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Old 12-30-2008, 12:49 AM   #1
dr.jim.b
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Question Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Does anyone have any experience using the Deep Cycle "Gel" Batteries on an electric Golf Cart?

I've "heard" that they can go much longer between charging but canNOT seem to find anything written about them in any threads in this Forum.

I'm about due to be buying new batteries for my '05 Club Car Precedent IQ and IF these Gel batteries offer superior features without costing too much more, I might want to consider replacing the old lead-acid models with this "Gel" type. I've still got the original 4-12Volt Club Car batteries in there now (I believe that they were manufactured by Trojan).

So, if there are any of you out there with experience with these GEL batteries... I'd be anxious to hear what your experience has been.

Thanks!
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Old 12-30-2008, 01:15 AM   #2
scottyb
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

I wonder why your trojans lasted only 3 years?
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Old 12-30-2008, 01:25 AM   #3
dr.jim.b
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
I wonder why your trojans lasted only 3 years?
Hi Scotty!
Its an '05 model but was originally purchased from the dealer in October of '04. This makes the batteries slightly over 4 years old right now. They still seem to work OK and hold a charge, etc. But, I am thinking that they must be on their last legs and will need replacing within the next 6-12 mos. This would have them lasting about 5 yrs total. I'm new to this but other people have told me that getting 4 to 5 years out of a set of batteries is about normal. Am I wrong here to think that they will need replacing pretty soon?

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Old 12-30-2008, 06:55 AM   #4
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

You are right normally folks don't take care of their batteries well. Trojans can give good service for twice that time if used and maintained properly...But 5 yrs is about average...Not much input on the Gels as not many have used em? Golf Carts work well with lead acid batteries and we are all waiting for the next best thing....I don't think it has arrived yet
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Old 12-30-2008, 08:18 AM   #5
dr.jim.b
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyb View Post
You are right normally folks don't take care of their batteries well. Trojans can give good service for twice that time if used and maintained properly...But 5 yrs is about average...Not much input on the Gels as not many have used em? Golf Carts work well with lead acid batteries and we are all waiting for the next best thing....I don't think it has arrived yet
OK, Thanks! Scotty...

As I mentioned, I am NOT in any hurry at this moment. So, I will just leave this thread out there and open to see IF anyone has tried them and has any input/feedback.

I do have a relative with a GEM car who switched to GEL batteries about 2 years ago - (after he went through a set of lead acids in a relatively short time span) but I would be surprised if he took very good care of the original (lead acid) batteries... it might be that they failed prematurely because he never checked the water level or ...???

In the meanwhile, he swears by his new (GEL) batteries stating that they hold a charge a lot longer and (he's been told that) they will last a lot longer. And... they are "sealed" units which (reportedly) NEVER need water-level checking or replacement.

If I don't have any better info to go on by the time my current batteries need replacing; I will probably opt for the 'Trojan' brand (lead-acid) variety. By the way, has anyone had any experience finding good prices on their 12 volt models? Besides at a Cart dealer where prices are notoriously HIGH... where can a person buy them? Are there any nationwide chains (e.g. Sam's Club or Track Auto or ???) who carry Trojans?

And who knows... I've only had the cart for about 1-1/2 yrs but, I've been pretty careful with the charging, keeping the levels properly filled with distilled water, terminals clean, etc. maybe they'll last another year or 2? I just wouldn't want to run out of power out of the golf course.

Thanks Again, Scotty!! & a Happy New Year! to you.

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Old 12-30-2008, 09:20 AM   #6
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Check out this thread.

Want to be the guinea pig for us all?
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Old 12-30-2008, 09:40 AM   #7
dr.jim.b
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Quote:
Originally Posted by pggroves View Post
Check out this thread.

Want to be the guinea pig for us all?
Hmmmm... after looking at the thread for the Concorde AGM's, it certainly sort of validates a lot of what I've heard about these GEL batteries.

The cost, however, may make them price-prohibitive. I may do a little further research (digging) as when replacement time does come along... I
would only need to buy 4 of these babies (not 6 or 8 of them).

Thanks for steering me to the proper thread. I have heard that these GEL (or AGM) batteries are far superior to the standard lead-acid variety.
But if they cost 2 or 3 times as much... it doesn't seem like it would pay to buy them?

If I do decide to go this route (and be the guinea pig), I will certainly keep everybody posted.

Thanks Again, PG!



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Old 12-30-2008, 10:08 AM   #8
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Don’t use Gel batteries. If the Gell Cells are slightly overcharged, it will dry out the electrolyte gell and destroy them. Gell Cells operate at a slightly lower voltage and your charger will over charge them.
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Old 12-30-2008, 10:20 AM   #9
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Thanks for that dereck....Here is a link to a 12 volt battery discussion......
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/extre...ery+Discussion
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Old 12-30-2008, 10:21 AM   #10
dr.jim.b
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Default re: Gel Batteries - Can They Be Used..??

Quote:
Originally Posted by dereckbc View Post
Don’t use Gel batteries. If the Gell Cells are slightly overcharged, it will dry out the electrolyte gell and destroy them. Gell Cells operate at a slightly lower voltage and your charger will over charge them.

Ahhhh... I hadn't heard that before.

Something else to consider.

Especially when I hear that the price of these (GEL) batteries may be as much as 2-3 times higher than the standard lead-acid models.

Thanks for your reply, Dereck!!



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