Can these batteries be saved?

[Tford]

Here's the scoop, checked my 2 6V batteries today after things seemed a little dim and the front jacks seemed slow (my bad, should have been doing this more often) and found they are pretty low on fluid, to the tune of probably 24 oz per cell. These are the original ones with the trailer (4/14) so they're coming up on 5 years. I guess I can add distilled H2O and see if they will come up to charge, and then check specific grav and what not, but am I grasping at straws having to put this much water in them at this point in their shelf life? I guess it's worth the price of a gallon of distilled water at least....
If not, then its off to the many battery threads here, or just replace with what I have now.... I promise I won't ask for opinions on battery types!

[Rossue]

Nearly 5 year old deep cycle batteries are near the end of their life and if it were me I would just replace them with same rather than trying to milk a few more months and then have a problem out on the road. Costco sells Interstate 6V in the $80 range.

[gbaglo]

And, you need to charge the batteries before adding a lot of water. Add enough to cover the plates, charge, and then top them up.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

And, you need to charge the batteries before adding a lot of water. Add enough to cover the plates, charge, and then top them up.

Good advice from Glenn here. That’s what we always did with batteries when we had a municipal fleet and a seldom used piece of equipment got neglected. I would for sure spend the little bit of money for the water. Sometimes they will surprise you. I kept a battery out of a mower and topped it up with water when it was needed for 5 years and it stayed good. I gave the mower to a friend in July and it’s starting and going strong for him until it snowed. He uses it to pull his wood cart.
Iowa Dave