Trojan vs USBattery Testing Results

[Mustang65]

You can tell that I am bored... not camping...

If anyone is researching batteries (True dry-camping diehards), I came across the following test results performed by an independent test firm that tested the Trojan T105 against the USBattery 2200 XC2 batteries (6 Volt golf cart batteries). The results were very interesting.

Here is the link to the actual announcement.
http://www.usbattery.com/usb_images/...06070-67960677

I inserted the test results graph below

Don

The numbers on the vertical axis are discharge minutes at a 75 amp discharge rate.
The full capacity ratings at 75 amps are 122 minutes for the US2200XC2 and 115 minutes for the T-105.

[clutch]

We seldom boondock with our trailer so when the stock batteries die I plan on replacing them with one Optima yellow or blue top battery. It is a sealed battery which will be a plus for me as the batteries are really hard to reach on our trailer. They don't spill, they never corrode, and they don't have to ever be checked for water.

[RoyBraddy]

Interesting data - Thanks for the report

I haven't looked at the battery specs yet for the US BATTERY model but unless then two battery brands weight is the same then I suspect the results you are looking at are like comparing apples and oranges...



ADDED; This is data sheet for the US BATTERY


Roy Ken

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

Interesting data - Thanks for the report

I haven't looked at the battery specs yet for the US BATTERY model but unless then two battery brands weight is the same then I suspect the results you are looking at are like comparing apples and oranges...

Thanks Roy,

According to the documentation that I have read, the batteries are of the same class. Comparing the above information, the mfr specifications both batteries are very close to each other.

I just got 2 of the Trojan T145 (6VDC) batteries in May, so they should last me a few years (I hope)

Don

[RoyBraddy]

I have had excellent success with using my batteries while camping off the power grid.

I watch the batteries real close when being used and when they drop down to 12.0VDC then I know this is the time to stop using them and re-charge right away. 12.0VDC is real close to the 50% charge state.

I planned my battery back out to allow me to run all night long with my desired 120VAC and 12VDC appliances and to drop down to the 12.0VDC around 8AM each morning. Then I can usually run my generator and re-charge my battery bank back up to their 90% charge state in three hours using smart mode charging. I can do this 50% to 90% charge cycle thing about 12-14 times before doing damage to the deep cycle batteries. After 14 charge cycles I really need to charge them back up to a full 100% charge state which unfortunately takes 12-13 hours using smart mode charging which is almost never allowed to run my generator that long of a continuous run time. This is usually when we head for the house haha... Here on the EAST side of the US we have all these rules in place just about everywhere we go... On the WEST side of the US this is relaxed more since everything is spread out more I guess...

It just takes planning to be successful is the bottom line...
Got to have PLAN Bs haha...

Roy Ken

[edatlanta]

Below is a response I received from Trojan on 10-22-2010. I asked them about discharge levels without hurting the the batteries. I had asked about golf cart use in banks of six for the T105's which are run down to "the cart won't move" levels all the time and also in a pairs for RV use.

Below is Trojan Battery's response:

We never want you to discharge your batteries below a 20% state of charge (80% depth of discharge). For a 36 volt system of batteries this would mean you never want to go below about 35 volts. The voltage of 34.9 volts is an open circuit voltage, which means the batteries would be at rest. For your 12 volt RV system, a 20% state of charge would be an open circuit voltage of 11.6 volts. Thanks.
If you have additional comments or questions, please contact me at the information below.
Sincerely,
Stacey Delzeit
Product Engineer
Trojan Battery Company
sdelzeit@trojanbattery.com
678-518-7378

[Mustang65]

Roy,
Do you "Equalize" your batteries? When I bought the two T-145's (6volt batteries) they stressed the point of making sure that I equalize the batteries, for a longer battery life. I know some of the newer TT's have a Charge Controller that has an "Equalization Stage" built into it. My Eagle 284BHS has a Progressive Dynamics PD4000 Power Control Center and it automatically Equalizes the batteries every 21 hours @ 14.4VDC for 15 min, but since I have solar, I do not use the TT's Battery Controller: as the TriStar MPPT Solar Battery Controller allows me to manually start the Equalization process, as needed based on the daily stats from the MPPT controller. For those that have the same PD 4000 Power Control Center in their TT's I enclosed a picture of the different stages below.
Don

[JimmyM]

I see that this thread os a little old, but I just came across this article today and since the topic is appropriate I thought I'd post a link.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/therealfacts/