Battery Replacement October 17, 2018, 05:20:04 pm I waited too long to replace my House Batteries, and one of them leaked or boiled over, and unfortunately, stained my concrete driveway, as well as, discolored the green paint a bit below the battery compartment. COSTCO sells an acceptable Golf Cart Battery at a great price; however, I ended up going with what I believe is the same battery Lazy Daze installs when new. It's hard to find Trojan batteries in Ohio but I was told Trojan is now making the Interstate Batteries (~$125 each). I'm less than perfect about keeping up with Battery water levels so while replacing batteries I installed a system to make it easier to fill batteries with water. Installation of water system (PRO FILL 6 Volt SYSTEM) was quite easy (around $75 on sale at Camping World). I cannot help but feel if I had originally installed this water system I would not have a battery acid stain on my RV and drive way. It's really easy to fill water now - just drop a water line into distilled water container and hand pump water in to battery. You cannot over fill the way this system works. Just wanted to share to let everyone know how easy it was to install water fill system. And that Interstate Battery is made my Trojan. Live & LearnDropbox - RV Battery & Water System - Simplify your lifeLarryD 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #1 – October 17, 2018, 05:30:33 pm Are there any markings on the batteries that they are manufactured by Trojan or is it one the "the man said" things?Remote battery fillers are an easy to use accessory and offer a way to replace AGMs with a cheaper but fully functional alternative. Traditional lead-acid batteries are more tolerant of being overcharged, since the water can be replaced. Too many AGMs, in LDs, have died from overcharging. Once severely overcharged, an AGM is trash.Larry
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #2 – October 17, 2018, 05:50:56 pm According to this, they are made by Exide, Johnson Controls among others. I see nothing about Trojan being involved with them.Interstate Batteries - WikipediaJim
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #3 – October 17, 2018, 05:53:02 pm There are no Trojan markings rather just what the "man said". I was all set-out to purchase Trojan Batteries but I could not find a dealer in Columbus, Ohio. I purchased at a drive through Interstate Battery shop, and all they do is sell car batteries and they always seem knowledgeable. I assumed Interstate made all their own batteries. When I enquired about the quality of the battery the sales rep said that the battery was made by Trojan, and they were having issues with a previous manufacture. The strange thing is that I did not bring up Trojan rather the sales rep first mentioned Trojan which leads me to believe it's true. No one talks about Trojan batteries in this area. Also I believe this is the same specs as the LD factory Trojan Battery. I have no proof but I've always been happy with Interstate Batteries anyway.I researched quite a bit about AGM batteries but just could not justify paying double the price and I felt money was better spent on adding a water system which solves the thing I dislike about batteries. Plus studying PROs and CONs on Forum.Larry D
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #4 – October 17, 2018, 07:18:50 pm Bill Darden’s battery website offers excellent information on pretty much everything one could want to know about batteries. Coming Soon - Future home of something quite coolThe page of listings of battery manufacturers’ brands is linked from the main page.
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #6 – October 17, 2018, 07:23:44 pm Well, !$@“‘#~%*!!! Just do a search for Bill Darden’s battery FAQ!
