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Topic: time to replace Trojan T105s?  (Read 1407 times) previous topic - next topic
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time to replace Trojan T105s?
    What's the consensus on the life expectancy of these batteries? 
 Coach (Trojan T105) batteries were installed Nov 2017, so coming up on 7 years old.  I installed a pro fill when I bought the rig in 2021 and have regularly checked & added water.    
     I've had no issues with the batteries at all.  The two factory 100w solar panels keeps them charged ok.   But I know I'm in the window of replacement and wondering if it's time to replace them at a convenient time/place, rather than waiting for the "end" and having issues possibly in the next year or two?? 
     I'm going to be in Tucson end of this month and there's a shop that mostly caters to golf carts but also does RVs that will come to the park where I'm staying, deliver & install and take away the old ones.  Price is not unreasonable -- in fact it's about the same as I paid for two new batteries at the mothership back in 2017 on my first LD. 
     I usually tend to side with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but the ease of getting this done is tempting and not having to worry about when the old batteries will start to fail down the road.
thanks!
 Daryl
    ( I know a LOT of people have gone lithium, but really these lead acid batteries have always met my needs when dry camping. )
Daryl 
2020 Subaru Outback & tent ⛺️
          Previously:  2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“ & 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S         
                               2006  23.5’ front lounge
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #1 –
Seven or eight years is usually near the end for T-105s
Make sure to get Trojans and not Interstate batteries, the Trojans are a much better battery, usually with a longer lifetime

Lithium batteries are getting cheaper, Wil Prouist now like the recent Li Time batteries, they are much cheaper than the Battleborn batteries we bought 2-1/2 years ago with the same capacity and ratings.
Easter sale | LiTime-US
Two 100-amp/hr lithiums provide almost twice the usable power of two lead-acid batteries at a third of the weight.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #2 –
thanks Larry!  
   ok, so if it's 7-8 years is near the end, think I'll go ahead and replace them, even if they *may* have another year or so left.
I read an old post about replacing these & Jon Calhoun wrote he replaced them in a parking lot while traveling, and I'd prefer not to have to do that(!)  ;-)
    So before they disconnect cables, I just need to turn the disconnect switch off and remove the fuse for the solar panels and that's it, they can swap them out?
 Daryl
Daryl 
2020 Subaru Outback & tent ⛺️
          Previously:  2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“ & 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S         
                               2006  23.5’ front lounge
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: LazDazGuy  - 
So before they disconnect cables, I just need to turn the disconnect switch off and remove the fuse for the solar panels and that's it, they can swap them out?

That's all you need to do before removing the batteries. Be careful around the battery terminals, a lot of potential energy is sitting there.
Golf cart repair stores often will remove and replace the batteries for you.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #4 –
Sounds good… this company will come to me and remove/replace them and yes, they are Trojans (not Interstate)
Thanks!
Daryl
Daryl 
2020 Subaru Outback & tent ⛺️
          Previously:  2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“ & 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S         
                               2006  23.5’ front lounge
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #5 –
I don't know why Interstate batteries get bashed so often.  Have you tried them?  I have used Costco's version of Interstate golf cart batteries for years, both in my golf cart and LD/trailer.  I replaced my golf cart batteries last year after 8 years of trouble free service and am on the 6th year with them on my trailler, again trouble free.  Hard to beat the price, and hard to believe I've just been lucky with them.
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Lithium batteries are getting cheaper, Wil Prouist now like the recent Li Time batteries, they are much cheaper than the Battleborn batteries we bought 2-1/2 years ago with the same capacity and ratings.
Easter sale | LiTime-US
Two 100-amp/hr lithiums provide almost twice the usable power of two lead-acid batteries at a third of the weight.

Thanks for sharing that link, Larry. Do you know which model battery would easily fit in the LD’s battery compartment? Think I may purchase a couple at that awesome sale price since my AGM’s are seven years old.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
I don't know why Interstate batteries get bashed so often.  Have you tried them?

