Trojan Batteries And Chargers

[orbitalsolutions]

I just finished looking at the Trojan Web Site. There are three models
that I want to talk about -- T-105, T-125, T-145.



These are all identical in dimensions with the only exception being that
the T-145 is slightly less than an inch taller.



Here are the 20hr rates -- T-105 = 225AH, T-125 = 240AH, T-145 = 260AH.



The only other difference is their weight -- T-105 = 60lbs, T-125 =
66lbs, T-145 = 72lbs.



Seems like the heavier models have larger plates and should have
greater durability, I suppose, more Amp Hours for sure. So I am
wondering why everyone uses the T-105's? Is there a problem with using
the higher reated models?



If any one has any input on a new charge/converter to replace the
original I would appreciate it. the original charger/converter works
fine but I have been told that it will boil the batteries. In fact, the
previous owner of my bus has a timer in line with the charger to prevent
it from running full time when the bus is "pluged in." This actually
works fine but I'm assuming that it is a one stage charger and was
wondering if it would make sense to replace it with a modern 3 stage
job.



Also it appears that the charger and the converter are two seperate
units that were originally mounted next to each other in a road side
bay. I have no problems with the converter at all. Are all newer units
combo charger/converters? Would it make sense to only up grade the
charger? Is that even possible? Whats the best type of charger to use?



Thanks in advance.



-James

78FC33SB -- LasVegas NV

[Scott Peatross]

James the T-105 is the winner in dollars per amp-hour. The T-125 has maximum
capacity stuffed into the T-105 case size, not sure why someone would use those
if they could fit a T-145. And the T-145 is the
money-no-object-what-fits-in-my-battery-rack size.

Scott Peatross
'87 PT40 with T-105's

orbitalsolutions wrote:

I just finished looking at the Trojan Web Site. There are three models
that I want to talk about -- T-105, T-125, T-145.



These are all identical in dimensions with the only exception being that
the T-145 is slightly less than an inch taller.



Here are the 20hr rates -- T-105 = 225AH, T-125 = 240AH, T-145 = 260AH.



The only other difference is their weight -- T-105 = 60lbs, T-125 =
66lbs, T-145 = 72lbs.



Seems like the heavier models have larger plates and should have
greater durability, I suppose, more Amp Hours for sure. So I am
wondering why everyone uses the T-105's? Is there a problem with using
the higher reated models?



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[George Lowry]

James,

Your evaluation on the batteries is quite right. There is another
Trojan which is even taller - the L-16 - which has 395 AH capacity but
because of the height, needs to be designed for. It is also quite heavy
and expensive (around $175 ea). The T-105's seem to give the most bang
for the buck. You can often find them at Sam's Club for around $50 each
and they fit into the space where the designer built for them.

As to the charger: The older chargers/converters were, indeed, a single
stage affair. Wet lead acid batteries tend to boil or gas at 13.8 volts
on a standard 70 degree day. Hotter and they will gas at a lower voltage
and colder and it takes a higher voltage. The best charging system
available today is a three stage charging system with temperature
sensing. This is available on most inverter/charging systems and there
are some straight chargers that will take all of these parameters into
consideration. There is also a system (Link 2000R) along with a Heart
inverter/charger (Now owned by Xantrax) that has a voltage regulator
that turns you alternator into a three stage charging system.
Improvements are being made every day. And of course, there are cheaper
systems out there.

A single stage system will only charge a battery to approximately 85% of
its capacity. Since you should limit the discharge to 50% of capacity,
you have lost 30% of usable capacity off the top. The three stage
charger will charge a battery to capacity without gassing. With this
system your batteries last longer and you get more usable capacity out
of them. As I have often said, everything is a compromise. You have to
look at everything and make your own decision. Check out
<http://www.amplepower.com> A lot of good information available there.