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #7 – October 17, 2018, 07:42:06 pm Quote from: Joan - October 17, 2018, 07:23:44 pmWell, !$@“‘#~%*!!! Just do a search for Bill Darden’s battery FAQ! Car and Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2018 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #8 – October 17, 2018, 07:51:59 pm Jim, that link doesn’t have the list of manufacturers; I *think* this link will work! Ifnot, I think I will just take a nap... 😉Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List, and 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #9 – October 17, 2018, 07:52:20 pm If you go to this link and down to the list of MFG you will find Trojan and a list of batteries they make. I may be misunderstanding it but I don't see Interstate in the list.Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2018 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #10 – October 17, 2018, 07:54:09 pm Yes, just saw that; off to nap now... 😉 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #11 – October 17, 2018, 09:34:39 pm More information on Interstate Batteries: I was told they are made in Mexico by the AAA Battery Service tech. I went online to verify. Here is the link:Interstate Battery - US Made in America Products & Company Listing DirectoryU...At least this applies to for the Interstate Batteries delivered to California. Gary 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #12 – October 17, 2018, 09:36:33 pm Addendum:The watering system that you added was an excellent move and will preserve your newly purchased batteries for their longest possible life span...…………………………..Gary
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #13 – October 18, 2018, 10:01:51 am Thanks for comments and information on batteries. For kicks, I might stop by battery shop to further enquirer the possibility of this being a Trojan battery and if he could somehow document. Sales rep seemed to imply it was a recent change and only related to golf cart style batteries. I think this battery $30 range more than the bargain COSTCO battery is a better value.Larry D
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #14 – October 18, 2018, 11:03:46 am Hi Larry D,At the beginning of this battery discussion, you mentioned that it was hard to find Trojan batteries in Ohio. Did you try the dealer locator feature on Trojan's website? I think there are several pages of Trojan vendors in Ohio.I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area and recently bought new Trojan T105's through a golf cart dealer (listed on Trojan's site) for $140 each. I was tempted to buy Crown Battery deep cycle batteries, a company based in Freemont, Ohio, which were only $118 each for a T105 equivalent 220 amp/hours or a 235 amp/hour for $128. All prices mentioned were with the old battery being turned in as a core exchange. This was with me doing the installation. I chose Trojan based on past good experience.Since Costco now sells Interstate branded batteries, if I wanted an Interstate, I would have bought through Costco; I never gave Interstate any consideration. I am pretty sure the Trojan and Crown batteries weigh more (an indicator of battery quality) than Costco & Interstate. If you learn that Trojan is the manufacturer of Interstate deep cycle batteries, (which I seriously doubt), that would not mean they are exactly the same battery. Shop harder next time. And even the best batteries will fail if not properly cared for.Good luck,Steve K
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #15 – October 18, 2018, 03:24:29 pm YMMV but the engineer in me is pretty convinced the latest 6V deep cycle Interstate battery is manufactured by Trojan. I started with COSTCO but the 6 volt battery that they offer is not as good as Trojan T-105. The actual Interstate stores carries several models of 6 volt deep cycle battery, or are able to order. Comparing web photos the TRojan T-105 and Interstate GC2-L-UTL look to be identical except in color (Brown Vs Green). And check the specs below that are identical. Weight being the same is key with both being 62 LBS so I’ve got to believe they have the same internal plates.TROJAN T-105223aH6VGC220 Hour rate 225 Ah (capacity hours)5 Hour Rate 185 Ah. (Capacity hours)@ 25 amps 447 (capacity minutes)@75 amps 115 (capacity minutes)62 LBsINTERSTATE Deep Cycle Extreme. GC2-ECL-UTL20 HOUR RATE 225 AH (capcity hours)@75 amp 115 (capacity minutes)Reserve Capacity - 25: 447.0062 LBS225 aH @ 20 HoursStopped by the Interstate store today a different Rep/Installer stated that the 6V Deep Cycle is manufactured by Trojan. This is recent change on the 6Volt battery he claimed. Interstate is a marketing and not a manufacturer and no longer bound to purchase through Johnson controls. COSTCO does not offer this higher performance model. Lots of evidence but no total proof so YMMV. If a recent change the rest of the battery tracking web sites might catch up. If you can buy Trojan it’s best bet but not an option in Columbus that I could determine. 