moving this here to keep you guys updated on how this is moving along. here are the batteries I aquired. the bank of 3 on the rigrt are on a being charged w/battery tender jr. the dates were the in service dates. these things are practally new. http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h358/erscom/off%20grid%20site/DSCN0083_zpsde43ad0c.jpg last I checked voltage was 12.3V, I expect it to turn over by morning. these were the 3 batteries that were in doubt and had no in service dates on them. as it turns out I had 2 otheres that were rundown to 6V or below. one of those is on my big charger/booster for the car set for 2A charge.. it has a a 2A,20A and a 60A settings as well as 250 boost. shot some vid at the site but wasn't happy w/it so that will have to wait for now.