On my 96 U320 that we have owned for 3 years, My 4 Blue Top Optimas batteries that were in the coach sense the middle of 08 died they do not hold anymore. The question is do I put in 4: 12 volt Blue tops or 4: 6volt golf cart batteries ?
I have only three red tops to start my coach and that is what I had on my 2000 as well. One of the issues these coaches have is that the battery goes up thru a splitter before going over to the starter. I just ran a second line directly to the starter and placed it behind the first. Turns over much faster and easier now.
I don't think you want Golfcart batteries. They are designed for deep-cycle (ala the house batteries) while the Bluetop (and the Redtop) are for quick discharge, engine starts.
Optima has two start batteries, the Bluetop is a group 31
http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9513/4583/5023/BLUETOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf (http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9513/4583/5023/BLUETOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf)
and the Redtops slightly smaller groups 25 and 35.
http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9613/4583/5078/REDTOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf (http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9613/4583/5078/REDTOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf)
on my '96 295 I have two Redtops.
I did have 8 Golfcarts as my boat's house bank and a group 31 start battery for my two Perkins 6.354 diesels.
HTH
Don,
I thought you were talking about the house batteries? Others responding are suggesting the start batteries? Please clarify.
I'm sorry I should have said the 4 Blue top Optima's are the House batteries, Blue tops are the deep cycle batts I have 3 group 27 deep cycle batts for starting
Art,
If you stay with AGM for the house batteries, there are better choices than Optima, such as Lifeline, although at a premium price. My choice for house batteries are made by East Penn, either Deka or similar brands gel technology.
I that case I'll change my answer...
Each of your Bluetops have an amp hour rating of 50ah. The Trojan 105 (and many GCs) have a rating of 220 or greater. Thus 4 Bluetops at 200ah vs 4 GCs at 440ah.
I would be tempted to go with SIX golfcart batts. You can put 3 T105s (for instance) in an 8D's footprint.
hth
Our 1997 U295 came with three 8D "no-name" AGM batteries. They are listed at about 256 AH each. They have served us well.
We have two Optima Red-Tops for starting. They are adequate. We usually turn on Boost to start and the engine turns over faster than without Boost. I'd like to have more starting capacity (or perhaps better cables).
I prefer to use AGM for all applications in the coach. They are very clean, reliable, and all have similar charging requirements.