Gel-Tech batteries?

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Anybody know anything about Gel-Tech deep cycles? I was at Polar Battery today checking into an Optima Yellow Top to use as a 3rd battery in the 74. The guy highly recommended the Gel-Tech instead. It has less CCA's than the Optima but more capacity (fine by me as it's not to be a starting battery). As a bonus, it's about $40 less as well.
 
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I think I have one as my spare battery, cause I got it from them, and again he suggested that one. I will double check though when I get home, but I know it is their cheaper gell battery. So far has lasted 5years and it's been drained fully a few times, under water a few times, but keeps on ticking. It is the deep cycle version, and he told me that is the battery they use in honda civics that put in huge stereo systems.
Cheers,
Deny
 
Thanks for the links. Using the Orbitals as starting batteries, or for all 3?

Just looking online, the Orbital's reserve capacity is 95 capacity minutes vs Gel Tech's 132. 1000 marine cranking amps (what's a "marine" cranking amp?), Gel Tech is 575 CA, 410 CCA. Clearly the Orbital's a much better starting battery.

Here's an AGM/gel chart from Deka's website (they make the Gel-Techs, though it seems they don't list them as GTs, rather under the Deka brand)

http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/1081.pdf

and another overview:

http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/0139.pdf

Still leaves me unsure which is the best choice for an in-cab, charged from a 24/12 converter (both types are apparently sensitive to charge voltage) deep cycle. Most likely either one would be just fine.
 
Thanks Deny, let me know.
Your 3rd battery is mounted in-cab, right?
 
Yup,
In cab on it's side.
 
My only concern about an AGM would be potential off gassing that is commented to happen if not charged correctly. No big deal if in the engine bay...but in the cab? AGM will if seriously overcharged. However Deny's real world experience with the AGM may help put that fear to rest. I've an e-mail into Odyssey to check for a local dealer, and see how much jing. They sound like a great one for in cab to, however price will likely be reflective.

You can adjust the output and get the voltage where you want going to your 3rd, with either Solar Converter.

gb
 
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Yes Norm, checked, and it is a Gel tech. I don't know what size, but the dimensions are 9in long, 8in high, and 5.5in wide, that is why it is on it's side, to get it to fit under the rear jump seat. I would take a picture, but I am a bit imbarrassed about my mickey mousing on that one, as it was all temporary, and 5years later, still that way:o

Greg, never heard of the gel gassing, the guy selling them to me said they are completely sealed, that is why I can lay it on it's side, he said you could mount it upside down if you want. Never had any battery smells inside the cab, but could be just that the 40series cabs are so drafty:D I would buy one again, and I think I probably will buy another for the inside of the cab of my mine truck.

Cheers,
Deny

PS norm, those batteries I got from you are still in rusty, and it sits for a long time (even through our -40 winters) and starts up first try every time I want to move it.
 
Greg, I asked the Polar guy about gassing, he said only if you REALLY overcharge it. But that's sort of the big question, and I hadn't heard that gels were more likely to gas - good to know that you've had no problem with yours, Deny. FWIW, Deka's comparison of all 3 kinds rates both the gel and AGM as excellent for minimal gassing.

I can't find the 27 series on Odyssey's web site? They do have some pretty impressive spec'd batteries though. Let me know what you find out about them...

Guess I should have asked for more than a 4 pack and bag of chips for those batteries, eh? :grinpimp:
Those Globelites are great. I had one solo in my 70, it lasted 7 years. Glad they're still working for you.
 
Not sure about the batteries but I have dealt with Polar for many years, if it is battery related - they know about it and don't BS. We had to build a sound system for Cloud 9 (the rotating restaurant) and it was based upon several batteries, DC?AC inverter and a charger. They designed the power end of the system, built the custom batteries and 5 years later even with fully draining the system and forgetting to charge it fully, everything thing still works like new. Just my .02 (.0195 USD)
 
If u go with the Odyssey series, u will need the Ultimizer charger to keep these batteries in top condition. This charger is brand new and designed for the Odyssey series of batteries; and is one sweet gadget.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-odyssey-ultimizer-12v-25a-battery-charger.html


The voltage on these batteries is around 12.8 volts for 100% full charge. 80% is around 12.6 volts. Gell batts require PM, say every 6 months. A standard charger will not bring these batts to full capacity. The Odyssey batts require the correct charge algorithm; and the right charger does this.

The standard alternator will not do these batteries justice; its only designed to charge a standard lead acid battery, so u need to do Periodic Maintenance on the gell batteries to keep them in top shape. The way to test these batts (Odyssey) is to charge them on the right charger and then measure the voltage [the Ultimizer does all this] and see if the voltage holds at 12.81 volts over a few days time. If the battery only stays charged to , say, 12.5 volts (75-80%), then it is losing its capacity and is on the way out. I'm doing this at this time and my 8 year old MAIN battery is is only holding at 12.5 volts; time for a replacement.



http://homepage.mac.com/dfmorse/BattProj2/page1.html

...
 
I have 3 ex aircraft gel cell batteries if someone is driving by. 24 volts. 36-40 amp hours. Weighs 85 plus pounds. Mounted inside. Gassing is not an issue on them. Concorde is the brand.

I will not ship em. I might use 2 of them to build a power cart for starting my plane. Still thinking about it. So one would be available.

I removed them when they lost a bit of grunt for cold starts on the 750 hp engines. :) Still serviceable though.
 

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