I'm looking for a place or a person in southern California that can equalize my 2 Trojan t105s. I called a couple local battery shops and they didn't know what I was talking about. I know a few of you here will respond to go out and purchase a charger capable. Id rather take them to someone who knows what they are doing and do it right. Thanks

judelaurenzo25g wrote: Id rather take them to someone who knows what they are doing and do it right.I usually am of that opinion, but battery equalization doesn't require much skill.Additionally, it's something that should be done on a regular basis when using them a lot. Once a month is not too often.

Telephone a golf course. Ask to speak to The Golf Pro. He'll know of a place.

You could pay just once and buy a batteryminder and take care of your own and friends. Easy peasy!!

Battery places are not generally in the business to maintain batteries. They want to diagnose issues and sell new batteries. So I have to recommend a ~200w solar panel and a controller that will automatically equalize the batteries. The daily solar charging will also tend to keep the batteries at max capacity.OK off the soap box...Call these guys and see what you can do. Tell them the Trojans seem to be weakening and ask if they can charge/equalize/hydrometer/load test etc. to see how they are functioning.http://www.yelp.com/biz/battery-mart-costa-mesa

I'd do it but you're a couple hours from me. Batteries need a full charge first before equalizing. You need a decent charger to get them close, then a manual charger to top them off. Since you might not have done this before, wait a day (leave them disconnected from ALL loads) and check the specific gravity with a good glass hydrometer. If the SG is .005 or less between the cells then you're good, if not zap them with the manual charger for a couple hours and check SG again.

Battery equalization in southern California | Good Sam Community

91 Replies

NinerBikes
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
judelaurenzo25g wrote:
NinerBikes wrote:
Did you ever bring those used Trojan batteries up to a full 16.0 Volts charging with a manual charger?

No but this time around I got them to 15v and I did see some improvement in the dead cells. Im just tinkering around with these batteries so I know what Im doing when I get my new set next month.

Disconnect them from the RV, and get them to 16.0V, or until your specific gravity gets up to 1.275 to 1.280 or more, and stops climbing.

Always get them up to 15.0V ASAP after an outing and before going into storage.

Please do so ASAP.
judelaurenzo25g
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
NinerBikes wrote:
Did you ever bring those used Trojan batteries up to a full 16.0 Volts charging with a manual charger?

No but this time around I got them to 15v and I did see some improvement in the dead cells. Im just tinkering around with these batteries so I know what Im doing when I get my new set next month.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 26, 2014
Hi Mex,

I'd love to have that 2 volt--and five more like it!
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
"When you equalize there is always some permanent shedding of the positive plate. That is why we equalize only when necessary. It is possible to get "fancy" and use a two volt charger with charging probes into the individual cells--but probably that is not worth the effort"

May I beg your 2.66 volt 166 ampere pardon... :)
NinerBikes
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
Did you ever bring those used Trojan batteries up to a full 16.0 Volts charging with a manual charger?
KendallP
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
It also depends on temperature of the electrolyte at the time the reading was taken, but so long as you were WAY off of 77F in either direction... AND you're using a decent, glass-float hydrometer... I think you've told me enough to answer that...

1225 is getting pretty low and the whole of the battery will perform better with all cells as close to each other as possible.

Sounds like the batteries are getting pretty tired. That's fine if you're always either running down the road on the alternator or plugged in to shore. But if equalizing fails to help any further... and you do any fair amount of dry camping, then I would start budgeting for some new ones.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 24, 2014
Hi,

When you equalize there is always some permanent shedding of the positive plate. That is why we equalize only when necessary. It is possible to get "fancy" and use a two volt charger with charging probes into the individual cells--but probably that is not worth the effort.
judelaurenzo25g
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

What are the other cells at? 1225 is about 75% capacity.

some at 1225 others at 1250,

Im asking if attempting to equalize batteries often will harm other cells? These batteries are obviously toast. Im asking for future knowledge when I buy a new pair.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 24, 2014
Hi,

What are the other cells at? 1225 is about 65% to 75% capacity, depending on who you ask.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/lead-acid-battery-d_1544.html
judelaurenzo25g
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
Im not sure if Im supposed to but Ive attempted equalized my batteries a couple more times once on Saturday and once on Sunday. I have managed to bring the dead cells to at least 1225. Like I said before they worked good for me before so any improvment was a plus. By doing this am I harming the good cells?