T-105 or T-105 Plus

[Eyetattoo]

Its time to replace my old batteries and I'm looking at these two types. The specs on them are the same so I'm wondering what's the difference between the regular and the plus model? Thanks!

[OldSmokey]

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.. !!!!!

[OldSmokey]

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.

[azrving]

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.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

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.

[Sandia_Man]

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.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

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.

[ktmrfs]

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.

[OldSmokey]

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

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Laugh On... 🙂

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

[BFL13]

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.

[brulaz]

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.

[theoldwizard1]

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 !

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Please ask them a specific question

"Are the batteries a 5% antimony battery?

If the educated salesman balks, tell them it's "To Program My Battery Charger".

"Dave's Not Here Man"

Psychotic paranoia directive from company officials if you do not get an answer to that question.

[Eyetattoo]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Inexpensive to call Trojan in Santa Fe Springs, CA.


800-423-6569

Horse's Mouth...

Tried calling several times but no one is available. Figured I would give the forum a try while I wait for them to call me back.