I am headed to the Foretravel factory for service and it appears I am going to need some new house batteries. I have 2 Deka 8A8D batteries and the factory is suggesting replace with Lifeline GPL-8DA. Their price is $714/ea.
I am considering putting 3 new batteries in. Are the Lifelines a good choice? If not what would you suggest? This price seems high, is there a better place to go for new batteries?
I am driving hwy 40 from California to Nag. through New Mexico to Dallas.
Is Centex Battery a good alternative?
Thanks,
Mike Preising
2002, U-270, 34'
Mike, there is a shop just south of Motorhomes of Texas, MOT. It is a combination hydraulics and battery shop. When I was there last fall, they had some great prices on Gel and AGM batteries. They are on the east side of the bypass only about a mile from Foretravel factory. They are also very good at testing and servicing batteries.
$714 each sound awfully high to me.
when I was at FOT last Nov they checked mine out and found 1 dead and I was going to change it then but the price was too much so I drove down the highway a mile as Kent said and got it there. Same one only $150. cheaper. They installed and changed all my bolts etc and cleaned clamps as part of a battery service for $20.. These are the MK Gel which I finished changing to Lifeline AGM a month ago in Oregon at AMSOLAR and they charged me $599 each plus ship from Calif as they did not have 8D s in stock. Go to the other place (or call)--you will save hundreds, guaranteed.
Lifelines are what I've used in 3 RVs now. No problems with them. Had three 8D's in both Foretravels. Both were plumbed for 3 8D's.
Flooded acid batteries are cheaper but do require care and ventilation. I had them (6v Golf Cart versions) in our LazyDaze and did not like to have to take care of them. (I know, I'm picky.)
I removed the two 6v flooded batteries from our second LazyDaze and had AM Solar, http://amsolar.com/ , put two Lifeline 8D's inside under a dinette seat (plus a neat very small battery monitor plus a cut-off switch) and never had to look at them again. The former battery compartment became a nice outside storage area.
I'm not sure what, if any, battery monitoring electronics you have. But if you don't have any it's a must.
Good luck. We're just leaving Nacadoches/MOT tomorrow. This is as cheap as I've ever gotten out of this town and I want to go before word gets out. (Ooooppppssss! I might have just blown it. ;o)
Cannot praise MOT maintenance high enough. A great bunch of guys and gals.
best, paul
Mike: It is called "A&D Hydraulics Inc/Batteries". Their phone no. is 936-564-7760. That's the place that I have been going to for all of my vehicle battery needs for more than 20 years.
What are Lifelines? A brand? A model? Gel or AGM's or either? Battery's Plus have quoted me $550 for either Gel or AGM. Does that make one a definitive choice over the other?
Gayland,
Lifeline is a high-end AGM battery-- we use them on our motorhome and sailboat: Lifeline Batteries - Marine & RV Deep Cycle Batteries (http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/)
Brett
Lifeline is a brand. Used in Fighter jets I'm told. Yes, there is a difference. I'd go AGM.
best, paul
Thanks for all the great information.
I contacted Mark at Centex Batteries and he said he could ship 3 lifeline 8D batteries to Foretravel for $1800 including tax and shipping $600/ea. I will check with A&D.
Can A&D install the batteries. I also understand the Prosine needs to be re-configured when you change battery types or amounts. Is this procedure understood by most that install them?
Also there was a discussion about battery monitoring. Is there something else needed besides the Xantrex monitor provided in the Foretravel?
Mike Preising
2002 U-270 34'
Don't know about Fighter Jets, but I do know that Lifelines are sold by many airport FBO & AIRCRAFT SERVICES facilities. Also know that they are a very highly respected battery manufacturer and very well known in the private airplane circles.
We ended up buying 3 new Deka gel batteries from A&D for $578/ea. The Foretravel factory and David at A&D recommended the gels over the agm's saying they were more reliable.
Foretravel are using gels in all there new coaches.
Everything seems to be working well. We spent a week in Nac. getting a laundry list of minor repairs done. Everything went smooth, the factory was good to work with. We left $7000 lighter, but should be able to enjoy our coach for the next 10 years.
Mike Preising
2002, U-270, 34'