http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...&hasJS=true

Anyone ever use one of these?? My front 2 T/motor batteries are a pain to access and thought this would be great if it functions properly.

Not sure how it works. I have trouble accessing my batteries also. I went to Walmart and purchased an inexpensive pump-up spray bottle, the kind used to spray insecticide. I took the spray tip off and use it to fill my batteries. Much easier to control as long as you don't pump it up too much.

Bigdad

That's a great idea. Thanks!!

Crappie,
I have that setup on my boat. It works great. I fill the batteries before each trip as well as put them on the charger first thing when I get back. My Stowaways are going on 3 years old now and still going strong. I think it is because of keeping water in them and charging as soon as I get home.

How much water do you put in the batteries??

I have a history of putting water in, and then watching them leak while I am charging them.

I purchase a big red Eye Dropper to help do the job. I have heard that you just cover it so the metal no longer displays, and I have read that 1/2 inch from the top.

Thanks for the replies, I might try out the water system setup.

mstewart,
I was always told to fill them until the water reaches the rings in the fill hole. (hope that makes sense) With the flow rite system you just pump the bulb until you feel resistance. I work in the warehousing business and we have had a similar system for our forklifts and pallet jacks for years.

Crappie,
I work in the battery industry and have sold a number of these systems to be installed on forklift & pallet jack batteries. The problem is that it is still a mechanical device and mechanical devices fail. When people install these systems they get a false sense of security and do not remove the caps to check the water level periodically. I have seen ALOT of expensive batteries go bad because of people using these systems. On a positive note, they make keeping water in batteries a breeze, as long as they work.

For the price, I would buy AGM batteries and keep them charged properly and never worry about the water again. Only my opinion.

Some helpful hints, always charge your batteries, and THEN water your batteries. Batteries should be filled to a level just above the metal plates you see inside. These 2 things will help reduce the chances of boiling acid out during a charge, make your batteries last longer, and keep your boat cleaner w/o acid spills. Just a tip.

I agree with Gulf_addict about adding water after the charge. One thing you never want to do is charge or discharge if water level is below the plates. This will cause localized heating that is not good if done frequently. If you check your level frequently, like once a month, filling to just above the plates may be fine. If you don't check very frequently and let the level get too low below the plates, damage and degredation will occur. The usual fill point is just up to the bottom of the side wall of the fill hole. It has a notch cut out so you can see when it just gets to the bottom of that fill sidewall. I'd check the level every 3 months at the most if not more frequently if you can.

If you can afford it, go to Optima Batteries. No water needed!