In my working days, I bought pallet loads of 6-volt, T-105 deep-cycle batteries for use in battery-powered equipment. LAX has a lot of battery-powered machines, primarily for use in buildings where gas-powered machines are not allowed
The Trojans outlast every other brand by a good margin.
I have had the same experience with RVs, In 29 years of LD ownership, I have changed a lot of batteries in our LD and other LDs.  Lifespan is influenced by usage and how deeply the battery is discharged regularly, we tend to use a bit of power, and lower usage may lead to longer battery life.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #8 –
Hi Greg;  The Will Prowse YouTube video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAaThjkazkM   and he is amazed that it performs well, and it does. He says that he would buy them. Quite a good recommendation.   Now these don't have built in Bluetooth or internal heaters, so you would want to provide that as an external heater (I did with my older S.O.K. batteries). Also you still need a way to determine their state of charge somehow. Plenty of external battery monitor systems out there, but you would need to wire those in and operate them.   The price of $299.99 is for a very limited time!  Normally $369.
   This Li-Time battery he tested is available here:  LiTime 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 Battery, Low-Temp Protection, Best Battery for...    . The size is a type 31  "L13*W6.77*H8.43 inch (group 31 size)"
    A type 31 is defined at Understanding Group 31 Batteries
Group 31 batteries, as designated by the BCI Group label, have a specific set of dimensions at 13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches (330x173x240 mm).    The AGM batteries that you probably have now are larger than these Li-Time.  The only dimension that might be a tight squeeze is the 13" long. You'll have to check that.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #9 –
About Interstate batteries:  I looked this up previously.  They, as a company don't make batteries.  They contract with battery manufacturers, who make them to Interstate specifications.  I have interstate in most of my vehicles from Costco. So far so good.  I got about 4 to 5 years life out of my motorhome pair.  At just $80 to $110 each in later years, they were good.  And once I had a shorted cell on the way to Zion, so I replaced the pair in the parking lot of a Costco in St.George, using just a medium size crescent wrench. 
    Now that I've installed LiFePO4 batteries I wouldn't go back.  In my battery box I've contained 400+ Amp Hours of  power, At 10% discharge (left) about 360 amp hours useable.  At less weight that the two lead acids, no venting needed. A seven year warranty with thousands of cycles expected. The BalMar manager keeps track of my usage and charge status. Now with a 2 kw 'true' sine wave inverter and 450W (soon to be 550W) of solar, I can operate the microwave as if I were plugged in to a pedestal.  Generator still needed for roof air.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Greg;  The Will Prowse YouTube video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAaThjkazkM   and he is amazed that it performs well, and it does. He says that he would buy them. Quite a good recommendation.   Now these don't have built in Bluetooth or internal heaters, so you would want to provide that as an external heater (I did with my older S.O.K. batteries). Also you still need a way to determine their state of charge somehow. Plenty of external battery monitor systems out there, but you would need to wire those in and operate them.   The price of $299.99 is for a very limited time!  Normally $369.
   This Li-Time battery he tested is available here:  LiTime 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 Battery, Low-Temp Protection, Best Battery for...    . The size is a type 31  "L13*W6.77*H8.43 inch (group 31 size)"
    A type 31 is defined at Understanding Group 31 Batteries
Group 31 batteries, as designated by the BCI Group label, have a specific set of dimensions at 13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches (330x173x240 mm).    The AGM batteries that you probably have now are larger than these Li-Time.  The only dimension that might be a tight squeeze is the 13" long. You'll have to check that.   RonB

Thanks for the info, Ron. I was ready to pull the trigger on those until you mentioned the battery length difference. Since I’m unable to verify if the 13” length will work in the existing battery compartment, I’ll hold off for now.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
I was ready to pull the trigger on those until you mentioned the battery length difference. Since I’m unable to verify if the 13” length will work in the existing battery compartment, I’ll hold off for now.

If a Group 31 battery will not fit, two Group 24 batteries most likely will. They have Bluetooth too.
【Final 9.99】12V 100Ah Group 24 Bluetooth LiFePO4 Lithium Deep Cycle Battery

Your LD should have a Blue Sky 3000i solar controller, it will need adjustment to maximize charging

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #12 –
Hi Greg; I think that sale on those batteries may end today. I saw some places selling that same battery for $269!
   The changes that Larry mentioned to the software of the SB3000i controller were pretty easy. Mostly it is turning off many of the features.  The one important thing is to pick a steady output of 14.4 VDC or I picked 14.6 VDC.  Other than that the solar controller is easy.
   My battery box was 15" wide, 11-1/2" deep and 13+" tall. I'm sure that your black poly box is the same as mine.  I'm pretty sure you can easily fit those two Li-Time batteries. My response is why go little.  Follow T&F and his install.  This is a permanent upgrade that will pay dividends for ten years!   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Follow T&F and his install.  This is a permanent upgrade that will pay dividends for ten years!   RonB

True.  Tim is a braver man than me . . . I tend to take baby steps!  :-[  I'm unable to measure my battery box right now so better hold off.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #15 –
That's a great price for a 2-pack as well! I'm a little confused (normal). Larry's link is to a group 24, which will definitely fit, I think.  The previous link was for a group 31 and is longer and may not fit.  What group are the stock AGM's LD used?

