hydrometer recommendations

[Ski_Pro_3]

I use Interstate GC2 6 volt batteries in my camper with a remote water filling system. They've been in there for 4 years now and I figure I should probably test the specific gravity of the cells before getting too deep into this years travel season.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a hydrometer. All the local auto stores have are cheap plastic things that do not give consistant readings.

Thanks!

[time2roll]

mchero wrote:
No idea why you try not to use your glass hydrometer.

Yes if other sources do not tell the issue and you are considering new batteries.
Will tell if there is one bad cell. Will tell if your equalization is effective. And probably some other stuff.

But it is messy, H2SO4 is hazardous, all caps need to come off, possible to contaminate a cell, reading could be off if you just added water, process in general is a PITN. Don't forget all your safety gear.

Unless there is a real issue to think new batteries are needed I try not to use it. Just keep 'em full and let them batteries do their thing.

[Ski_Pro_3]

BoonHauler wrote:
The temperature compensated Hydrovolt is by far the best.

Thanks! I ordered it.

[BoonHauler]

The temperature compensated Hydrovolt is by far the best.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Battery manufacturers choose Freas. They are -absolutely- accurate, have a PYREX instead of glass tube.

RINSE RISE RISE after each use. Fill the tube and bulb with fresh water. This keeps the bulb and siphon tube from developing cracks. I have seen NAPA hydrometers with .08 error. That I do not need. EZ RED dial gizmos are worse.

I went to Home Despot and purchased black PVC pipe, a cap for one end, a tube to threaded bushing for the opposite end, then a threaded plug with male square tip to grip and unscrew. The rubber bulb and rubber flange protects/cushions the Pyrex glass tube. This setup can take an incredible amount of abuse. The cap and bushing fit are so tight I didn't even have to cement them.

Bobbing balls and whirling discs are for suckers for gizmos. A Freas will last 100 years.

Remember the WEAK SISTER CELL trick. Find the weakest cell then pick on it. It saves an enormous percentage of dipping time. I "waste" oh, what, 3 minutes a week? When I could be doing something valuable like coping with boredom.

[mchero]

I saw a newer style glass unit that had some colored discs in it, not the standard floating bob thing. I'm going to replace mine with the tried & true glass hydrometer.

[Ski_Pro_3]

I know I want a glass type, just wanted to find out if one brand is a better buy than another. Amazon has a bunch but reviews are quite mixed.

[mchero]

No idea why you try not to use your glass hydrometer. Very handy tool. I need to replace mine but it appears Napa is about the only place that carries them!

smkettner wrote:
Got my tall glass hydrometer at Pep Boys. No idea what brand but it has the gravity numbers and works fine. I try my best not to use it.

[time2roll]

Got my tall glass hydrometer at Pep Boys. No idea what brand but it has the gravity numbers and works fine. I try my best not to use it.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

("Golly the ash tray is full!"

"NEW CAR!"

[SCClockDr]

I was able to get a real one from NAPA.

[Ski_Pro_3]

2oldman wrote:
It's probably time to replace. Ditch the watering and the hydrometer and go AGM.

A buddy sent me a link for AGM's. I don't know anything about the brand and price; if it's a good value or not;

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_30&products_id=3085

[CA_Traveler]

Freas

[2oldman]

It's probably time to replace. Ditch the watering and the hydrometer and go AGM.