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #16 – October 18, 2018, 06:29:31 pm Hi again Larry D,Good work digging into the Interstate specs! (I should have known an engineer would do his research though!). Looks like you found a good deal too. Since Interstate seems to be a "marketing" Co. and not a manufacturer, I wonder how this info could be verified in the future?All I know for sure is that my 2003 LD has played well with Trojans. Each pair was replaced between year 7-8 while still in great condition. Thanks for posting your follow up info.Steve K. 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #17 – October 18, 2018, 07:19:37 pm Great detective work! A job well done! Looks to be the same beast based on specs alone. Use that watering system and they should last many years!Gary 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #18 – October 19, 2018, 10:30:35 am Being a curious type I decided to ask Trojan and what follows is the question and response from them. Now I wonder if they have the T-145? "Trojan Battery ResponseDear Jim:Thank you for submitting your question regarding Other.Based on your comments below:Recently a sales rep/installer of Interstate batteries informed us that the Interstate GC2-L-UTL is made by Trojan and the same as the T-105. Is that correct?Below is Trojan Battery's response:We do make this battery for Interstate Battery." 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #19 – October 19, 2018, 11:50:26 am I also put in a Technical e-mail request to both Trojan and Interstate. Interstate also confirmed. This is the world I lived in before I retired responsible for Intellectual Property and patent research- just going back to work at my old job for an hour to more fully appreciate early retirement.Interstate Batteries replied immediately and CONFIRMED that Trojan makes this battery. INTERSTATE RESPONSE:Thank you for contacting us.Trojan does manufacturer all of our 6V Golf Cart Batteries. From: no-reply@interstatebatteries.com <no-reply@interstatebatteries.com> Sent: Friday, October 19, 2018 10:33 AMTo: Customer Service <CSShared@ibsa.com>Subject: Web Form Request - Support Page The following request was sent from the Contact Support page on InterstateBatteries.com.Email: XXXXXXXXXXX@outlook.comRequest Type: Customer Support For MyselfBusiness Name (if applicable): How can we help you? Product information - auto, marine, RV, and golf cart batteriesComments: Interstate claims their 6 volt battery is made by Trojan? TROJAN T-105 223aH 6V, GC2, 20 Hour rate 225 Ah (capacity hours), 62 LBsINTERSTATE Deep Cycle Extreme. GC2-ECL-UTL, 20 HOUR RATE 225 AH DOES TROJAN MANUFACTURE THIS SPECIFIC 6 V BATTERY? 2 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #20 – October 19, 2018, 12:55:01 pm How does the Interstate warranty compare to the Trojan? 1 Likes
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #21 – October 19, 2018, 05:35:17 pm Trojan has a better warranty (18 months VS Interstate 12 months). For both companies warranty varies by the specific battery model.www.interstatebatteries.com/-/media/project/interstate-batteries/final-images/support/warranty-documents/ib_warranty_2018_usenglish.pdf?la=en&hash=0E7F532996886F3AFD96E1CA1FA66DA8F1D2173Cwww.trojanbattery.com/pdf/ManufactureLimited_Warranty.pdf
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #22 – October 20, 2018, 01:03:26 pm I can't believe that with over 3,000 posts that you only recently found out about the Pro-fill. Had ours installed on delivery day.This will convince no one but me. The first time I replaced the truck batteries I weighed the Trojan and whatever Costco was selling at the time on our bathroom scales. The case size was the same and weight was within a pound. Silly me, the same amount of lead in the same container must be a battery of equal ability. Now I just buy whatever the local golf cart supplier is selling. 3 to 4 years is a good life for me considering the number of charges they take.
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #23 – October 20, 2018, 02:57:40 pm That's really strange that I have over 3,000 posts. I might have read a 1,000 but I doubt I've posted more than 5 times. Now that I'm semi-retired my posts will increase but I'll never reach 3,000 - maybe some kind of mix-up when we transitioned from Yahoo. I'm a big stalker of this forum and I have learned so much about Lazy Daze.
Re: Battery Replacement Reply #24 – October 20, 2018, 08:44:01 pm Quote from: Larame SRT - October 20, 2018, 02:57:40 pmThat's really strange that I have over 3,000 posts. I might have read a 1,000 but I doubt I've posted more than 5 times. Now that I'm semi-retired my posts will increase but I'll never reach 3,000 - maybe some kind of mix-up when we transitioned from Yahoo. I'm a big stalker of this forum and I have learned so much about Lazy Daze.Your count is so high because when we moved over to the new LDOF forum, from Yahoo, one of my user names, with about 3000 messages, was combined with yours. I noticed it too late to do anything about it.Evidently the program just looked at the first three letters of our user names and decided Larry was the same as Larame SRT.Your count is 3000 high, mine is 3000 low.Now you know. Larry 1 Likes
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