Community Forums

RUNDLC · 12-02-2011, 07:46 PM

Well I think 4 or the 6 batteries that my H.R. Navigator has are GONE!! It looks like I am going need new ones :( It also appears that my Xanthrax (sp) is shutting down, maybe since the batteries won't charge it has nothing to do.

Any ideas where I can get some for wellll... Not Cheap but inexpensive, I am on VERY limited funds right now.

Thanks

Mike Canter · 12-02-2011, 08:19 PM

I bought my eight batteries from Sam's Club for about $85 each. I would not tray just replacing some of your batteries. They should all be replaced at once otherwise the charging will be uneven. Also does your inverter/charger have a battery equalization function the desulfates the plates. If so you should try fixing your batteries by trying that.

bluepill · 12-02-2011, 08:24 PM

I got deep cycle group 27's at Sams for $69 each this past Summer. Duracell brand with a three year warranty.

No matter where you buy, be sure to check the date codes. They had a few in stock that were over 10 months old.

If you need info on battery date codes, I'm sure that Google can help.

wa8yxm · 12-02-2011, 08:55 PM

Two suggestions, one depends on where you are at.

Sam's Club, if you don't want a membership try Wall-Mart, but Sam's has about the best prices on GC-2 Six volt batteries (Costco is also good but Sam's is lower in cost)

Second: Google "Battery refurbishers" if I have the spelling right, (If not Google will suggest) If you have one near you they "Recondition" batteries and sell them for very low prices.. (Might be "Battery reconditioners too but that will hit on the desulfators)

I know there is one such company near Atlanta GA, and another in Novi Mi, but those are just the ones I personally know of.. I have to believe there are more.

I have a story that involves the Novi company (Nice story) but too long for tonight. They did me, or rather a group I represented a favor.. And they were later rewarded by another member of the group with a nice contract.

Arch Hoagland · 12-02-2011, 09:55 PM

Have you checked each battery with a hydrometer? It could very well be that one battery is causing all the problems. A hydrometer is $10 or less.
If you are short on funds I would just replace the bad battery and get more when the budget allows.
If you think about it 6 batteries do not all age at the same exact rate and over a period of time will take a charge different from each other. If I couldn't afford 6 and knew one was definitely bad, as the hydrometer will show, then I would replace just the bad battery.

nodine · 12-03-2011, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Have you checked each battery with a hydrometer? It could very well be that one battery is causing all the problems. A hydrometer is $10 or less.
If you are short on funds I would just replace the bad battery and get more when the budget allows.
If you think about it 6 batteries do not all age at the same exact rate and over a period of time will take a charge different from each other. If I couldn't afford 6 and knew one was definitely bad, as the hydrometer will show, then I would replace just the bad battery.

Also, at a minimum, check the water level in all the batteries. You should do this on a regular basis. If the water is low (plates out of liquid) then you might be able to get a little more life out of them by adding water and charging.

Bob

Elkhartjim · 12-03-2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

If you are short on funds I would just replace the bad battery and get more when the budget allows.
If you think about it 6 batteries do not all age at the same exact rate and over a period of time will take a charge different from each other. If I couldn't afford 6 and knew one was definitely bad, as the hydrometer will show, then I would replace just the bad battery.

You will then replace the new battery very quickly also. It could possibly "buy" you a few weeks, you will then need to replace 6 batteries.

ArmyEOD · 12-03-2011, 07:08 AM

OP, when you say 4 of the 6, I assume you are talking about your 4 house bats, and 2 chas bats. Is it the four house bats that you thank are bad/dieing. If so you can get them at sams/cosco ect like others have said. And yes you should replace them (4) at the same time also besure the date codes are the same. They will have a colored sticker with something like 10/11 on them. This means they were brought to life (Acid added) in oct 11. Tax and all somewhere around 350.00 bucks. However you may want to look at removing the (4) 6 volts and replacing them with 2 12 volt marine deep cycle bats. They are around 80.00 each. Just remember the bottom line is 12V dc coming out, double check your connections and then use a volt meter. Hope this helps you out.

Barlow46 · 12-03-2011, 08:22 AM

Are you stationery in one place (always plugged into shore power) or traveling from place to place. If you are just sitting and plugged in, you could get by with just two 6v until you need to go on the road. Hook them up so you have 12v and leave the bad two 6v disconnected. I think you can re-program your xantrex for the two 6v batteries. If you are on the move, then you should replace all four 6v.

RUNDLC · 12-03-2011, 06:15 PM

Thanks for all the replies, I am stationary right now. I was planning on a short excursion on the west coast during Christmas break. I am hooked (well not right now) to shore power. Two of the house batteries are sealed and two are not, When I did check those they were dry, no water at all. I know, I know what a dumb move but I didn't even think to check them cause the xantrex always showed the batt's were charged.

The two chassis batteries show 12.6-13.7 or so on the display but as soon as I try to start her up it drops to 10.2-10.5. The two sealed ones my be good so I am thinking get two chassis and two house and pray my theory is correct. I will look for one of those tester deals though in the mean time.

wa8yxm · 12-03-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim

You will then replace the new battery very quickly also. It could possibly "buy" you a few weeks, you will then need to replace 6 batteries.

Except in the case of a shorted cell.

Can you please explain how a bad battery (high resistance bad) in parallel with a good battery, will damage the good battery and cause it to need replacement almost right away?

Fact: you can not, because it can not.

In the case of a shorted cell... It can.. but if I have one shorted I remove it from the group.

RUNDLC · 12-04-2011, 08:55 AM

Are the chassis & house batteries the same style and or group number? I will see if I can find a friend that has a Sam's card. I sure hope I could find them for 69.00 a pop.

I really think I can get away with just buying four.

Follow up ? Are the six volt batteries that I am looking for have sealed top or the ones you have to add water?

Thanks

dsbike · 12-04-2011, 12:07 PM

I personnally would look for the batteries that need to be serviced unless you are going to replace with the high dollar Gel Batteries. From reading this thread I believe you will not be buying the high dollar batteries & there really is no need to with a MH. One thing about adding the water. Do not use city tap water. You need to buy a gallon of distilled water, about $3-$5 & a syringe to put the water in. Only fill to the level marker down inside the hole, do not overfill. A cooks squeegy baster will also work well, just don't use for cooking afterwards.

RUNDLC · 12-04-2011, 12:50 PM

@DSB,, I did that exact thing. They seem to be trying to charge, but it has been almost a week and the are not fully charged. Autofish a forum brother here is going to come and test the batteries today, and I sure appreciate that let me tell you!