Battery Watering Devices

Jeff · Feb 18, 2014

New Batteries

Last spring I installed a new set of batteries. My allocation of space makes it easier to use 4 group 31 marine deep cycle batteries. I bought them at a local battery dealer. After learning what they were for he suggested adding Thermoil to each battery. It apparently coats the lead somehow and diminishes it's exposure while healing. I also haven't had to add water to the new ones yet. Here is a link to the Thermoil website.
https://www.thermoil.com/

Maine Sail · Feb 18, 2014

Fred Villiard said:
Jeff, Thermoil is seond cousin to snake oil.

Battery manufacturers such as US Battery have tested these products and do not advise them being used. If they know these products were used some will even void warranty.

Maine Sail · Feb 18, 2014

Fred Villiard said:
Hi Maine,

When I get my hip straightened out about another six to eight weeks, I want to get my 4 East Penn GC2 batteries installed.

They will probally be install in 2 groups of 2 about three feet apart, but will be configured ad one bank. Where the best places for weight balance, the access to check the water will be a pain in the a.

I'm wondering if you have any recomendations for battery watering devices?

Thank You
Fred Villiard

I really like the Trojan HydroLink system but it usually only works with Trojan batteries. The Flow-Rite system is also good and low profile compared to some others.

You might also consider Water Miser caps. Hydrocaps are also decent, result in even less water loss than Water Miser caps, but they wear out and must be removed to equalize. Hydrocaps are also more expensive.

srhummer · Feb 18, 2014

I got a Flow Rite Quick Fill two battery system for my house bank about two years ago. My batteries are impossible to reach without standing on my head, would not want to be without it now. Have no idea how it stacks up to other models but it is much easier to keep the batteries topped off now.

Jeff · Feb 19, 2014

Fred, you could be right. Only time will tell.

Bob S · Feb 19, 2014

Hi Fred,
Hope all is well, it's been a dismal winter. Have you seen enough snow

.
Hope your hip improves before the season begins. Those batteries get heavy lugging around. I thought about installing a watering system for my 2 12v but they are very easy to access and I keep a small funnel aboard. I'm always afraid I am overfilling them plus at some point I need to cut away the well and rebuild it so I can orient them correctly per Maine's recommendations. It never ends even when you think you're done.

Phantomsailor · Feb 21, 2014

I've been using the Flow Rite system on 8 US Battery golf cart batteries for the last 2 years. Easy to install and easy to water all 8 batteries in just a couple minutes. Wouldn't be with out a filling system in the future. The system actually encourages you do do the proper water level maintenance.

srhummer · Feb 25, 2014

My hose comes up from the batteries about 3 or 4 feet so it acts like a very small reserve. Also acts as an indicator that I need to refill with the pump.