Trojan T105 GC vs T105 RE

[Opie91]

I need to replace my house bank of 4 - 6 volt batteries. I am looking for some longevity and pretty much decided on Trojan batteries.

Question: Is there a substantial difference in the T105 GC (Golf Cart) and the T105 RE (Renewable Energy) batteries?

Is it worth the extra $30 USD a battery?

Thanks for input

[ErikFinn]

Check out the discharge cycle rates at Trojan's website, at pdf brochures if I remember correct. RE's is about 1600 cycles to 50% discharge, vs about 1200 for the standard T105. RE is a bit taller and slightly heavier if I recall correct ( more lead?).
For 30 bucks difference I would take RE anyday. Shame nobody offers them around here.

[Scott Berg]

We opted for the RE's. Same height but they are REALLY 181mm wide whereas the GC models are about 179.5

In a box made to hold 6 this required us to do some carpentry! That said so far so good; ask me in 5 more years....

[Opie91]

Thanks for the input.

I did see the additional life cycles on the RE. The place I am buying them from says they have a 5 year warranty. Not the GC batteries.

Since the RE will fit I'll spend the extra $30/ea.

[Aloft]

Check out the depth of the electrolyte above the plates on the REs. Some batteries have a tendency to dry out when on a long tack, and while I haven't stuck a yardstick inside one, I suspect the REs may have a shallower reserve that the mobile-oriented ones. If anyone has them, please report back!

[Opie91]

Aloft, good point.

I am starting to second guess the RE decision. After looking at all of the cycle life data on the T105 & T105RE it is all based on the battery being stationary. Starting to wonder if the RE will hold up to use in a sailboat. The T105 (golf cart) is made to take the abuse of a golf cart.

[nigel1]

What about the T125's, I think they are the same size as the T105'w, but have a larger capacity.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by nigel1

What about the T125's, I think they are the same size as the T105'w, but have a larger capacity.

Good point. They are built for golf carts and are the same price as the 105RE batteries. Starting to lean towards the 125 now.

[ErikFinn]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

We opted for the RE's. Same height but they are REALLY 181mm wide whereas the GC models are about 179.5

In a box made to hold 6 this required us to do some carpentry! That said so far so good; ask me in 5 more years....

This size matter started to bother me now.

From Trojan's site:

T-105 Deep-Cycle Flooded:
Dimensions inches (mm)
Length 10.30 (262)
Width 7.11 (181)
Height 11.07 (281)

T-105 | Trojan Battery Company


T-105 RE Deep-Cycle Flooded
Dimensions inches (mm)
Length 10.30 (262)
Width 7.11 (181)
Height 11.67 (296)

T-105-RE | Trojan Battery Company

As far as I can see the only difference is in the Height. 281mm vs. 296mm. RE being 15mm taller.

Am I looking at wrong batteries? Or are the batteries shaped differently so the RE needs more width than what it's specs say?




( T-125 here )

[Aloft]

We opted for the RE's. Same height but they are REALLY 181mm wide whereas the GC models are about 179.5

In a box made to hold 6 this required us to do some carpentry!

1.5mm per battery, or 9mm for the 6 kept them from fitting? That's a tight box! I looked at Interstate and Exide, and they are 181mm also, so that seems to be the norm. Most boxes I see have a little bit of slop, a good idea. A 1/4"-3/8" piece of wood to take up the space is a lot easier than renting a box stretcher.

I do note that the Trojan RE and T-145 are slightly taller, not usually a problem on a boat. But likely an issue under the seat of a golf cart.

[gts1544]

Folks, FYI - I just bought 4 @ Energizer 107 AH GC 6 VDC at Sam's for $85 @ to be wired series / parallel for my pick up truck camper, which sports a 3000 W inverter used intermittently. Service free / 1 year replacement / 5 year prorated. Since they do have cell service caps, I intend to carefully over service them since they are almost impossible to access without removing the camper from the truck bed. Don't know if this info is of any use, but I thought that I would throw it out there! I am also going to use lock nuts on the posts after thoroughly dielectric greasing the entire assembly. George

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by Opie91

I need to replace my house bank of 4 - 6 volt batteries. I am looking for some longevity and pretty much decided on Trojan batteries.

Question: Is there a substantial difference in the T105 GC (Golf Cart) and the T105 RE (Renewable Energy) batteries?

Is it worth the extra $30 USD a battery?

Thanks for input

===

I have no experience with the T-105 RE but I do with T-105 vs T-145. The T-145s cost more and are slightly higher but their capacity and longevity has proven to be significantly better. Since changing out the batteries is such a significant hassle, I have opted for my second set of T-145s. My first set lasted for 6 years of hard service. My old T-105s were failing after 2 or 3 years.

[nhschneider]

Originally Posted by wayne.b

===

I have no experience with the T-105 RE but I do with T-105 vs T-145. The T-145s cost more and are slightly higher but their capacity and longevity has proven to be significantly better. Since changing out the batteries is such a significant hassle, I have opted for my second set of T-145s. My first set lasted for 6 years of hard service. My old T-105s were failing after 2 or 3 years.

I also had excellent results with the T145s. When underway or at anchor, we typically go through nearly 400 amps per day and our batteries get a real workout. The Trojans held up for about five years through hundreds of deep discharges and charges.

Fair winds and calm seas.