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Vintage465's avatar
Mar 03, 2018

Gel batteries

Hi.
I have acquired two used 135ah 12v gel batteries. They are 5”x18”. They were back batteries that were changed out after a years service. I think they really have no usage. My question is how will they work along side my existing 6v set up? Is there any specific charging instructions for this type batteries? If I can get them squeezed in somewhere on my rig should I hve their charging and usage separate from the 6v setup?

Thanks
  • This is a pic of the data on the battery.

    These are change outs from a com system back ups. For the most part they stay charged up the whole time and don't get drained. For my needs they might work out well due to their size configuration. As some of you may recall, I'm toying with the idea of having a separate circuit to run my propane/12v force air heater off. And before you suggest..........I won't run a generator except in a snowed in emergency. Since these would be pretty adaptable to fitting on the rear bumper(with some strengthening)and the heater is back yonder that way, it would make setting up a separate charging and heater circuit pretty easy. There is a master switch available to control the usage/charge delineation. I am thinking this system would stay completely isolated from the existing 6v X 2 system that powers the rest of the trailer except when traveling. I think the only real concern would be when I am buzzing down the road charging both sets of batteries off the tow vehicle. My thought is that as you're driving/charging, the weaker set of batteries wouldn't suck new life off the newer stronger batteries..........but I don't know that for sure though. My brother has been using these batteries solely on is vintage Ideal trailer for several years with great success. Though I must say he doesn't have to concern himself with a blower on his furnace as he had a non-force air Hydro-Flame furnace.
  • Well, I'm finding out more about the batteries. They are Tellecom batteries, and are Sealed Lead Acid. I will load some photos of them in a bit. They are 116 pounds a piece!
  • Bring them along fully charged. Connect if the 6v pair is fading fast.
  • You own the batteries, the match isn't good but use what you've got. The worst that can happen is a shorter battery life.

    Those 135ah must be heavy batteries. I run used mobility scooter group 24 MK Battery gel batteries. Mine are only 74ah and they are 52 pounds each.
  • Gel batteries are getting rare

    are you sure you don't mean AGM

    there is a big difference

    i have 135 Ahr AGM, batteries that were internet server backup battery trade outs

    AGM's will work find parallel with your GC batteries, voltage specs are very close, AGM will with stand a higher voltage than your GC

    GEL use lower voltage lower amp charge rate, and as stated "finicky and not a good match
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I would not worry about the unmatched in age, and they are most likely DEEP CYCLE but.. Gel batteries are not really a good choice because as batteries go they are very very "Finikey" they do not like a fast charge. They do not like OVER charge. they are more than willing to die at the drop of an excuse.

    AGM's have many (All in fact) of the benefits of GEL. but they are the LEAST finikey.. Both tend to be expensive.

    That said. If you add them .. In parallel since they are 12 volt batteries, with your existin pair of GC-2's the best advice I can give you is this;

    If you have a programabble charger DO NOT INCREASE the basttery capacity setting, Take the slower charge instead.

    After all FREE is a darn good price.
  • Vintage465 wrote:
    Hi.
    I have acquired two used 135ah 12v gel batteries. They are 5”x18”. They were back batteries that were changed out after a years service. I think they really have no usage. My question is how will they work along side my existing 6v set up? Is there any specific charging instructions for this type batteries? If I can get them squeezed in somewhere on my rig should I hve their charging and usage separate from the 6v setup?
    C

    Thanks


    Not only are those batteries the wrong type and probably unmatched in age, but gel batteries require a slightly different charge voltage..... I would absolutely recommend you do NOT add these to your 6V wet cell battery bank....unless you don’t care about shortening the life of all of them ....

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