[C320-list] interstate SRM-4D Batteries

[danny jensen]

Dear Group,
I just killed off a set of interstate SRM-4D Batteries after about 4 years.
It is very likely I caused these to die after a ran them down to 0 when I
lost shore power and had my refrigerator on. Also I believe one battery had
low water and it looked like the battery was deformed during charging.

I have been running a balmar 100A alternator / MC-614 regulator an pulling
about 75A at anchor. Normal running it is configured in small engine mode
pulling max 35A. My balmar MC-614 has temp sensors on one of the batteries
the 2 SRM-4D are wired in parallel making one 268AH (234 x 2 per Warren's
Calc's). I have a xantrex link lite battery monitor and never take the
batteries down more than 80 percent ( one should use Warrens calculation
-5% first year and -3% thereafter). I shore charge with a xantrex 40A
charger. I spend 5 night offshore 10 times a year.

The batteries started their life as 2 separate banks of 268 batteries then
I joined them in parallel 2 years ago on my boat rewire project per Jeff's
notes. My guess is that one battery failed and killed the other battery in
parallel. Maybe I abused on battery before I paralleled them?

I was able to install these myself. But I was at my limit.

Question:
1. Is 4 years reasonable for flooded batteries
2. Is there some sort of smart breaker I can apply to my Adler-Barbour
refrigerator
to idot proof not running my refrigerator when my batteries are say less
than 12.2vdc.
3. I'm running Bulk charging for at 14.4 volts for at least 1 hours under
from by balmar. Much has been written about this topic so I just like to
get your take on this Warren, Jeff... others

Battery Supplier for Interstate SRM-4D:
General Truck Supplies
Cost : $445 each
Next day delivery to store
1515 Anaheim Street
Wilmington, CA 90744
310 952-1040

Danny
#972