Ron, looks like they do have a bluetooth group 24 on sale for $310.

【Final 9.99】12V 100Ah Group 24 Bluetooth LiFePO4 Lithium Deep Cycle Battery




Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #16 –
By my rough measurement, I think you can fit 2 of the Group 24's or 3 of the 100Ah Mini's in the original battery compartment on my 2003 MB.  

I measured last night and found roughly 14H x 11.5d x 16.5W (conservatively measured)

Rich
2003 MB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #17 –
The original 6V batteries are of a form factor, or type "GC2". Batteries with this form factor will fit in the original mounting with the original hardware. Battleborn makes LFP batteries in this size, don't know if any others do. The majority of the RV batteries being replaced with Lithium are 12V models, eg 24, 27,or 31, so this is the most common form factor you will find available.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #18 –
Personally, I wouldn't buy a battery that didn't have Bluetooth. I did, years ago--a pair of Battle Borns. When they began to lose capacity (prematurely, due to spending a couple of years in a storage room that reaches 120° F at times during summer--my fault!), and I tried to recharge them, I found it extremely frustrating not to be able to see what was going on inside--in particular, cell balances, maximum discharges, and minimum and maximum temperatures. My Victron batteries let me see that kind of information via their iPhone app, and my Lithionics batteries show me that and more.

Lithium batteries are not like the big, dumb chunks of lead that we old-timers were used to, and to me it's really important to be able to "look inside" via Bluetooth and a mobile app and see what's going on.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #19 –
I concur about having a Bluetooth enabled Lithium to know what’s really going on.

Another feature to consider is a low temp Lithium.  You don’t want to charge one below freezing, most battery management systems (BTS) prevent charging to happen below 32 degrees.  If you’re doing extreme cold camping, get a low temp lithium, which includes a heater.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #20 –
Hi Greg; I know that my battery box would fit two Costco Interstate deep cycle golf cart batteries. 4 pairs after the  T105 Trojans from Lazy Daze (first set).  The Costco are size GC2 (Golf Cart 2?) and were exactly the size of the Trojan OEM. My box is easily 15" wide, 11-1/2" deep and 13+" tall. Rich says his battery box size is 16.5 W x 11.5D x  14" tall. (conservatively measured) so actually bigger than I stated.
    The batteries at a size 31:   13"Wide x 6.8"Deep x 9.44"tall would easily fit on end.  Side by side at 6.8" would be 13.6" wide. With a .4" spacer between, you would have a space almost an inch and a half on each side. At 13" long, (they call it wide) that gives you an inch to spare above the batteries.  At 8.43" tall, shorter than the BCI 9.44", maybe that allows for the battery posts sticking out;  9.5" vs a box depth of 11.5" gives two inches for wiring and temperature insulation. In my experience the inside edges of the black poly battery box is curved at the corners so you wouldn't be able to push the batteries all the way back. (about a 1/4")  Still It would fit.
   Andy is right, the internal bluetooth is a good feature. The SOK batteries that Tim used are $649 for twice the capacity at 200AH each, with an internal heater and bluetooth. They are a tighter fit in the battery box, but mine fit. Again like Tim, sitting on end.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #21 –
When I change out my agm batteries and replace them with lithium batteries, will I need to replace the Paralax ATS 301 transfer switch?
2017 Mid Bath
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #22 –
Hi James.  The Buss transfer switch is entirely about AC voltages 110VAC.  The batteries at 12vdc are entirely separate, and only dependent on the converter hidden in the underneath part of your power distribution panel. That converter uses 110VAC to convert it to 12v, actually about 13.2 volts DC to charge your batteries.
     So the quick answer is:  no.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: time to replace Trojan T105s?
Reply #23 –
US2200 is also a good alternative/equivalent to the Trojan lead acid....
1999 MB