Trojan vs Interstate information

[larry_cad]

The last time I was at Quartzsite, in 2015, I ended up replacing all 4 of my house batteries. The wiring configuration was typical, two sets of two in series, with both sets in parallel. I faced the never ending decision of Trojan vs. Interstate. So I decided to try to learn something and bought two of each. I got the Trojan T-105, and the Interstate GC2. Both are rated 225 AH, and both are of course, 6V. I put the two Trojans in series, and the two Interstates in series. It has now been almost 4 years, and so far, all are going strong. The only bit of partially useful information I can share is that earlier this week, I checked the water and all 4 batteries were slightly low and I added about a half cup of water to each cell on all 4 batteries. This is the first maintenance I've had to do on the batteries. (I love my Magnum 3 stage charger). I did remove all the batteries earlier this summer and cleaned out the battery bay and cleaned the battery connections. I'm not sure if the "low" water level means anything or not. FWIW, we are currently camping, but not dry camping and have FHU.

[larry_cad]

Yes, I do have a regular check schedule for my battery water level. My purpose here is to eventually report on which of the two manufactures begins to let me down first, given virtually identical usage and care. My original bank consisted of 4 Trojans and they all began to fail about the same time which is when this experiment began. I expect nearly identical life but will be curious which one "starts" the failure chain.

[chuckftboy]

Everyone has their own preference for batteries. I have been using Trojan for over 20 years. First in my offshore fishing boats, now in my golf cart and motorhome. Most quality batteries will last many years with good charging and maintenance.

[2Rad4U]

garym114 wrote:
Adding water is very normal with deep cycle batteries, nothing to be concerned about.

Yep ^^

[garym114]

Probably more important to have a good charging system and a routine check of water and cleaning and you have that covered. You should probably check water level more often to have a feel for water usage, not all systems are the same.
Adding water is very normal with deep cycle batteries, nothing to be concerned about.

[Trumpet_Player]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Interstate's are more available here than Trojan's. I run Interstate's in my pickup truck too.

Costco has them (Interstate) by the 100's in stock. My guess, their price cannot be beat.

[theoldwizard1]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Dekka is East Penn Battery

East Penn makes Duracell lead acid batteries (sold a Sams Club) and several other "private" brands.

[theoldwizard1]

There has been an "internet rumor" for several years that Interstate GC2 batteries are made by Trojan. No data to support that claim.

[SidecarFlip]

Dekka is East Penn Battery

[wa8yxm]

My RV came with INterstate.. Lasted 9 years

I now have DEKA in there

Low water is normal after a period of time.. Water is lost during the charge/discharge cycles. 3 years plus is a long time between "Drinks" My Deka's went 4 years - one month when new ( (THey are now 4 1/2 years old) Frequency of watering will increase with age.

OH. the Interstates took watering every mother's day when new but the battery bank is larger now and that reduces water usage.

[SidecarFlip]

Interstate's are more available here than Trojan's. I run Interstate's in my pickup truck too.

[subtroll]

I have been buying Trojan T-105's for years for my MH and golf cart. My first set was $40 each about 20 years ago. Now they are approaching $200 each. This time I bought Crown CR-220's for 119.95 each. So far I'm impressed.