Curious about my batteries

Tom47 · 07-16-2018, 04:10 PM

Hello fellas,

My 5+ year old batteries, Crown CR-165, date code C13, are working so great it has me puzzled.

My wife and I ride everyday, rain or shine, on a level, paved road surface which is from 4.5 to 10 miles long. The average speed each day is between 14 and 18 mph, with the 24 MPH top speed involving at least half of the ride.

The voltage at top speed stays around 46 volts and is around 49 volts at lower speeds. Voltage at start is 52+, and at end of ride it is 49.8 to 50.2, indicating better than 65% left. A couple days we road the course twice, once about 18 miles, and still had 49.9 volts after a rest. There was no charging done between the two trips.

I am feeling very lucky at this point. I had budgeted in 2017 for new batteries but these won't give up it seems.

My concern is, these batteries use almost NO WATER. I keep the level 1/4 to 1/2" above the plates and only add distilled water once a month or so to bring it from 1/4 to 1/2" above the plates. This is with a constant 90+ degree weather. In the spring I went two full months without adding water.

Does this sound to good to be true? Or am I just living right? Maybe I am being rewarded for all the money I spent getting this sleeper to where it is now. Maybe I'm just really, really lucky?!?!

NoleFan4Ever · 07-16-2018, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom47

-snip-
Does this sound to good to be true? Or am I just living right? Maybe I am being rewarded for all the money I spent getting this sleeper to where it is now. Maybe I'm just really, really lucky?!?!

Sounds like you are running similar as in my 8 year old US batteries that JUST gave up on me. Up until 2 months ago, they were consistently maintaining 50.x volts 12 hours after charging, would run me all over and then back, used very little water and recharged rather quickly.

In May they started bubbling very hard, even pressurizing over the caps capabilities. Started using more water and taking a LOT more time to charger. Will be gong Lithium now.......

kernal · 07-16-2018, 04:26 PM

Similar experience with my Crown CR190's in their 5th year (4+). Water use is extremely low so far. Less than yours even. These batteries have been on a DPI charger since installation (new). Same climate as you. Cart is garaged.

Tom47 · 07-16-2018, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoleFan4Ever

Sounds like you are running similar as in my 8 year old US batteries that JUST gave up on me. Up until 2 months ago, they were consistently maintaining 50.x volts 12 hours after charging, would run me all over and then back, used very little water and recharged rather quickly.

In May they started bubbling very hard, even pressurizing over the caps capabilities. Started using more water and taking a LOT more time to charger. Will be gong Lithium now.......

Now I know what to watch for!

Tom47 · 07-16-2018, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernal

Similar experience with my Crown CR190's in their 5th year (4+). Water use is extremely low so far. Less than yours even. These batteries have been on a DPI charger since installation (new). Same climate as you. Cart is garaged.

Go Crown! I was going to get Trojans when these die since they are more readily available here. Not sure now....

NoleFan4Ever · 07-16-2018, 05:38 PM

Trojan, US and Crowns are all your top grade batteries right now. Either will suit you well so price and availability could be the prevailing factor.

Tom47 · 04-19-2021, 07:18 PM

I'd like to update this old post. My batteries were 8 years old in March. Had a little party for them!

I drove 17.1 miles today, average speed 14 mph. When I returned to the barn, I had 82% charge left after sitting for 1/2 hour.

So I'm still very lucky!

CartsRFun · 04-19-2021, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom47

I'd like to update this old post. My batteries were 8 years old in March. Had a little party for them!

I drove 17.1 miles today, average speed 14 mph. When I returned to the barn, I had 82% charge left after sitting for 1/2 hour.

So I'm still very lucky!

Yep...Crown your cart with many Crowns maybe agms next time around
fuss free....

Tom47 · 04-19-2021, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CartsRFun

Yep...Crown your cart with many Crowns maybe agms next time around
fuss free....

For sure...if I can find them near me!

Mooncarter · 04-19-2021, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom47

I'd like to update this old post. My batteries were 8 years old in March. Had a little party for them!

I drove 17.1 miles today, average speed 14 mph. When I returned to the barn, I had 82% charge left after sitting for 1/2 hour.

So I'm still very lucky!

07-16-2018, 04:10 PM	#1
Tom47 Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kingsland, Georgia Posts: 1,825	Curious about my batteries Hello fellas, My 5+ year old batteries, Crown CR-165, date code C13, are working so great it has me puzzled. My wife and I ride everyday, rain or shine, on a level, paved road surface which is from 4.5 to 10 miles long. The average speed each day is between 14 and 18 mph, with the 24 MPH top speed involving at least half of the ride. The voltage at top speed stays around 46 volts and is around 49 volts at lower speeds. Voltage at start is 52+, and at end of ride it is 49.8 to 50.2, indicating better than 65% left. A couple days we road the course twice, once about 18 miles, and still had 49.9 volts after a rest. There was no charging done between the two trips. I am feeling very lucky at this point. I had budgeted in 2017 for new batteries but these won't give up it seems. My concern is, these batteries use almost NO WATER. I keep the level 1/4 to 1/2" above the plates and only add distilled water once a month or so to bring it from 1/4 to 1/2" above the plates. This is with a constant 90+ degree weather. In the spring I went two full months without adding water. Does this sound to good to be true? Or am I just living right? Maybe I am being rewarded for all the money I spent getting this sleeper to where it is now. Maybe I'm just really, really lucky?!?!

07-16-2018, 04:26 PM	#3
kernal Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Peachtree City, Ga. Posts: 2,759	Re: Curious about my batteries Similar experience with my Crown CR190's in their 5th year (4+). Water use is extremely low so far. Less than yours even. These batteries have been on a DPI charger since installation (new). Same climate as you. Cart is garaged.

07-16-2018, 05:38 PM	#6
NoleFan4Ever MOD of all BS! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 17,477	Re: Curious about my batteries Trojan, US and Crowns are all your top grade batteries right now. Either will suit you well so price and availability could be the prevailing factor.

04-19-2021, 07:18 PM	#7
Tom47 Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kingsland, Georgia Posts: 1,825	Re: Curious about my batteries I'd like to update this old post. My batteries were 8 years old in March. Had a little party for them! I drove 17.1 miles today, average speed 14 mph. When I returned to the barn, I had 82% charge left after sitting for 1/2 hour. So I'm still very lucky!

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