Interstate GC-2

[jpstevens]

It appears that there are 4 levels of the GC-2, Extreme, High Cycle,, Powerfast, and M Line. Prices are different, but I am unable to determine what the difference is between each of the four options. Anyone have ideas? Thanks

[kchace]

the 3 that appear to be the same ARE the same except for the posts.

The GC2-HD-AGM is an age type

[Dsanduril]

Interstate doesn't like to publish detailed specifications on things like cycle life, but if you dig around enough you'll find:

ECL = Extreme Cycle Life ~450-520 "medium duty cycles per J-2185" (an SAE standard for battery testing).

HCL = High Cycle Life ~300-350 medium duty cycles.

PF (Powerfast) and M don't seem to have any cycle life specifications.

The range on the cycle counts depends on which series of batteries you look at, and the data is quite wishy-washy, but those seem to be the general definitions Interstate uses.

Note that the ECL weighs 4 pounds more and has 15AH greater capacity, indicating that it probably contains more lead.

[Boatguy30]

What's cycle life on t105. I've heard they are no longer as good, but were previously legend.

[Dsanduril]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

What's cycle life on t105. I've heard they are no longer as good, but were previously legend.

Trojan makes several different models/flavors of the T-105, and they also publish cycle life curves for all of their batteries. Don't know exactly what corresponds to a "medium duty" cycle in J-2185, but T-105s, per Trojan, are rated to 500-800 cycles to 100% DoD and 1200-1800 cycles to 50% DoD.

Trojan's ratings are very specifically for "stationary" batteries, once you begin banging them around and knocking material off the plates those values will go down. Don't know if J-2185, since it is designed around truck use, includes any movement during the testing.

[jpstevens]

Thanks to all of you for the information, it will help me make a decision.

[Oceansailor]

Cycle life on GC batteries might be important if you can reach full charge after each discharge. That is not typical on a boat. Most lead acids on boats never come close to the rated cycle number as they die due to sulfatation.