Should I Replace?

[Golden Echo]

The batteries in my house bank are 4, 6 volt making one big 12 volt bank. I don't seem to get the same distance from them and the case are a little expanded. They are 8 or will be 8 years old this April. Should I equalize them, replace them or continue using until they are much worse. If I don't use the fridge I can get about 5 days before they need charging. With the fridge on I get about 2 days.


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[Dave the Canuck]

I'd equalize and see what happens. Expanded cases probably mean a ton of sulphate or the batts have been frozen. Tried to stretch my batts last year and lost one entire bank while attempting to use the windlass. Took the batts out and they weighed a ton more than they did new. Sulphated plates. My fault entirely. If still in doubt after equalizing, I'd replace them. 8 years is a lot in battery years.