batteries die quickly

[Yamahaman]

Originally Posted by -Kevlar-

i read 53-54 volts after charge????

Right after a charge your batteries will be high so you need to let them set preferably for 12 hrs then take a reading.You also need to take a better reading than 53-54 volts and always use the two numbers to the right of the decimal point .00 instead of just one.

[Volt_Ampere]

My last batteries read fine after a charge but only got about 30% of their capacity - and the voltage sagged under load. Voltage only tells part of the story. You need to load test them.

[jjance]

I came across this blurb on the Trojan Battery web site.

2. How do I determine my battery capacity when it is colder/hotter?
Battery capacity is basically a linear relationship. A good rule of thumb is that for every 15º F (9º C) above 80º F (27º C), capacity is increased by 10% and for every 15º F (9º C) below 80º F (27º C), capacity is reduced by 10%.

This may explain some of the battery problems.