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Traver8's avatar
Traver8
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014

Trojan T105's - Real World Example of Quality

Hi All,

This is RV related only in that many use or recommend the Trojan T105 battery for extended service when boondocking and other standalone applications.

I just came across a real world example of how good these batteries are - we have a scissor lift (personnel lift) here at work that has 4 of these batteries in it. I was told that it was not holding a good charge and may need new batteries. I experienced it myself yesterday while trying to use it. The indicated state of charge dropped very rapidly and I could tell it was running low on juice.

When I finished with it I decided to check the batteries and charger to confirm the status of everything. To my surprise (not really), I found that all of the battery cells were very dry. This morning I added water to the cells - I was amazed that it took almost a pint and 1/2 for each cell to bring them up to where the water should be. They were really low and still managed to perform. It is charging again now and we will see if things improve.

Thought you might be interested in this example.

Stay safe and have fun RVing.

Terry
Seeking Advice
  • Peterrrrr's avatar
    Peterrrrr
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    I would not be surprised if somebody switched the AGM batteries for the Trojans. It would be interesting to hear the outcome.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 16, 2014
    2oldman wrote:
    Perhaps someone needs to be schooled in the art of battery maintenance. Even Trojans won't take that abuse for very long.


    First saw that effect on a "Generic" six volt battery when I was 16, am now approiching mid 60s. (There by one standard).

    Have seen it with Interstate batteries more recently.

    As 2Old said, You might get away with that once or twice, but one needs to start checking them every once in a while, like 1st of every month.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2014
    Traver8 wrote:
    Battery $27,600, Freight $750.00, Labor $3600.00, SS/EF $500.00 and 12 weeks leadtime to get it.
    Wow. And I thought $300 per was bad.

    You do need deep pockets for AGM.
  • Traver8's avatar
    Traver8
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    I should have specified this in my original post but all of you who are commenting about regularly checking the water levels are very right.

    However, our situation is somewhat different in that by company requirement all of battery powered equipment is supposed to have AGM sealed batteries so no need for a water check.

    I was surprised to see regular batteries in this piece of equipment and still have not yet figured out where it came from. I think it was a transfer to us from a subcontractor.

    On a side note - for those of you who are shocked at the cost of the AGM type batteries people are using for their RV systems we recently had a quote for a replacement AGM battery for our warehouse forklift( big 48V, 1100 AH battery).

    Battery $27,600, Freight $750.00, Labor $3600.00, SS/EF $500.00 and 12 weeks leadtime to get it.
  • oh_boy's avatar
    oh_boy
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    Hey now, we all know it was "someone" else's job to check the battery water level. I had 4x6V interstates lasted 11 years. Lots of cash saved just by looking under the caps.
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    My electric Club Car ran about 13 years on a set on T105’s and the two I had for the RV(bought at the same time) lasted almost as long… they were about $40 apiece (a good deal even then) when I bought them…

    My son has got about 7 years on a slightly used set he bought…
    Unless there have been manufacturing changes, I know how much quality they have in them…
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2014
    Just think of all the abuse the golf carts put on these GC2 batteries.

    The T105s you have are surely somewhat reduced in performance having all of that fluids being boiled out over time. They are spec'ed to produce 12VDC @ 25AMPS for around 447 minutes (7.45 hours) which is a long time for batteries. I would never do that to my batteries but going for half that performance is done all the time here when camping off the power grid.

    This performance on your T105s has probably been reduced somewhat after running dry on fluids for a long time period. That would be a big NO-NO from most of us that have survived some many long days and nights camping off the power grids hehe...

    Got to agree with you however they are a very heavy duty battery built to take golf cart abuse and are well spoken of being great performers amoung the RV users.

    Roy Ken
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2014
    I think there should be a sticker on the lift that says 'Check water daily'. After 30 years in construction and spending 1000's of hrs on many different types of lifts I know those stickers are on there. Does anyone do it? Not until they don't hold a charge. Another tip is to make sure your charge cord is of the right gauge and length. Had a rental guy tell me that too long of a cord of a lighter gauge won't charge the batteries fully.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2014
    Perhaps someone needs to be schooled in the art of battery maintenance. Even Trojans won't take that abuse for very long.

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