Connected 8v Batteries

SpeedCaps™ For Your Deep-Cycle Battery

U.S. Battery SpeedCaps™ Go Beyond Venting Deep-Cycle Battery Cells

The vent caps used on deep cycle batteries are designed to allow the escape of gases formed inside the battery when it is being charged and to limit the escape of electrolyte in normal operation. The vent caps are also designed for easy removal to visually check the electrolyte level in the battery and to add water as necessary.   They also allow for the insertion of a hydrometer to check the battery’s state of charge.  During regular maintenance that requires removing and reinstalling the vent caps, there is a possibility that the vent caps may not be properly reinstalled.  This could allow electrolyte to spill over onto the battery and cause corrosion on terminals and surrounding areas.

To improve on the standard battery vent cap, U.S. Battery SpeedCaps™ are designed with a cantilever-style closure that is attached to three or four battery cell caps. This design allows all the caps to be easily removed with a single twist. The design not only makes the removal of the battery caps easier, but it also ensures that they are properly seated when being replaced. The locking ramp on top self-adjusts to maintain compression between the sealing gasket and vent well surface for the life of the battery. SpeedCaps™ are designed to make your job of battery maintenance as hassle-free as possible while also maintaining a proper seal and gas venting during use.CAD drawing of U.S. Battery SpeedCaps

Proper venting is critical during charging when gas is being generated within the electrolyte and bubbles to the surface, helping to mix the electrolyte. To prevent electrolyte from escaping past the vent caps, U.S. Battery SpeedCaps™ feature 0.750-inch diameter porous discs that assure proper venting while maintaining flame retardance to prevent gas ignition inside the battery. They also have four separate vent holes that decrease backpressure and prevent internal pressure buildup.

Since vent caps are removed and replaced frequently during regular battery maintenance, U.S. Battery SpeedCaps™ are designed with a larger diameter flange. The enlarged flange ensures even pressure on the surface of the sealing gasket while maintaining a tight fit between the barrel and cylinder to eliminate side-to-side movement and the chance for misalignment of the gasket onto the sealing surface.

To prevent spilling of the electrolyte during vehicle movement in golf carts, aerial platform lifts, RVs, boats, etc., the SpeedCap™ design also features a double-sided internal baffle with multi-directional channels and a sloped center hole return drain, all designed to route battery electrolyte back into the cell.

With all these safeguards in place, U.S. Battery SpeedCaps™ are an example of one of the many details the company adds to its products to ensure they provide optimum performance and cycle life compared to other deep-cycle batteries on the market.

38 replies
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Mike,

      Our Engineer recommends gently rocking the cap back and forth, with it in the neutral position. It may be stuck due to buildup from use. As long as the cantilever is in the neutral position, you will not harm the valve by rocking it. Take a look at these images for reference.Neutral positionrocking valve free

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Creative Manager

      Reply
        • Mike Wallace
          Mike Wallace says:

          Hi E.B.,

          I would be happy to connect you with someone that can help you get the SpeedCaps you need. Where are you located?

          Best,
          -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

          Reply
      • Deb Adkins
        Deb Adkins says:

        I’m a new owner of a golf cart. It has these speed caps. I dont know how to remove them. Can you please explain
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Mike Wallace
          Mike Wallace says:

          Hi Deb,

          Our engineers recommend watching this video https://youtube.com/ at 2:14 you’ll see them remove the SpeedCaps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

          Best,
          -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

          Reply
  1. Walt Thayer
    Walt Thayer says:

    I recently purchased a 2013 EZGO RXV golf cart. It has a 48 volt system. (4- 12 volt batteries). It has new batteries. 2 of the batteries are US Batteries and 2 are Trojan. I checked out your website and saw the speed caps which I would like to get for my 2 US batteries. I contacted 2 of your distributors that are close by but neither carry the speed caps. Because my batteries are 12 volt, I’m guessing I would need 2 speed caps per battery, each speed cap covering 3 cell caps. I’m hoping you can help me with where to purchase and the cost. Thanks, Walt

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Walt,

      Thanks for contacting us! I’d be happy to put you in contact with someone that can help you get some SpeedCaps. Where are you located?

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  2. Joel Rebelo
    Joel Rebelo says:

    Hi I live in Tustin. It’s in Orange County California. Is there a place that sells these speedcaps in the area or a website?

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Joel,

      I have forwarded your request to our Sales Manager for your area. Someone will contact you shortly about the SpeedCaps you need.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  3. Brad
    Brad says:

    My golf cart is 48 volt. 6, 8volt batteries. I just replaced the batteries that have the spin caps. Do to the configuration of the battery wiring in series the connecting rods to the caps prevent a proper installation of the battery cables. Can the spin cap rods be removed or can I get individual cap for each battery fill hole. Either or option would sure make it easier and cleaner set up for the battery cables.

