I need to replace three house batteries. The originals, Exide(Germany) 12v 165 AH(C5)195AH(C20), have served well for 7 years. I'm looking at Exide and Lifeline for replacement.
I can't find much on Exide but Lifeline offers two, GPL-4DA 210AH @ 135 Pounds/$586 ea. and GPL-8DA 255AH @162 pounds/ $676 ea.
I'd go for the latter, but I don't need the extra weight, and probably not the extra capacity.
I need the advice of owners who have been through the battery replacement process.
Thanks,
Bob Raab
I went with the higher capacity batteries. Yes, it's painful, but you never know when you'll need battery capacity.
after researching batteries from all over the globe (literally) that took months and many 'phone calls to the factories to talk to "experts" I bought the Lifeline 8D 255 AGM--3 of them. Got them at AMSOLAR for $500 each but know they have gone up in price since last year. I reset the alternator charge down a touch as recommended by a few and so far I hope all is well. They are kept charged by my solar panels which are programmed thru the controller for correct charging.
John h
Bob, Go for the lifelines. Either AGM's or GELS, ( I prefer AGM's ) ,They are expensive but they last if properly cared for. 7 years is not unusual. Be wary of off brand foreign stuff.
Go to O'reilleys auto parts in your area, if one, and dicker with the manager. A year ago lifeline 8d's were 500 each.
Gary B
Gary B
I replaced the Deka AGM,s in my coach that were over five years old. I replaced them with the same Deka's. I dont have the budget for the expensive lifeline batteries. I am very pleased and they were $771 for two 8D's.
Mark Z
I replaced the original House Gel batteries with the Lifelines 6 years ago! I wonder how much more service I could expect out of these Lifelines? So far they have provided perfect service!
Mine where new a little over 6 years ago (3 Sealand 8d 255 AGM's), they are losing a little of their capacity but still perform well. We are still able to dry camp 2 or 3 days and keep the batts above 12.10V with no generator as long we keep coffee pots and other large loads on the generator when needed. Hope to get a couple of more years out of them.
Just got new Deka 8A8D agm batteries last fall. Just under $500 each at a local auto parts house.
You want to make sure your converter/charger is set up for the proper voltage. The AGM and Lead Acid batteries should use the same voltage requirements, while the . Some of you guys have fancy chargers that will switch automatically, and some have to physically switch. Mine required a IC jumper for GEL and I had to remove it for the AGM voltage requirement.
Typical AGM Charge and Float Voltages at Various Temperature Ranges
Temp. ˚F Charge Float Temp. ˚C
Standard Maximum Standard Maximum
> 120 13.60 13.90 12.80 13.00 > 49
110-120 13.80 14.10 12.90 13.20 43-49
100-110 13.90 14.20 13.00 13.30 38-43
90-100 14.00 14.30 13.10 13.40 32-38
80-90 14.10 14.40 13.20 13.50 27-32
70-80 14.30 14.60 13.40 13.70 21-27
60-70 14.45 14.75 13.55 13.85 16-21
50-60 14.60 14.90 13.70 14.00 10-16
40-50 14.80 15.10 13.90 14.20 4-10
< 40 15.10 15.40 14.20 14.50 < 4
Typical Gel Charge and Float Voltages at Various Temperature Ranges
Temp. ˚F Charge Float Temp. ˚C
Standard Maximum Standard Maximum
> 120 13.00 13.30 12.80 13.00 > 49
110-120 13.20 13.50 12.90 13.20 44-48
100-109 13.30 13.60 13.00 13.30 38-43
90-99 13.40 13.70 13.10 13.40 32-37
80-89 13.50 13.80 13.20 13.50 27-31
70-79 13.70 14.00 13.40 13.70 21-26
60-69 13.85 14.15 13.55 13.85 16-20
50-59 14.00 14.30 13.70 14.00 10-15
40-49 14.20 14.50 13.90 14.20 5-9
< 39 14.50 14.80 14.20 14.50 < 4
Lots of good AGM and GEL battery info can be found at http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf (http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf)
After much consideration, I chose to go with three Lifeline 8Ds. The prior owner had Lifeline bats. They were just over ten years old when I got the new set. No regrets, but check back in another nine years.
Bob,
I am also a long-time Lifeline AGM user-- in both boats and the Foretravel.
Brett