George Lowry
'06 Alpine Apex Former owner of '95 WBDA 4203
Spearfish, SD

orbitalsolutions wrote:

>I just finished looking at the Trojan Web Site. There are three models
>that I want to talk about -- T-105, T-125, T-145.
>
>
>
>These are all identical in dimensions with the only exception being that
>the T-145 is slightly less than an inch taller.
>
>
>
>Here are the 20hr rates -- T-105 = 225AH, T-125 = 240AH, T-145 = 260AH.
>
>
>
>The only other difference is their weight -- T-105 = 60lbs, T-125 =
>66lbs, T-145 = 72lbs.
>
>
>
>Seems like the heavier models have larger plates and should have
>greater durability, I suppose, more Amp Hours for sure. So I am
>wondering why everyone uses the T-105's? Is there a problem with using
>the higher reated models?
>
>
>
>If any one has any input on a new charge/converter to replace the
>original I would appreciate it. the original charger/converter works
>fine but I have been told that it will boil the batteries. In fact, the
>previous owner of my bus has a timer in line with the charger to prevent
>it from running full time when the bus is "pluged in." This actually
>works fine but I'm assuming that it is a one stage charger and was
>wondering if it would make sense to replace it with a modern 3 stage
>job.
>
>
>
>Also it appears that the charger and the converter are two seperate
>units that were originally mounted next to each other in a road side
>bay. I have no problems with the converter at all. Are all newer units
>combo charger/converters? Would it make sense to only up grade the
>charger? Is that even possible? Whats the best type of charger to use?
>
>
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
>-James
>
>78FC33SB -- LasVegas NV
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[dspithaler@...]

Hi James I have four T-145's in my house compartment up front & they work
good for me. I have had them in for two years. Just make sure you have the room
for the higher batteries in the compartment. They are in a 89 SP 36'. I had
T-105's in my 79 FC that worked good also.
Don 89 SP 36'
Butler, PA in Zephyrhills FL right now

-----Original Message-----
From: orbitalsolutions
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 01:44:43 -0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Trojan Batteries And Chargers



I just finished looking at the Trojan Web Site. There are three models
that I want to talk about -- T-105, T-125, T-145.



These are all identical in dimensions with the only exception being that
the T-145 is slightly less than an inch taller.



Here are the 20hr rates -- T-105 = 225AH, T-125 = 240AH, T-145 = 260AH.



The only other difference is their weight -- T-105 = 60lbs, T-125 =
66lbs, T-145 = 72lbs.



Seems like the heavier models have larger plates and should have
greater durability, I suppose, more Amp Hours for sure. So I am
wondering why everyone uses the T-105's? Is there a problem with using
the higher reated models?



If any one has any input on a new charge/converter to replace the
original I would appreciate it. the original charger/converter works
fine but I have been told that it will boil the batteries. In fact, the
previous owner of my bus has a timer in line with the charger to prevent
it from running full time when the bus is "pluged in." This actually
works fine but I'm assuming that it is a one stage charger and was
wondering if it would make sense to replace it with a modern 3 stage
job.



Also it appears that the charger and the converter are two seperate
units that were originally mounted next to each other in a road side
bay. I have no problems with the converter at all. Are all newer units
combo charger/converters? Would it make sense to only up grade the
charger? Is that even possible? Whats the best type of charger to use?



Thanks in advance.



-James

78FC33SB -- LasVegas NV








Yahoo! Groups Links






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[orbitalsolutions]

Thanks to all for the information.

There were no prices on the Trojan Web Site, so I don't know how
much a T-145 sells for, I will soon find out.

I'll need new batteries in the near future so it's a good
opportunity to take a hard look at the DC system. The T-145's will
fit, the one inboard batterie will be a challenge to fill, but
doable.

The Xantrax and Ample Power products look fantastic! If I was
converting a bus the bolt in DC system by Ample Power would be just
perfect -- what a neat piece of equipment !!

I need to get a new charger, alt regulator, and monitor panel. That
should bring the old Bird's DC system right into the twenty first
century.

Shouldn't be a problem finding the right sizes from the above
mentioned companys.

-James
78FC33SB
LasVegas NV

[nicodemus815@...]

James, I replaced all my batteries with T-105's. I took out the old
converters (chargers) and replaced them with two 60 amp convertors that are made
by
Progressive Dynamics
(http://www.progressivedyn.prawnserver.co...rters.html ). This gives
me 120 amp charging capability, or if I am plugged into a
15 amp outlet, I can unplug one to prevent popping the circuit breaker. Both
Curt and Kevin recommended these to me.

I purchased them thru http://www.bestconverter.com/view_category.asp?cat=39
as they were cheaper than the "Hot Deals" on the Progressive website. Make
sure to get the Charge Wizard, as it turns them into a 3 stage charger. It was a
simple swap-out to install them, except I used all new wires.

