12 to 6 v battery switchout

And yes, flooded deep cycle golf cart batteries have a higher self discharge rate and consume more water. That is the tradeoff you make for better ability to handle deep cycling compared to SLI (starter, lights, ignition) auto batteries, or dual use marine type batteries.. 

I have been checking the water level and have needed to add water a good bit more than with my old batteries so I think that likely was the problem.

there is an extra wire with both positive and negative connections it's thin. I bought my rpod used and its been there all along and have assumed it was the zamp wiring and I don't use it.  Wouldn't mind alternatve guesses if you have any.

Heading out Sunday for a couple of weeks; thanks again for all the help.

Jon, please keep us abreast of your battery situation.  Yes, as Offgrid points out, your batteries have been hurt due to the fact that the plates were exposed (for who knows how long) to air.

As I think about the electric carts we had at one of our 4 golf courses we went through a fair amount of distilled water!  Each 6 volt battery holds just north of 1.5 gallons of liquid.  Multiply that times 6 and you find yourself transporting over 9 gallons.  But that is old school.  Yamaha I believe was the first cart manufacturer to come out with the 48 volt system for golf carts; using six 8 volt batteries.  The 8 volt batteries (Trojan) weigh about 1-2 lbs more than their 6 volt brothers but I think the liquid capacity is about the same. 

Last year our oldest 12v Interstate (it was over 11 years old) was replaced with a Trojan T-1275, which is a 12v golf cart battery putting out 150aH, not light at 85 lbs, but has performed well so far with our nearly 12 year old original Interstate 12 volt.  Each is run separately from the other.