I'm Afraid to Equalize

[Minggat]

At the risk of being hit with the "snake oil" shotgun, go here. Battery Equaliser Doubles Battery Life - for Auto, Boat, Golf Cart, Motorcycle, Solar, Truck, RV, Forklift, Floor Cleaner and all Lead Acid Batteries

I have never equalized in 8 years. 8 housebank Trojan 125's.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Therapy

I don't get that.

Therapy, The Iota does a timed equalization' I believe for like an hour and a half, that does not let the batteries boil enough to loose any water. If one is doing a true equalization for maintenance, say once a year, then the equalization will be done over a longer period of time and needs to be monitored for water loss.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

Therapy, The Iota does a timed equalization' I believe for like an hour and a half, that does not let the batteries boil enough to loose any water. If one is doing a true equalization for maintenance, say once a year, then the equalization will be done over a longer period of time and needs to be monitored for water loss.

OK, thanks.

I remember Iota in other threads and have never heard of an owner that did not like them.

[DeepFrz]

Equalization takes much longer than an hour. Search for threads and postings by Rick about equalization. Such as these ones.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...s-25141-3.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ion-16113.html

But don't do if its not necessary.

[Palarran]

Those are some really good links and I will take the time to read the information.

So, what I should do is disconnect the batteries for a couple of hours to let them rest, then check the specific gravity by cell and battery. If there is a variance, then I'll equalize them. I'll be at anchor at the time so will use my generator to power the Xantrex charger. Any idea how long it will take? Are we talking 12 hours? How close do you have to watch them? 5 minutes - 15 minutes? Constantly?

[slowshoes]

I have water miser caps on my t-105's and I'm never sure if I should open the caps or leave them closed when equalizing. Does it matter?

[Stillraining]

Leave in place ...but you will need to remove them periodically for checking fluid level throughout the process so crack them loose so they are easy to get off. all flooded battries are already vented.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by slowshoes

I have water miser caps on my t-105's and I'm never sure if I should open the caps or leave them closed when equalizing. Does it matter?

Take them off.

The excess heat of equalization significantly shortens their lifespan. I lay paper towels over the open holes to minimize splatter when I equalize.

[senormechanico]

My Bluesky MPPT controller does it automatically once a month from my solar array.
My (at least) ten year old T105 batteries have never been happier.

[slowshoes]

Thanks for the replys. Well I've heard both Stillrainings and Jon D's advice prior to posting my original question. I've heard that equlization can ruin the caps in short order, but I was concerned about electrolyte splashing around.

I'll try the taking them off and do the paper towel idea next time I equalize and see how it goes.