These are strictly chargers, not a combo charger/inverter.

Steve Harrie
Your Nearest BB Neighbor
St. George, UT


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[racin41@...]

Steve,

We have a PD-80 amp charger with the charge wizard. Works great when hooked
to shore power but causes the Kohler/Yanmar generator output to drop about
10 volts when connected. The old chargers have no effect. I don't know if
anyone else has this problem. We use the old 1-stage chargers when dry
camping--the PD-80 when connected to AC.

Bill & Rita in Roanoke, VA (45 & clear)
1987 FC-35


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[trvlngnrs]

> We have a PD-80 amp charger...generator output to drop about 10 volts

I don't have this problem. If I were you I would call Progressive
Dynamics and see what they say. I would think there is something wrong
with it.

Steve
'86 PT38 with 6 T105's & 1 12volt Battery

[orbitalsolutions]

Thanks for the reply, Steve. It's nice to know I have a neighbor.

There sure is a lot of space between you and the world when you live
out here in the middle of the desert. If anyone is interested in
remote dry camping, Steve or I could probably reccomend over a
million prime acres in our area!

I will certainly check out Progressive Dynamics, thanks.


-James
78FC33SB
LasVegas NV




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, nicodemus815@... wrote:
>
> James, I replaced all my batteries with T-105's. I took out the
old
> converters (chargers) and replaced them with two 60 amp convertors
that are made by
> Progressive Dynamics
>
(http://www.progressivedyn.prawnserver.co...rters.html ).
This gives me 120 amp charging capability, or if I am plugged into a
> 15 amp outlet, I can unplug one to prevent popping the circuit
breaker. Both
> Curt and Kevin recommended these to me.
>
> I purchased them thru
http://www.bestconverter.com/view_category.asp?cat=39
> as they were cheaper than the "Hot Deals" on the Progressive
website. Make
> sure to get the Charge Wizard, as it turns them into a 3 stage
charger. It was a
> simple swap-out to install them, except I used all new wires.
>
> These are strictly chargers, not a combo charger/inverter.
>
> Steve Harrie
> Your Nearest BB Neighbor
> St. George, UT

[fred89sp]

I have T 125s (taller than the T 105s) in my 89SP and my Blue Point
battery filler just fits.

How do you top off your batteries with the added height of the T 145s,
have you found a lower profile battery filler?


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, dspithaler@... wrote:
>
> Hi James I have four T-145's in my house compartment up front &
they work good for me. I have had them in for two years. Just make
sure you have the room for the higher batteries in the compartment.
They are in a 89 SP 36'. I had T-105's in my 79 FC that worked good also.
> Don 89 SP 36'
> Butler, PA in Zephyrhills FL right now
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: orbitalsolutions
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 01:44:43 -0000
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Trojan Batteries And Chargers
>
>
>
> I just finished looking at the Trojan Web Site. There are three models
> that I want to talk about -- T-105, T-125, T-145.
>
>
>
> These are all identical in dimensions with the only exception being that
> the T-145 is slightly less than an inch taller.
>
>
>
> Here are the 20hr rates -- T-105 = 225AH, T-125 = 240AH, T-145 = 260AH.
>
>
>
> The only other difference is their weight -- T-105 = 60lbs, T-125 =
> 66lbs, T-145 = 72lbs.
>
>
>
> Seems like the heavier models have larger plates and should have
> greater durability, I suppose, more Amp Hours for sure. So I am
> wondering why everyone uses the T-105's? Is there a problem with using
> the higher reated models?
>
>
>
> If any one has any input on a new charge/converter to replace the
> original I would appreciate it. the original charger/converter works
> fine but I have been told that it will boil the batteries. In fact, the
> previous owner of my bus has a timer in line with the charger to prevent
> it from running full time when the bus is "pluged in." This actually
> works fine but I'm assuming that it is a one stage charger and was
> wondering if it would make sense to replace it with a modern 3 stage
> job.
>
>
>
> Also it appears that the charger and the converter are two seperate
> units that were originally mounted next to each other in a road side
> bay. I have no problems with the converter at all. Are all newer units
> combo charger/converters? Would it make sense to only up grade the
> charger? Is that even possible? Whats the best type of charger to use?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> -James
>
> 78FC33SB -- LasVegas NV
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>