JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

I recently just added an 80lb 45in shaft US2 ultrex to my rig and I noticed that when the battery is drained the motor gets very difficult to steer with the cable steering foot pedal. It just seems like it stiffens as the power begins to drain very low. I had to use it all day as I was having outboard issues recently until I got it figured out. Does anyone know if this is a normal issue as the ultrex battery power runs extremely low or might there be something wrong with my motor? I ran great otherwise, just noticeable as I was running out of juice due to having to use it all day without an outboard.

drifter023 Loc: So,Calif.

Did you use new batteries and the same type batteries?

JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

Not sure what you mean exactly, but I've had the same batteries which are 2 12Volt EverStart brand. I ran my battery tester on them and both are good. They had just worn down from a day of only using the trolling motor. I have an onboard 3 bank charger which charged them to full capacity the next day following as well.

drifter023 Loc: So,Calif.

Where they new?

JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

The batteries are within the last 3 years. I used them on my my Minnkota maxxum prior to installing the ultrex. Never had a problem.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

JD, I believe that the Ultrex has "Power Steering ",or power assisted steering. If your batteries were getting low, that might affect the power assist thereby making it harder. I'm just going by the advertised features of the Ultrex.

JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

Good point Fred. I thought that might be the case. I just wasn't sure. Definitely a handicap if you run low on battery power that's for sure. I could still maneuver it, but it was definitely not with easy every time I needed to change directions.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Ty

Check and see if you can use a seperate battery for the steering part.

OK John Loc: Oklahoma City,OK

What Fred said.

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

Hello JD. I also have an Ultrex. I'm not real familiar with your 80 lb unit as mine is the 112lb 36 volt. I'm sure all the Ultrex units have electrical power steering. How did I ever do without it? I have never experienced the steering issues you mention. If you had low battery issues that effected your steering you would also notice the boat speed decreasing as the prop would slow down, i would think. I would try it again with full charge batteries & watch your speed if you notice steering problems, if both issues pop up you need new battery's, maybe. I have an Interstate marine battery that I no longer use. The battery will take a full charge & my charger will show 13 volt & 100% charge. On my small boat I have a 55 lb thrust trolling motor & that battery won't last 2 hours, that doesn't say much for full charge. Another thing & I'll shut up. What gage wire do you have from your power bank to your 80 lb Ultrex? You should have at least 8 gage copper wire, with good clean connections. My 36 volt required 6 gage wire & I had the dealer change it out for me. Too small wire will heat up & give you headaches. Good luck.

JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

Thanks for the info bottomcoon. I don't have this problem with a fully charged battery. It only happened when the battery was completely drained. Again, I was having outboard issues with my motor so all I had was my trolling motor batteries for the day. Interesting on the 6 versus 8 gage wire you speak of. I will have to check that. It probably just has to do with the unit itself since it has powersteering built in. Low battery power would mean less power to move the head with the foot pedal making it tougher to move. That would be my guess at this point. Just the same, I appreciate the help again! Thank you!