I'm trying to find a good deal on a pair of LIfeline 8DAs. Locally (Tucson) they run $745. I found an internet source for $650 with free shipping. It's All Batteries, Power Sources, Battery Products | SEPBatteries.com (http://www.SEPBatteries.com). Anyone have any experience with these guys? Thanks.
jor
I had my 8D's replaced locally. I got to "help" the shop owner as we wrestled the old batteries out, using his forklift, lift table, and 4 hands between the two of us. I love a bargain as much as the next guy, but those are like 165# or something.
I got to help Bill Chaplin replace his, again, lots of work, and we had a small size pickup height, a lift table on wheels, and we have a smooth polished shop floor.
Good luck for your purchase, and be careful with your fingers.
Jor, give AMSOLAR in Oregon a call or email Dave@amsolar.com I got my 3 from them 2 yrs ago and they were $499 each. I know the prices have gone up but they had the best price then
JohnH
I replace my 3 Lifeline 8D AGM batteries with three from DC Battery Specialists in Miami. Shipped to Minnesota on a pallet and unloaded at my door. They were about $1800 delivered. Prices probably have changed a bit. They will give you a written quote. Shipping was much faster than I expected.
DC Battery Specialists
DC Battery Specialists - Wholesale Batteries (http://www.dcbattery.com/)
(305) 758-5041
They are heavy. My DW and I put them in with no mashed fingers. With levers, you can move anything.
I got my replacement engine Optima batteries from Amazon. Lowest price I found at the time. With Prime, no charge two day shipping. And no tax. There was a $25 rebate last summer on these as well.
Tighten to torque specs, check at least once per year.
Roger
we got 2 8D Lifelines from Interstate for $1200 in 2010.
Thanks to all. I'll check out AMSolar and DC Battery Specialists. I've got a kind of built in forklift here. My youngest is a six five, 300 pound weight lifter!
jor
If you are willing to use "no name," or Exide batteries, you can probably get 8D AGM batteries at your local auto parts store. The owner of the local mom and pop auto supply told me he could order AGM batteries. I've not checked prices. The five year old "somebody's house brand" batteries in our coach seem to work fine so far.
This is NOT a dig at anyone but I scratch my head a few times when I read all the posts on updating tv's, furniture, fridges, flooring etc but when it comes to something important-like good batteries- members are reluctant to spend an extra $500 or so on really good ones and try to cheapen out! Am I reading this all wrong??
Yes, there are many different feelings on which make etc are good but when I needed them I spoke to many manufacturers (no-not just retailers) and came to the conclusion that the ones I bought are not used by US Military and most Airlines etc etc for no reason-dependability and life expectancy. ie proven track record. The big Solar people recommend them too as well as Trojan, but I do not want acid all over the place.
I know I will hear back on this comment and that is good.
John H
John,
Well stated, IMO.
My experience with automotive batteries has generally been that they cost a relatively fixed amount per month for a given size or capacity. The ones with lower initial cost may not provide the best value over a period of about seven years. I've had good service from the "house brand" batteries that came with our coach. Our demands are light in that we seldom dry camp and are usually connected to shore power. The better quality batteries probably provide better service in more demanding situations. When it is time to replace batteries, I'll check my options and make a choice. (I am pleased that we have choices, different viewpoints, and different opinions to share.)
I heartily agree on avoiding batteries that are not sealed.
As I read comments, including mine, about the cost of RV stuff, I frequently think of the RV owner who drives a $350,000 vehicle, pulling a $40,000 vehicle, and is looking for cheap fuel and a free place to park. :P
100% agree John H, I am not familiar with the LifeLine Battery line, however I have stayed with the MK Gel line. I feel sorry when hearing some of the prices mentioned here. Not only do we buy a fair amount of oil but we also buy a lot of batteries, so my cost reflects it.
Enjoy
Dave M
Lifeline batteries are manufactured by Concorde Battery Corporation in California. I bought two AGM Lifeline batteries three years ago on a promotion for $425 each, just lucky.
My experience with flooded batteries was bad, ten years ago. I cycle the coach battteries about 200 times per year because I dry camp most of the winter months. Flooded batteries and cables had to be cleaned three time per year, a yuky job. If you seldom dry camp, then flooded batteries will work fine and cost much less then sealed batteries.
I have a Gel battery which is ten years old and is still out performing the two AGM batteries which are three years old. Yes, I have Gel and AGM batteries in seperate locations in my coach, and yes it does work, but not without some modifications.
The secret to long battery life is to keep them desulfated using a Desulfater on each battery. I build my own ten years ago, but they are now available on eBay for $20 (Wizbangplus.com).
My 1999 U295 has 3 mk battery. When I bough the coach 4 years ago the battery didn't seem to put out like I though they should. They may be original . The coach came with good maintenance records ,nothing about new batteries and the installed date isn't marked. First thing I did was install a $22.00 desulfater from EBAY on each battery. There stronger now then when I first got the rig.Vehicle batteries in Panama where a big problem because of the heat and long term storage of the vehicles {some only used 2 weeks out of the year}. So I have been using desulfaters for over 15 years and think there great.Gam