Trojan flooded lead-acid golf cart batteries require periodic watering to maintain electrolyte levels, preventing plate exposure and sulfation. Use distilled water, refilling to ⅛” below the vent tube after charging. Their AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) variants are sealed and maintenance-free. Proper hydration extends lifespan—underwatering reduces capacity by 30–50% within months, while overwatering risks acid spillage.
Why Trojan Golf Cart Batteries Are the Top Choice
Do Trojan golf cart batteries require water?
Trojan’s flooded lead-acid models need water replenishment to offset hydrogen/oxygen gas loss during charging. AGM versions use immobilized electrolytes, eliminating watering. For FLA batteries, electrolyte should cover plates by ½” – failure causes irreversible sulfation, cutting cycles from 1,200+ to under 500.
Flooded batteries lose water through electrolysis, especially during equalization charges. Pro Tip: Always add water after charging—pre-charge levels rise during charging and may overflow. For example, Trojan T-105 batteries typically need 50–100ml per cell monthly in moderate climates. A 48V pack (eight 6V batteries) losing 25% electrolyte volume suffers 18% capacity loss. Transitionally, while AGM batteries simplify maintenance, they cost 30% more upfront. But what if you forget to water? Expect terminal corrosion and accelerated grid degradation within weeks.
| Battery Type | Watering Needed | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|
| Trojan FLA (e.g., T-105) | Monthly | 1,200+ |
| Trojan AGM (e.g., T-1275) | Never | 800–1,000 |
How often should I water Trojan batteries?
Check levels every 4–6 weeks or 10–15 charge cycles. Hot climates (≥90°F) or frequent fast-charging may require biweekly checks. Post-watering, specific gravity should stabilize at 1.277±0.005.
Trojan recommends watering only after full charging, as electrolyte expands by 15–20%. Under partial charge, adding water risks dilution—a 1.240 SG indicates 60% discharge. Pro Tip: Mark watering dates on the battery casing; irregular intervals cause stratification. For instance, Arizona users report monthly 200ml refills vs. Washington State’s 80ml every 45 days. Transitionally, while watering seems straightforward, overfilling causes acid leaks that corrode trays and cables. Ever wonder why some cells dry faster? Position matters—central cells in series packs often run hotter, losing 30% more water.
| Climate | Watering Frequency | Volume/Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Arid (e.g., Nevada) | 3 weeks | 120ml |
| Temperate (e.g., Ohio) | 6 weeks | 60ml |
What happens if I don’t water Trojan batteries?
Exposed plates sulfate, forming non-conductive lead sulfate crystals. Capacity drops 5–8% weekly, and internal resistance spikes, generating excess heat during discharge. Complete plate exposure can cause thermal runaway above 140°F.
Unwatered Trojan batteries lose 0.5–1.0Ah daily in 80°F environments. After three months, a T-1250’s 240Ah rating plummets to 150Ah—equivalent to 37.5% depth of discharge becoming 60%. Pro Tip: Use a refractometer monthly; SG below 1.220 signals chronic underhydration. For example, a Florida golf course neglected watering for six months, replacing 48 batteries prematurely at $12,000. Transitionally, while rehydration can recover partial sulfation, Trojan’s recovery protocol requires 72-hour slow charges at 2.35V/cell—labor-intensive for most users.
Can I convert flooded Trojan batteries to sealed AGM?
No—flooded and AGM use distinct plate alloys and separators. Trojan’s flooded models have antimony-lead grids for durability, while AGM uses calcium-lead. Modifying vents or adding gel electrolytes risks pressure buildup and explosions.
AGM batteries employ fiberglass mats holding electrolytes, needing no free liquid. Attempting to seal flooded Trojans traps hydrogen, creating explosion risks above 8psi. Pro Tip: If maintenance is burdensome, replace with Trojan’s RELiON RB100 AGM series. For example, a converted 48V system exploded in Texas, damaging the cart and injuring two users. Transitionally, while AGMs eliminate watering, they require voltage-regulated chargers—flooded battery chargers overheat AGMs by 18–22°F, halving their lifespan.
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—filters don’t remove dissolved minerals. Even 10ppm impurities reduce conductivity by 15% over 50 cycles.
Should I water after deep discharging?
Only after recharging—adding water to discharged batteries dilutes acid, worsening performance.
Do Trojan AGM batteries require special chargers?
Yes—AGMs need voltage-limited chargers (14.4–14.8V for 12V units) to avoid dry-out. Flooded battery chargers exceed by 0.8V, causing damage.
How do I check water levels in opaque Trojan cases?
Use a flashlight to illuminate through filler caps—levels should be ¼” below the vent tube’s base.
Can I mix AGM and flooded Trojans in one bank?
Never—charging profiles differ, causing AGMs to overheat while flooded units undercharge.
