Traction battery maintenance question?

[Gromett]

I currently have 2 x 250AH Deep cycle VRLA batteries that have lasted me almost 8 years.
They are now ready to be replaced and I am looking at the Trojan T125 traction batteries.

I am thinking about getting 4 of these to give me 500AH again. My first question is; are these the Rolls Royce of Batteries? Or are their better traction/deep cycle batteries available? They seem a bit on the light side weight wise to me?

Now I have never had normal batteries in my van I have always gone for the zero maintenance sealed types so have never researched this subject.

Can any one suggest a good article on battery maintenance specifically aimed at traction batteries that will see light usage and rare deep cycle discharges. I try to keep my batteries topped up as much as I can hence the long life of my last batch.

Does anyone know what kind of venting I will need for these? What is the best way to do it etc etc.

My van is a self build so I can do any and all modifications myself and easily.

Also are Tayna a good company to deal with? can anyone recommend a better supplier. I don't mind paying a few quid more for good service.

Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[Techno]

They seem a bit on the light side weight wise to me?

I wouldn't say it is light for a 3 cell 6volt battery.
AFAIK there isn't a venting kit or outlet they just vent through the caps, they have to be installed in a well ventilated area.
Battery megastore I am sure will beat Tanya on price and in my experience service is equal.

EDIT it seems battery megastore focus more on the T105 at £105 delivered.

 

[Gromett]

Thanks Techno. I have just looked into that and you are correct. There are venting kits for the T125 but not sure if I can buy them separately.

On the weight front. My 12V 250AH batteries are about 75KG so these are 15Kg lighter per setup. That suggests to me there is less lead in them?

 

[Techno]

Thanks Techno. I have just looked into that and you are correct. There are venting kits for the T125 but not sure if I can buy them separately.

On the weight front. My 12V 250AH batteries are about 75KG so these are 15Kg lighter per setup. That suggests to me there is less lead in them?

Yes I agree

 

[Gromett]

Holy crap batman. Never seen battery megastore before. But you have just saved me at least £60.....

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[Techno]

Reading the bumf on Trojan it could be the cell technology that makes them less heavy?

 

[Techno]

Holy crap batman. Never seen battery megastore before. But you have just saved me at least £60.....

For which battery?

 

[Techno]

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Yes delivery is FREE

 

[Gromett]

Reading the bumf on Trojan it could be the cell technology that makes them less heavy?

When it comes to batteries I prefer overengineered to clever tech to honest. Call me old fashioned if you like but more lead is better when it comes to batteries.

For which battery?

The T125

On ebay Tayna are doing them for £134 with free carriage on their website they are doing them for £114 but I think I need to add carriage.

battery megastore appears to be offering 4 for £400 including delivery?

 

[Gromett]

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[Techno]

orders over £20 are FREE yes
SO SAVING £100

 

[Techno]

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[Gromett]

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No you haven't... I am still here

 

[Techno]

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They're 105's ?

 

[Wildman]

another vote for battery megastore, dealt with them for years.

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[Deleted34567]

Thanks Andy & grommet.
Battery megastore seems an excellent site.
Been also looking at replacing mine, this is food for thought.

 

[Gromett]

They're 105's ?

Damnit, I almost paid for them as well lol. Tayna are cheaper then....

 

[Techno]

£498 free delivery at megastore compared to what at Tanya?

£455 DELIVERY to be added at check out?

 

[Techno]

Personally I bought the 125ah Alphaline sealed from them. Fit and forget.

 

[Techno]

Can any one suggest a good article on battery maintenance specifically aimed at traction batteries

http://www.tayna.co.uk/docs/catalogues/trojan/user-guide.pdf

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[Gromett]

Personally I bought the 125ah Alphaline sealed from them. Fit and forget.

Which ones please? Your red cable is going over the label just where the model number is

 

[Techno]

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[Gromett]

DC31 then. They look a bit weedy to me only 26KG?

 

[Techno]

That's 104kg on my floor plus cables

 

[Gromett]

That's 104kg on my floor plus cables

For 4 of them at 125AH each gives you 500AH for 104KG?

My 2 x SLF-250 VRLA batteries are 150KG and have lasted almost 8 years 6 of which as a fulltimer (still using them) . Ideally I would like to get similar quality. I think I will skip the alphalines sorry. Would rather pay more and have the weight.

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[Techno]

Yes no problem. Mine only feed the inverter I have 230ah up front for the hab.

 

[Gromett]

I don't have an inverter. Everything I use works off 12V or only on hookup. Might have to get a small one for my leccy toothrush this year as I intend to spend a lot of time wilding.

 

[Gromett]

Thanks for the advice though Techno

 

[funflair]

For 4 of them at 125AH each gives you 500AH for 104KG?

My 2 x SLF-250 VRLA batteries are 150KG and have lasted almost 8 years 6 of which as a fulltimer (still using them) . Ideally I would like to get similar quality. I think I will skip the alphalines sorry. Would rather pay more and have the weight.

120ah Sonnenschein GEL @48kg is certainly heavy but £300 so not cheap.

 

[Gromett]

120ah Sonnenschein GEL @48kg is certainly heavy but £300 so not cheap.

Thanks but not touching Gel batteries. Don't mind AGM but Gel are not good for me. Thanks tho.

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