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi D,

      Our engineers recommend using pump pliers to unstuck a lever by providing an easier grip. If facing the front of the battery, negative terminal on the left-hand side, use the channel locks to turn the SpeedCap levels counterclockwise. Do not use the pliers to pry the SpeedCap off.pump pliers

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Robert,

      Thank you for choosing U.S. Battery products!

      The US 8VGCi is designed to be compatible with select OEM watering kits; because of this, the cell spacing is different than our other 8V batteries and will not work with the SpeedCaps. Our bayonet caps are compatible with the 8VGCi would you like me to arrange to send some of those to you?

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Thomas,

      Where are you located? I would be happy to put you in contact with someone that can help you with your request. If you would like you can contact me directly at mwallace@usbattery.com.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  4. Bud Alexander
    Bud Alexander says:

    Mike
    I have speed caps on the batteries in my golf cart. I don’t have much strength in my hands. I was wondering if there is a wrench of some type available that would let me apply additional leverage To the finger part to remove the caps ? I am hesitant to use the wrench on the caps themselves.
    Thanks for your help. Bud

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Bud, Our engineers recommend using an insulated pair of pump pliers to get some leverage on the speedcaps. Take a look at the video they made showing the removal of the Speedcaps.
      Removing Speedcaps with pliers

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  5. Mark
    Mark says:

    I would like to purchase Speed Caps for (6) of your 8 volt golf cart batteries, US 8VGCE XC2. I am located in Oxford, MS 38655. Can you tell me where the caps can be purchased? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Mark,

      I have passed your information on to our Sales Manager for your area. Someone will reach out to you shortly to help.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  6. Neal
    Neal says:

    Our 2021 Polaris EV Ranger has US Batteries 12 volt deep cycle batteries fitted with speed caps. One of the speed caps is damaged/has come apart and was floating in the battery. We are looking to replace the cap. We are in Australia and and have contacted the US Batteries importer, R&J Batteries. They are unable to help us, as they do not supply the caps without purchasing a new battery. Are you able to offer any assistance?

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Neal,

      I have passed your request to our Sales Manager for your area. Someone will contact you shortly.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Shane,

      Where are you located? I would be happy to put you in contact with a representative that can help.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  7. Ray Dube
    Ray Dube says:

    I recently bought a used 2008 EZGO Golf cart which has 6 new (Nov’22) 6V USBatteries which were connected to an old common gravity watering system (GFS). The watering system needs to be replaced on account that some of the vent caps do not function properly and do not shut off when the cell is full and allows overflow. My question is, how can the vent caps be removed in order for me to install a new gravity system? Are the vent caps bayonet or screw type caps?

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Ray,

      The watering kit vent caps will typically be either a bayonet mount or a push-in/pull-out type. It depends on the manufacturer. I believe that BFS caps are similar to the Battery Watering Technologies (BWT) watering kits we sell; the BWT caps clip into place by being pushed into the vents and can be removed by pulling them out. You can see the installation process of the BWT system here. Our engineers recommend replacing the watering kits when you purchase new batteries. The old watering kits can become stuck in the open or closed position resulting in overfilling or drying out, respectively. We recommend using either the BWT system or Flow-Rite. However, the brand of watering kit does not matter as long as it fits your battery. Vent dimensions are standard, so that should not be an issue.

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply
  8. April Clark
    April Clark says:

    I have the speedy caps on the two 12 volt batteries in my RV. Sad to say that they haven’t been removed since I purchased the RV from someone else over a year ago. I didn’t know that I needed to check the levels but now I can’t get them off. They are turned to a neutral position but they are stuck on top of the cell holes. What can I do? I’ve already read your other suggestions and the “rocking” technique did not work and I don’t want to damage the caps with pliers. I tried the link to your YouTube video, but it doesn’t take me to anywhere but YouTube itself and a search didn’t yield any results either. Any other suggestions?

    Reply
    • Mike Wallace
      Mike Wallace says:

      Hi Aril,

      Our engineers recommend spraying WD40 between the SpeedCap gasket and the battery cover vent opening. Let it soak for 10 – 15 minutes, and turn the SpeedCap counter-clockwise. If it still won’t turn, using pliers for more leverage does work well. The plastic in the SpeedCaps is very resilient and doesn’t break easily. Instead of using the pliers horizontally on one finger hold of the SpeedCap, They prefer to use the pliers vertically to engage both finger holds.

      Large water pump pliers work better for this than small standard pliers. For both types, open the slip-joint to the most open position.

      After removing the SpeedCap, follow the watering procedures in our User Manual on Pages #14-15. If electrolyte levels are below the tops of the plates, add enough distilled water to each cell to cover the plates before charging but do not fill completely. After fully charging the batteries, top up the levels as described below. FLA Fill Level

      Best,
      -Mike Wallace, Director of Marketing

      Reply

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