How to Find and Buy Trojan Golf Cart Batteries on Craigslist?
TL;DR: Trojan golf cart batteries are available on Craigslist through local sellers, dealerships, and private listings. Prices range from $150-$300 per battery, depending on age and condition. Verify battery health using voltage testers and manufacturing codes. Avoid scams by prioritizing in-person inspections and cashless payments. Always check warranty status and recycling options for old batteries.
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What Are Trojan Golf Cart Batteries and Why Are They Popular?
Trojan golf cart batteries, like the T-105 or Ranger 160 models, are deep-cycle lead-acid batteries designed for sustained power output. Their popularity stems from durability (5-10 year lifespan), high reserve capacity, and compatibility with EZ-GO, Club Car, and Yamaha carts. Trojan’s flooded and AGM variants dominate the secondary market due to proven performance in golfing and off-grid applications.
How to Identify Authentic Trojan Batteries on Craigslist?
Check for stamped Trojan logos, date codes (e.g., F3 = June 2023), and intact terminal seals. Authentic 6V/8V batteries weigh 60-70 lbs; lighter units may indicate counterfeit. Use Trojan’s online serial checker. Avoid listings with stock photos only—request real-time images showing voltage (12.6V+ for fully charged 12V batteries). Scammers often misuse terms like “new refurbished” or “factory seconds.”
What Price Should You Pay for Used Trojan Batteries?
Used Trojan golf cart batteries typically cost $80-$150 per unit on Craigslist. New surplus batteries sell for $180-$250. Price factors include cycle count (300-1,000 cycles for used), voltage stability (±0.5V variance across cells), and terminal corrosion levels. Bundled 48V sets (8x6V) average $700-$1,200. Negotiate 10-20% below asking price for batteries older than 18 months.
How to Test Trojan Batteries Before Purchase?
Bring a digital multimeter (12.73V = 100% charge) and hydrometer (1.277 specific gravity ideal). Perform a load test: 50% voltage drop after 15 minutes at 50Ah draw indicates wear. Check water levels in flooded batteries—plates should be submerged. Trojan’s Battery Date Code Decoder reveals manufacturing dates. Avoid batteries with swollen cases or sulfation (white powder on terminals).
For accurate testing, start by measuring the open-circuit voltage. A 6V battery should read between 6.3V (fully charged) and 6.0V (50% charge). Use a load tester to apply a controlled discharge—healthy batteries maintain voltage above 5V (for 6V units) under load for at least 15 minutes. If the seller permits, conduct a specific gravity test across all cells. Variations exceeding 0.05 points suggest uneven aging. Document results and compare against Trojan’s performance charts to gauge remaining lifespan.
| Voltage (6V Battery) | Charge State |
|---|---|
| 6.32V+ | 100% |
| 6.15V | 75% |
| 5.90V | 50% (Recharge Immediately) |
Where Are the Best Craigslist Markets for Trojan Batteries?
Phoenix, Tampa, and Orlando lead in golf cart battery listings due to retirement communities. Search using “Trojan golf cart batteries” + zip code. Filter by “owner” and “for sale” tags. Peak availability occurs January-March (post-winter storage) and October (resort fleet upgrades). Use the “garden & patio” or “auto parts” categories for hidden listings.
How to Avoid Scams When Buying Batteries on Craigslist?
Red flags: sellers refusing meetups, “brand new” batteries priced below $100, and duplicate listings across cities. Use Craigslist’s relay email to mask your address. Meet at auto shops offering free battery testing. Payment red flags: Western Union, gift cards, or Zelle requests. Legitimate sellers provide receipts with Trojan’s 18-36 month pro-rated warranty details.
Always verify the seller’s identity by cross-referencing their phone number or email with other listings. Scammers often reuse the same contact details for multiple fraudulent posts. Insist on meeting at public locations with surveillance cameras, like police station parking lots. Check for mismatched serial numbers on battery cases—a common sign of stolen or counterfeit units. If purchasing a full set, ensure all batteries have identical manufacturing dates (within 3 months) to prevent performance issues.
| Scam Signs | Legitimate Seller Indicators |
|---|---|
| No in-person inspection allowed | Offers meetup at repair shop |
| Stock photos only | Provides timestamped images |
| Pressure to pay via gift cards | Accepts PayPal Goods & Services |
What Are Eco-Friendly Options for Old Golf Cart Batteries?
Trojan’s Recycle Program offers $10-$20/core rebate at authorized centers. Craigslist sellers often accept old batteries as trade-ins, reducing new battery costs by 15-25%. Never landfill—lead-acid batteries are 97% recyclable. Use Earth911.com to locate EPA-approved recyclers. Some states (CA, FL) mandate $12 core fees included in listings—confirm if seller handles recycling paperwork.
How to Install and Maintain Craigslist-Purchased Trojan Batteries?
Clean terminals with baking soda/water mix before installation. Use torque wrenches (95-105 in-lbs for terminals) to prevent arcing. Equalize flooded batteries monthly (15.5V for 2-4 hours). Maintain water levels 1/8” above plates using distilled water. Store at 50-70°F with full charge to prevent sulfation. Trojan’s Battery Maintenance Guide recommends monthly specific gravity checks using refractometers.
“Craigslist remains a viable source for Trojan batteries, but due diligence is non-negotiable,” says a Redway Power Solutions engineer. “We’ve seen 30% of ‘Trojan’ batteries on platforms like Craigslist being mismatched B-grade cells. Always cross-reference serial numbers with Trojan’s warranty database and invest $20 in a load tester—it pays versus buying a $800 compromised pack.”
Conclusion
Purchasing Trojan golf cart batteries on Craigslist requires balancing cost savings with technical verification. Prioritize listings with verifiable history, use professional testing tools, and leverage regional market trends. Pairing informed buying strategies with Trojan’s robust engineering can extend battery life by 3-5 years, making Craigslist a viable channel for budget-conscious golf cart owners.
FAQs
- Does Trojan Honor Warranties for Batteries Bought on Craigslist?
- Only if the original purchase receipt exists and the battery is under 36 months old. Trojan’s warranty is non-transferable, but some dealers offer 90-day seller warranties.
- Can You Mix Old and New Trojan Batteries?
- No—mixing decreases lifespan by 40%. Replace all batteries in the pack simultaneously. Voltage variance over 0.3V between cells causes premature failure.
- Are Lithium Batteries Replacing Trojans on Craigslist?
- Partially. While lithium listings increased 120% YoY, Trojan’s flooded batteries still dominate (68% market share) due to lower upfront costs and compatibility with existing chargers.