Booster pack battery replacement

[Scott_mi]

My in-laws, after having a dead battery decided they need a working booster pac around. After coming home with the completely wrong thing I told them I would find something for them. After some searching and looking at prices I figured I should go see what kind of battery was in their dead booster pack and price out that option as well.

It's a Solar ES2500 with a 12V 17ah Portalac battery (PE12v17)

I can get a replacement battery for the PE12v17 on ebay for 33.50 or 39.99. In the picture of the batteries, it says "do not charge in sealed container". Are these batteries I'm currently looking at not acceptable for being installed inside the booster pack case? I'm not with the unit so I don't know if it had that warning on the original or not.

battery 1

battery2

Any help or comments on replacing battery in old unit vs buying a new one or on what/which battery I should be looking for/using for the replacement?

 

[jim302]

These batteries are fairly universal. You should be fine as long as the terminals match and the battery physically fits. The booster pack should have some vent holes in it so it should not count as a sealed container. It doesn't take much... there just needs to be a way for any gas generated during charging to get out.

Usually I buy these sealed lead acid batteries locally at Batteries Plus... if you have one, it might be worth going there so you can make sure you get an exact match. They will also take the old battery for recycling.

I would replace the battery instead of buying a new unit, assuming it isn't too hard to disassemble. There's no need to replace perfectly good parts.

 

[901Memphis]

As long as the terminals fit you should be good. But you will probably run into the same problem in a couple years, lead acid, even SLA are poor for these applications.

Check out the one I got.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3513811/1

 

[901Memphis]

Also be very choosey about sellers for these batteries. Quality and freshness vary wildly all over and some batteries are inferior. Shop around and read reviews. Don't just look at battery model, look at battery dimensions an measure it. You might find a higher quality 19 or 20 amp hour battery that is the same size with the same size terminals for the same price. If the terminals fit and it fits in the case buy the biggest one you can find. See if you have extra room inside the jump box.

http://www.powerstream.com/Size_SLA.htm

 

[kb27]

I had the same type of SLA battery dead as well.
I don't think they are suitable for jump start operation, as they will die again.
So I didn't replace it.

I've since replaced them with lithium-ion jump starter.
Small, compact, much better.
http://www.amazon.com/PowerAll-PBJS12000R-Rosso-Portable-Starter/dp/B00D42AFS8/

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: kb27
I had the same type of SLA battery dead as well.
I don't think they are suitable for jump start operation, as they will die again.
So I didn't replace it.

I've since replaced them with lithium-ion jump starter.
Small, compact, much better.
http://www.amazon.com/PowerAll-PBJS12000R-Rosso-Portable-Starter/dp/B00D42AFS8/



For only $30 more you can get a much safer one with actual temperature sensors and safety provisions.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M1OUBES/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1413596577&sr=8-1

 

[kb27]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: kb27
I had the same type of SLA battery dead as well.
I don't think they are suitable for jump start operation, as they will die again.
So I didn't replace it.

I've since replaced them with lithium-ion jump starter.
Small, compact, much better.
http://www.amazon.com/PowerAll-PBJS12000R-Rosso-Portable-Starter/dp/B00D42AFS8/



For only $30 more you can get a much safer one with actual temperature sensors and safety provisions.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M1OUBES/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1413596577&sr=8-1


Yes, saw your post on this, but it's $30 more. Will consider if the price comes down or my current one dies.

The one I had, I was able to hook up another connector (EC5), wire to DC socket.
I then use this as a backup battery for maintaining memory when I change battery.

So it had dual purpose for me and the old lead-acid booster pack is history.

 

[901Memphis]

This one looks solid, with a trusted seller rating.

http://www.batterysharks.com/Rhino-SLA17-12-p/SLA17-12_B12-18.htm?gclid=COXL-tCotcECFeQ7Mgod8FcAVw

 

[earlyre]

do you store in town that just does Batteries? Like the Batteries Plus Chain? or a Local equivalent?

We don't have one of the chain stores here, but a long Time Local place simply called "Battery Warehouse" they carry batteries for just about anything that uses them. (one of the few places I've seen interstate branded household Batteries (AA,AAA,C,D,9v,etc) and Button cells...)

couple summers back i walked in with a SLA from a PC UPS that wouldn't hold a charge, the guy behind the counter (who i went to HS with) took half a look at it as i was coming n the door, and had a replacement on the counter before i crossed the 10 ft or so. apparently it was a fairly common unit also used in emergency lights, and home alarm Systems..

 

[901Memphis]

Oh yea we have batteries plus in my town, but don't know if they are everywhere.... Freaking sweet store.

 

[kc8adu]

lots of junk out there as far as these are concerned.
stay away from the batteries plus werker and xtreeme+ stuff.
pure junk.
powersonic has been ok.
as far as ebay thats a whole nother can of worms when it comes to batteries of any kind.

 

[HangFire]

Just get PowerSonic from a reputable seller and you'll be OK.

Oh, and don't read the REAL specs on these AGM batteries, or you'll be disappointed about the fake specs on your jump-starter.