RV deep discharge batteries

[rgreen]

Time to replace my batteries. Have been running 4 t105s Trojan 6v which go along with 150W of solar.

I am now down to two. One died so can only run 2 remaining and they are about 7 years old it is time to consider my options.

Currently looking at the Surrette 6v. Does anyone have experience with them?



Ron

 

[polarbull]

my dealer recomended 6v golf cart batteries, I have had 2 made by exide for 3 years no problems

 

[EricBu12]

Most any 6-volt golf cart batteries will do very well... I have 4, Interstate 6 volt batteries and 200 watt solar an have no problems...



Like car and truck batteries, most are about the same so go with a good deal if it comes along..... I got my batteries at State trailer supply here in salt lake city, ut and are now 3 yrs old and still working great.

 

[JFaughn]

He's talking about batteries that are like the differance between a pro tool and a consumer tool .
Then he mentions even a better brand .
There are some products on the market that may give more life to the old & keep new better longer , one is a chemical that diesoves the sulfates on the plates , but I like the pulswith modulators that wire with a charger [ plug in or your pannels ]
Do a specific gravity test to find your best batt. s , the only problum you'll have with 2 insted of 4 is less run time between charges.
The Surretts are some better [ its hard to tell the differance with out knowing your system ] but they cost more also .
I've got 4 Trojan 225s and 330 watts of pannels , trace 2512 inverter , I am going bigger as soon as I can aford.
Heres a realy good magazine for info .

Home Power Magazine - Your Small Scale Renewable Energy (RE) Source

 

[rgreen]

The Trojans certainly seem to be the best recognized. My question is weather they are worth the premium they demand. Aprox 2x the price of ?? The surettes seem to be even a bit higher priced. Aprox the same specs and weight.

Ron

 

[GerryDrake]

Solargizer

I have two 6v Trojans in the RV, and from new have had a Solargizer (try Google) hooked up and although the RV is only 6 years old, I had the same batteries on the prior trailer for a couple of years. They show no signs of failing yet. Supposedly it keeps them from sulfating. I guess I'll only really know how well it works when they finally fail...

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Here is a good informative document. It helps understand the different types of batteries and the way they work. It does not recommend any brands.

Wirtten by my father in law, an electrical instructor, and full time rv-er.



http://www.pistolcraft.org/extras/batteryhandout.doc

 

[rgreen]

Thanks for the info. Very good write up on general battery procedures. One area though that causes confusion with many people is determining the 50% stage by voltage. The testing procedure requires that the batteries be in the rested state, eg no load or charge when reading the voltage. The voltage when there is a drain on the batteries is not relevant.

Ron