshold' typically around 14.4V (12V batteries, and varies with temp), the primary concern with overcharging.
My deuce typically runs an hour or less w/other loads constantly used and replaced. It sits unused 98% of the year. If I was really concerned with battery life I'd start with a bat. minder. The deterioration from lack of daily usage far outweighs the min. impact of my light, brief overcharge events. This is why my batteries suck. My deuce sat for years, unused, before I got it (same bats.)
Looking at it another way, I have used my winch(PTO) three times in the last 2 years, (ok,snicker if you must). Each time the task was over in less than 5 min, and not terribly demanding at that.
Imagine -how much- of one fully charged battery an electric winch uses in 5 min.(5%?).
Imagine -how long- the recharge period would be (1/2hr?)
Imagine how 'bad' any overcharge during that time (14.5V instead of 13.5V-worst case)
Imagine the loss of bat. life due to overcharge (59 months instead of 60?,and one bat)
Ok , a guessing game, and for my situation not others. With intermittent loads the system is balanced again after recharge. How much load, and for how long, may be the real issue. JimK