Battery equalization in southern California

PUCampin wrote:
One of my best tools has been a Vector 1097a battery charger. It has 2/10/30 A charging options at 14.4V, a desulfate function, and an equalize function at 16V. Can be found for under $100

This is a great recommendation. Even the lower 10 amp or 20 amp should perform well as long as they have these desulfate and equalize functions.

One of my best tools has been a Vector 1097a battery charger. It has 2/10/30 A charging options at 14.4V, a desulfate function, and an equalize function at 16V. Can be found for under $100

judelaurenzo25g wrote:
I currently have a WFCO...

This is worse than I expected. I assume those batteries have never seen voltage above 13.6 :(
Dump the WFCO asap for a three stage converter if you want to improve battery longevity.

NinerBikes wrote:
Also, what is the date code on your Trojan T105's? How old are they? Did you buy them new or used?

I'll check the codes on the batteries when I get home. I have never abused them or let them go dead. I park my MH at home so I have access to it at all times. Im not sure how they were perviously treated since I purchased my MH used.

judelaurenzo25g wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
Let me ask you a question.. What converter do you have on your RV?

I currently have a WFCO...

WFFO converters are, as I recall, made in China and do not exactly have the best reputation for reliability.. In fact they have a reputation for messing up at a very young age.

your Battery problems may be a bad converter.

Your owner's manual should tell you now to do an equalizaition though. At worst it is a matter of pushing a few buttons. IF the converter can do it.

IF the converter is bad.. See the Progressive 9200 I mentioned above. Better than that.. I have yet to find, and I've looked.

Also, what is the date code on your Trojan T105's? How old are they? Did you buy them new or used?

judelaurenzo25g wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
Let me ask you a question.. What converter do you have on your RV?

I currently have a WFCO...

I'm located in the San Fernando Valley. I have an extra brand new PD9245 with charge wizard controller for sale. I also have a manual charger that will equalize your batteries, and a means to measure specific gravity accurately. PM me a phone number, I am retired, if you have time today, or any time.

I'd be glad to get you set up so you can get your Trojans in tip top shape. I run a pair of Trojan T-1275s.

If your T105's have not been too badly abused, or stored with a low charge for too long, they should be salvageable. Storing them for any length of time with a low charge does permanent damage with sulfating of the cells.

Like you, my WFCO 8955 was killing my batteries. It sits in maintenance mode, with 13.2V. Your trojans need 15.0v, daily. They need to be brought up to 15.7 to 6V to equalize charge them every 10-12 days when in regular use. There is no 3 stage charger that will ever bring those batteries up to 15.7V +. 14.4 to 14.6 in boost mode is the best you'll see with a 3 stage.

You need to go manually.

If your batteries can be brought up to 1.270 -1.280 specific gravity, and you disconnect them, and store them disconnected from everything, you'll still need to hit them again every 2 or 3 months with a full equalization charge. Golf cart batteries need to be charged. Regularly. They are really designed to be charged every night, not sit in storage without useage, due to the high antimony content in the lead plates, that gives them the true deep cycle capabilities.

wa8yxm wrote:
Let me ask you a question.. What converter do you have on your RV?

I currently have a WFCO...

Let me ask you a question.. What converter do you have on your RV?

Some examples and advice:

First make sure batteries are properly filled, add DISTILLED water if needed, for equalization you want the level to be a quarter to 3/4 inch below the filler tube (Split ring) if you are adding, BELOW the split ring if not adding and always above the top of the plates by at least a quarter inch.

Magnetek 6300 To equalize batteries.. Upgrade convereter to a:

Progressive Dynamics 9200 or 9100 with optional charge wizard or other wizard controlled model or an IOAT with IQ-4 Technology: Leave plugged in for a week or two without using RV.

Xantrex Prosine Inverter/converter/charger or equivalent Using command mode choose EQULAZITION and enable Turn off all DC loads or use the disconnect if inverter is connected direct to battery as mine is.. Come back when cycle is finished.

NOTE: the above are examples of how it is done.. You notice no tools are needed, with the possible exception of a small flashlight, unless you need to upgrade the converter.

Equalizing your batteries aren't something you just stop in and have done once to fix problems. It's an ongoing process, so you made the right decision buying the gear to to it. The equipment would likely pay for itself in one session.

Call the folks at Battery Systems and see what they recommend also. This is a little known group mostly because they specialize in industrial applications, but carry all kinds of both 6 & 12v batteries, Trojan and otherwise, and are the major supplier to LOTS of Golf Course's battery needs.

They sell T-105's $50 cheaper than the Interstate U-2200 ( and the new #) equivalent .