RXV using Duracell 12v Deep Cycle FYI

PinballDad

This is an FYI post and I wish to say in advance I do not claim to be an expert. Having said that I wish to FYI others about my happiness for batteries I bought. I have had many problems with my used 2008 RXV since the start (new brake, new used motor and now I need a new steering rack). However, battery purchase 9 months ago makes me happy now.

The story. My cart ran ok with the Club Car Batteries (that is what my cart came with). Except the charge never lasted long and I always had liquid on the floor during charging. It would bubble out of 1-2 batteries. I always had distilled water on hand and had to fill every few days...I thought this was normal because I never had a cart before. Anyway, I live in Michigan and have a 1 acre backyard. My cart would travel for a 2 hours off and on then need a charge. About 9 months ago I decided on new batteries because I had to replace the motor anyway. I could not afford or justify the suggested Trojan replacements. I ended up at Sam's Club and bought (4) 12 volt Duracells for about $100 each. They are deep cycle. Since I bought them I can drive all over my back yard all day and the next day...even a third day. I no longer have water/acid on my floor when I charge, Here is the real kicker! I have not filled them once! I used to check every time I charge and now I gave up, it never needs water. I drive all winter long (10 deg below zero some days) and still level is fine.

I just thought I would share this here in case someone else was in my shoes and was considering cheaper batteries for your RXV. I have had zero issues and really do not understand why my water level stays topped off. Perhaps the experts here will explain it to me and others. That aside, I am happy with these Sam's club batteries and my RXV loves them too. No faults or hiccups at all. The cart moves faster too but I do not know why. Maybe the old batteries never reached peak charge although I always checked with a meter. I was getting 51.2 volts if I remember right.

Anyway, if anyone has any questions about my setup and these Duracells I would be more than happy to respond!

BGW

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Great white north

I would also check your charger to make sure you r not overcharging your new batteries ... Your old ones were obviously shot from the get go .. Too bad you got 12 volt batts .. 8 volt or 6 volt are far better for range and life span
However .. Never cheap out on batteries .. You get what you pay for .. Also a well charged battery
Will not bubble over typically like your old ones .. I ve had mine for over a year had not had to add water yet
Cheers!

JohnnieB

I suspect the previous owner (vendor?) tossed a set of used batteries in the cart so it would be drivable long enough for the buyer's check to clear the bank.

Batteries tend to use more water as they age and batteries with weak or bad cells tend to use a lot of water. The fact the new batteries run the cart three or more times as much as the CC batteries, is a good indicator the CC batteries were old and/or had bad cells.

Electrolyte bubbling out of any battery indicates it was overfilled. Only add water to a fully charged battery. The single exception is when the plates are exposed and then add only enough water to cover the plate and fill to proper level after the battery is charged.

The proper level isn't clearly defined. Some say at least a 1/4" below the bottom of the vent well (attached picture) while other say 1/4" above the top of plates, but anything between the two extremes is probably okay. Bottom line: If the batteries are bubbling over, back off on how high they are being filled.

For maximum battery lifespan, they ought to be recharged after each use, or at least each night the cart is used.
In a nutshell, the longer a battery sits in a partially discharged state, the faster they age. Charging them every other day or every third day is shortening their useable lifespan.

To determine if you new batteries are being overcharged or undercharged, measure the pack voltage about 12 to 24 hours after the charger turns off automatically, or the charger is disconnected if it float charges. The attached chart lists the At-Rest Voltage vs State of Charge (SoC).

For a 48V pack it should be 50.93V and each 12V battery should be 12.73V, and each of the four should be within 0.1V of the rest.

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Some RXV owners have changed from a 4 x 12V battery pack to a 6 X 8V battery pack for a greater run-time and battery lifespan, which may be something to consider when you new batteries need to be replaced at some point in the future. It's a judgement call based on your needs.

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The best bang for the buck is typically the highest AH battery and the lowest price (inclusion all taxes, shipping, etc,) that can be obtained locally.

Attached Images

	WaterDia_A.jpg (36.8 KB, 0 views)
	SoC vs Voltage - Trojan Battery.JPG (56.9 KB, 0 views)

kgsc

PinBallDad, which 12 volt batteries did you put in ?? Part number please..

As for the Duracells, I have been buying them as of late for automotive because they usually are rated higher CCs than the others I have found. I haven't bought many of the GC ones because I have access to better ones elsewhere..

JohnnieB

The only Duracell GC12 they list on their website is 155AH, which is a slightly higher rating than a Trojan T-1275 (150AH) and according to them, it is made in USA.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/golf-cart-batteries/3990117.cp
(Second from bottom of linked page)

kgsc

JB, that is why I asked what part number he used. The GC12 is $199 and I think he stated he paid $100 each so thinking not the same battery..

JohnnieB

You might be right, I didn't think about that aspect.