Charlie wrote:
Can you guys give me an idea of what kind of batteries would be needed for an all-original E12, and what the pros and cons of using different brands/types/chemistries are, and how much I might expect to spend? Assuming nothing but original equipment running gear and charging apparatus, that is.
With the original charger, you'll need to stay with flooded lead-acid batteries. Six each golf cart type batteries, 6-volt, deep cycle.
Lot of choices in terms of brands ranging from Sam's Club "private label" (maybe $70 each?) to Interstate East Penn/Deka to US Battery to Trojan, etc (maybe $140+ each at the top end). Some folks have had good luck getting used pulls from large golf courses or getting factory seconds/blems at reduced cost - obviously that depends a lot on what is near where you live.
If you want to use the original battery cables, then you need an "automotive" style post on the battery, or combo post that includes the round automotive part. This rules out Trojan with their silly 'low profile' combo post. Some of the other manufacturers may being doing a similar low profile post now - I most recently have been using NAPA and East Penn batteries which do include the full-height round automotive post. If you make new cables, then any terminal style can work.
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