After more than 6 years use, since new, one of Uncle Mort's 4 x 110Ah domestic batteries has fried. I topped up the electrolyte levels last weekend and found that one battery was extremely thirsty. When I switched on the charger it started gassing and became very warm and after consultation with Mr M of this list I decided to isolate the shot unit from the rest of the bank, so we are now working with 3 domestic batteries, which will probably be fine through the summer. A few discharge/recharge cycles indicate that all is well with these 3, for the time being.
I'm not interested in changing to any of the higher tech battery types - gel/sealed etc - but would like to get a set of 4 best quality lead acid replacements. What constitutes best quality though and how does one track down a source ? Plate thickness and shape, electrolyte capacity . . . what makes a unit "good" ? I know that Julian T has recommended a source in Bedford or Northampton in the past. Limekiln Chandlery in Stourport is offering such batteries at £68, but is saving £10/£20/£30 per unit at this stage a false economy over the longer run ? I'd be pleased to get 6 years out of the next set. Dimensionally 240L x 170W x 200H seems to be the norm physical size so I don't anticipate a problem fitting these into the battery container. Thx for any advice. Beeky
