T-105 or T-105 Plus

another option is a refractometer to measure SG. slightly more expensive, but I've found a refractometer to be much more repeatable and much easier to read than getting the fluid level good and the float ok in a hydrometer.

But now it's a refractometer that I checked against my freese hydrometer.

OMG.. you let the cat out of the bag... now everyone will want a refractometer and check their batteries correctly.. !!!!!

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Usually where things spark-up is when a person learns everyone else is getting twice the lifespan of their stuff.

or four or five times the life... LOL

I still have a 120 volt 200000 Ah battery from the 60's that is good for 75% capacity. ;)


batteries WILL last if you don't actually use them, however, if you routinely hit 40 to 50% DOD every other day then they will degrade and die close to their specified cycle limit.

I have a set of 4 grp 27 from Sams that I use in series in a 48 volt boat. The oldest one is 2008 along with a 2009, 2012 and 2016. And the work just fine with 8 years difference in age. Pretty poor quality for old sams club to only get 9 to 10 years out of grp 27's along with the fact that they get regular charges at 61 volts from a Lester industrial charger. A lot of batteries die from under charging.
I also ran a set of four sams gc 2 for 3 years and hammered the snot out of them with fast short charges because I didn't want to listen to a generator. No, not even my Honda. I only replaced them because I went with a resi frig and six Sams gc2 and just wanted to start out fresh. They are an excellent value.

Usually where things spark-up is when a person learns everyone else is getting twice the lifespan of their stuff.

A point in Trojan's ad booger caught my attention: Thicker, heavier paste - the Achilles's heel of a battery manufacturer. It's harder to use and way more expensive when jumping from snot to good paste. High-end virgin lead paste can be compared to "Pigeon Blood Grade" when it comes to Rubies. Four times the cost of a carboy of the runny stuff.

I don't have anything against any manufacturer's marketing hype since they all do it to impress consumers. Whether the PLUS version is really vastly better I could not tell you. Never been a brand name snob although I've worked for major OEMs, I compare specs and what I need to do on my part to keep the product functional for as long as expected. Plenty of horror stories of high-end batteries improperly cared for suffering an early death.

Since I've never encountered a problem with any of my RV golfcart batteries I will continue to purchase them at Samsclub, last set of Interstates lasted 7 years and were still functioning when I traded them in. Got a new set that has an extra 30 amphours as I had a gift card to burn and price was too good to pass on. More important is maintenance and charging, although Iota IQ4 is pumping 14.8Vdc, it is a rare event to have to add water during monthly checks.

Using an "MRI" to sneak a look at the chemistry of each cell is "magic" unlike using algebraic trends & tendencies like what's needed with a sealed battery. Another thing I did not consider was the need for using reading glasses to see a bobber markings clearly.

OldSmokey wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
To confuse you even more, they now sell a T105-RE, "Renewable Energy" version. It is 5 lbs heavier than the regular T105. It big claim to fame is that it is good for over 1500 discharge cycles (assuming 50% DOD). I have no idea about the cost, but if I was a full timer, I think I would want this model.

"Weekend warriors" should probably stick with Costco/Sam GC2 batteries !

look at the warranty period of El cheapo Sam's vs that of the RE.
then order the RE along with a good hydrometer.. you won't regret it.

here is an inexpensive but reasonable hydrometer that works.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-00231-battery-hydrometer.html

another option is a refractometer to measure SG. slightly more expensive, but I've found a refractometer to be much more repeatable and much easier to read than getting the fluid level good and the float ok in a hydrometer.

and if your going to use a hydrometer, I'd suggest spending a few dollars more on a Freese (sp?) unit with temp calibration. They are NIST traceable and very accurate. Unlike many of the less expensive units I've tried and eventually tossed.

But now it's a refractometer that I checked against my freese hydrometer.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
To confuse you even more, they now sell a T105-RE, "Renewable Energy" version. It is 5 lbs heavier than the regular T105. It big claim to fame is that it is good for over 1500 discharge cycles (assuming 50% DOD). I have no idea about the cost, but if I was a full timer, I think I would want this model.

"Weekend warriors" should probably stick with Costco/Sam GC2 batteries !

look at the warranty period of El cheapo Sam's vs that of the RE.
then order the RE along with a good hydrometer.. you won't regret it.

here is an inexpensive but reasonable hydrometer that works.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-00231-battery-hydrometer.html

Laugh On... :)

The "New Breed Of Consumer seems to remain unfulfilled and pouts until he is satisfied he is getting sufficiently conned.

brulaz wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
To confuse you even more, they now sell a T105-RE, "Renewable Energy" version. It is 5 lbs heavier than the regular T105. It big claim to fame is that it is good for over 1500 discharge cycles (assuming 50% DOD). I have no idea about the cost, but if I was a full timer, I think I would want this model.

"Weekend warriors" should probably stick with Costco/Sam GC2 batteries !

Yep. The T105RE is a member of Trojan's "Premium" line, along with a couple of bigger L16s.

They claim an increased number of discharge cycles because of:
"Smart Carbon"
"Alpha Plus Paste with T2 Technology"
"Duragrid Technology"
and
"Maxguard XL Separators"

Wow! But Trojan has a good rep so hopefully the reality matches the jargon.

If they don't have an STP decal (deeekal for some here? ) and burn F-310, then they are nothing! They would need a tiger in their tanks otherwise. Everyone knows that.