batteries?????

[sundawg]

ummm this looks like one of those too good to be true kind of deals....trojan t-105.....for 25 bucks........i would like to use 2 on the pu...any way i can tell if they are any good?  or do you just take your chances?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/920276966.html

[coach]

From a distance? Faith!

Testing Batteries

[wavery]

I would personally never buy a second hand battery. Buying 2 second hand batteries is asking for double trouble.

When buying 2 batteries to hook together (either in series or parallel), you should always buy 2 new, matching batteries. It is critical that 2 batteries hooked together match. If they don't match, one battery will certainly draw down the other.

However, at the price that he is offering these batteries, you could take a hydrometer with you, measure the specific gravity on each cell in every battery that he is offering. If you find 3 batteries that match pretty closely (assuming that they all have a full charge), you may be able to get a spare (in case one battery fails).

The issue with having 2, 6V batteries as apposed to 2, 12V batteries is, if 1 6V battery fails, you cannot achieve 12V to run your trailer. If 1, 12V battery fails, you just disconnect it and use the remaining battery to achieve the 12V needed to run your stuff.

[sundawg]

Now look what you have done........i was all jazzed up to get 2 6volts...costco has them for 75.00 each.  220 ah....or there is a 12 v Marine Master for 128.00 @ 225 ah at battery depot.....you are right about the used.....double trouble....I think i will go with the 1- 12v for now....and hope there is enough power .....

[paxsman]

Look to see if you have an Interstate factory distributor local.  If you do you are in luck.  I buy Blims (Blemished) batteries cosmetic damage only with either a one or two year warranty for 28.00 (#29 or #30 deep cycle marine 220-250 amp-hours)  There is also a company by the name of Voltex in Atlanta that will sell blims for $10.00-$40.00.