Fitting mobility 12volt AGM battery.

Does this one from Batteries Plus appear to be a good one? Does it have a vent tube and meet ALL the requirements? Does anyone know where to buy the adapters for the post connectors?

WKA12-55C/FR 12V 55Ah Werker AGM Flame Retardant Battery - STEEPCLIMBER - Solo Wheelchairs - Wheelchair or Mobility - Batteries Plus

 

John,
When you say adapter posts, are you referring to the typical looking posts that can be screwed into the threaded posts of the Ritar and similar posted batteries? I was wondering about that, if there is such a thing. That would make installation much more appealing to many I think.

Even the vertical threaded posts like on the Ritar seems to be fairly uncommon for these batteries. A search for the Ritar more often returns replacements with the raised posts with hole that runs across the battery top.

Are your Ritar batteries perfectly fitted for your wheelchair? I ask because some of the battery sources use a wheelchair brand list to find the compatible batteries. What brands are specifically made for the threaded post that is nearly level with the top of the battery?

Ok, I see there are adapter kits for this.
Werker Stud to SAE Terminal Adapter Kit - 3217-0049 - Batteries Plus

 

Yes I see now the many conversion kits for threaded holes to posts for use by the OEM cables. The bigger problem seems to be that most of these batteries have neither the posts or the threaded holes but the flag type connectors. I guess there are conversion kits for those too but they also add to the overall height. That's why I was thinking of searching for batteries based on the branded applications that require the threaded holes.

Also, of the ones I've seen, they don't seem to have the vent tube opening. I assume the vent tube is not a common element of these batteries. It would be great if we could locate a half dozen of these batteries that are true replacements, albeit with a connection conversion. When I search for the Ritar I get replacements for the Ritar but few have threaded holes and indicate the installation of a vent tube. But I continue to look.

 

Yes, I like your new avatar. I have seen the vent points on the top of some but wondered if a tube could be inserted. So is there any substantial difference in the construction between these AGM vented batteries? They seem to be very similar. If so, then there are quite a few reasonably priced replacements for this 12v use in the Prius between $60 - $150 depending on 35 - 55 amps, plus the cost of the connector conversion. It's mostly a matter of finding the right dimension size I guess.

 

Werker Deep Cycle 12V 55AH AGM Battery P Terminal WKDC12-55P - Batteries Plus
Looks like it has better posts than can be made smaller to fit the original Prius connections. (I went to the local Batteries Plus today to confirm) BUT, this one and the previous one I posted both have NO VENT TUBE!

 

But they must be VRLA (valve-regulated lead–acid battery) batteries and as such they must have a valve outlet to release the gas pressure as John has stated. Or was there simply no observable opening that may be suitable for a vent application?

 

As you know there's a lot of Optima love on this site. Has anyone explored deep cycle Optimas like this? Optima Part No. DS46B24R - YellowTop Deep Cycle Batteries

[Edit] Never mind, it appears that all yellow top Optimas call themselves deep cycle.

 

Steve Lee you are correct, there is no observable opening for a vent tube.
ls40095 let us know how that PowerSonic works for you.

 

So this raises the question then of just how important is it to have a vent tube when the case is sealed and is spill proof construction. If it was intended by Toyota for the OEM battery, does that make it necessary of all AGM sealed construction batteries? Or is that item specifically for that battery and/or as a worst case scenario ultra-safety feature that is not likely to be needed? I'm just not that familiar with the construction of the battery or the likely need for a vent in a sealed battery. I originally thought it would be necessary in this application but many of these sealed deep discharge batteries are made for indoor use and have no vent. Is a sealed battery inherently unsafe because it has no vent? I'm just trying to talk/think this through.

 

Sorry for the delay,
The battery I purchased and pictured on ebay is the same Power Sonic battery I detailed in a prior post. It has post type terminals. I researched the battery on Power Sonics website and saw the vent on top of the battery and thought it looked easy enough to modify. Unfortunately they shipped the battery but with flag terminals and no visible venting valve but I installed it today anyway without any additional hardware. I recently purchased an "04 Nav" California Prius with damage to the passengers side quarter rear. Ive been using a jumper box daily to jump the battery so I can power the car around while repairing for a few days. Upon replacing, I eventually found the battery with a gash the side of a small ax. No spill or decay or gas vapors. While I would never replace my OEM prius battery with a lawn mower or a NON AMG battery like some outlined on other treads, I decided to install the new battery upon further research and I feel Toyota covered any possible liability and also wanted to maximize profitability so they went ahead in designing the tiny vent tube. The battery compartment is also vented to outside air by way of the HV battery ventilation exhaust duct.

Choose wisely and at your own risk..

I will keep all posted but I don't foresee any issues for about 4 or 5 years
Thanks for all the great information





Power Sonic 12V 35Ah Wheelchair Scooter Battery Replaces 33ah Ritar RA12 33 | eBay

 

I think I am comfortable with not having a vent tube in these sealed spill proof AGM mobility batteries, especially since the battery compartment is open to outside air and these batteries were made to include indoor use. I recently realized I am sitting here at my desk with an AGM battery under my desk at my feet in the UPS connected to my computer. It's never caused me a problem.

Another question that comes to mind then; how about the gel batteries? What might be the pros and cons of using them in this application and are they any better or worse than the AGM batteries.

Also, can we generally assume the heavier weight of the battery is a result of more or thicker lead plates and active chemical? I've noticed that even in a comparable size 35amp AGM mobility battery it is heavier than the OEM and assume this results in a stronger more long lasting battery. Am I wrong in this assumption?

 

I have two yellow top Optima 12v battery. One is for a drop in back up. However I do agree with the OP of this thread. I am not a fan of Optima, Interstate, and couple other mfg. Having said that and moving on. I like the idea of a VLRA AGM mobility battery if both size and AH specs can be found.

 

10 hour rate at 55 amps, thats 550 ah, you got me confused

 

Ok I started reading through your original post half way throu it, say no more, my suspicions were confirmed, a start type batery, is not even proper for a prius, not sure what toyota was thinking using one as oem, I rigged up one of these scooter bateries in my boys power wheels last year, I charge it with a car charger, couple hours on 10 amp lasts him 2 days of abuse versus the "oem" 8 hours overnight for a half hour of play, replace every spring, than again what would you expect from a motorcycle battery and a phone charger the manufacturer " recomends " as a traction fuel cell. I would have expected more from toyota compared to fisher price, I'm rather impressed with this car othewise and trust me I'm not into it, and the reason I went about it this way with my boys jeep I noticed right away when shopping for a replacement that is the wrong bat to begin with, plus they are expensive too, any who have a look at my other post, I was even debating lithium, to keep up with the times, just looking to get some real numbers , 60 ah sounds good to me.
I'll see about posting a pic of my handy work, I think one I have in the jeep is flooded type, it has the wrong terminals, and boy are they heavy, the wheels on the jeep are falling apart, well the wife riding it dont help either