The two 8D (I think) batteries aren't holding a charge very well, so I need to replace them. What's the current thinking about the best choice? I just installed two Powermaxx Boondocker charger/converters to replace the two old MagneTek units, so I think I'm good there.
MK 8g8d's is what my guru uses as did I
Bob
I'm only asking because I don't know....why would you have 2 converter / chargers?
Do you not have 2 house batteries and 1 start battery...perhaps I'm assuming you and I have the same battery bank. I just don't understand why there would be 2 converter / chargers. I am replacing my single converter / charger in the Spring along with 2 house batteries...am I missing something?
I got a good deal on Lifeline AGM 8D batteries from a fellow who advertises on the Prevost site. So far I'm happy.
Hi Tom,
Would you share the price and location on AGM 8Ds? Is it available any of us; and for GELs too?
Jim
When I got the coach it came with two 50A MagneTek chargers. I thought that maybe one was hooked to the start batteries and one to the house batteries, but they were actually in parallel and both connected to the house batteries. When I talked to the people I bought from (recommended by someone on this forum) they said I should get two new chargers of the same capacity and connect them in parallel, just like the old setup, so I did.
I have two 8D house batteries and three regular size start batteries.
I just installed three 8G8D deka batteries from A&D Hydraulics just up the loop from FOT in Nacogdoches in my 02. They are the same as the original batteries which were in there 12 years. Hope they last as long. The storage box was clean inside with no acid leaks so this appears to be the right battery for my 295. DAN
Follow the link below to the prevost community forum and look for the Lifeline ad. It shows two locations, the factory in California and his home, but the batteries are picked up or shipped from the factory. When I called, he was returning from a rally and offered me the show price....there might be another rally coming up.
http://prevostcommunity.com/advertisers.asp?ID=6 (http://prevostcommunity.com/advertisers.asp?ID=6)
One thing I would add is that whatever batteries you chose read the warranty carefully. Can they be replaced anywhere or only at the place you purchased them? Warranty is no good if you are a 1,000 miles away and there is nowhere to get warranty service.
Keith
Agm's versus the gels most have use the gels. Just saying. No venting. Oem uses gels I think.
My 30 year electrical tech used the MK gels only.
Although he did install eight Trojan six volts 225 amp hour at six volts in a new discovery this week.
900 amp hours in 12 volt use. Three tv's. Stacked inverters. Household refer he does not like and space limitations were why.
He daisy chained them and used a six volt charger to bring them up over a few days.
And installed a hand pumped battery water filler system with a squeeze bulb.
Good point, Keith. I've seen some discussion about the Optima batteries and warranty issues. I generally go with nationally known brands for most things just because of that. I wonder if Wal-Mart sells 8D batteries.
Tom, I just sent an email to Tom (hmm, are you two the same person) asking about the Lifelines.
I got one suggestion of putting two or three physically smaller batteries in the space of one of the big 8D batteries and putting everything in parallel. I know it would give me the 12V I need, but would there be other issues with keeping all four or six batteries at the same charge level, or more losses because of more connections? Or am I just worrying too much?
Just got an email back from Tom. Cost is $565 each plus shipping. The 8DA has the standard round posts. They also come with a blade post.
As bob wrote 6 volt batteries are a viable option. "Golf Cart" batteries are widely used as they are a reasonable price and I believe Sam's Club sells them nationally.
Keith
The previous owner of our rig had installed Sun Xtnder batteries and we have been very well pleased with them. Here is a write-up about them from Concorde Sun Xtender AGM Batteries (http://www.solar-electric.com/concorde-sun-xtender-pvx-solar-deep-cycle-batteries.html)
"Sun Xtender vs LifeLine batteries: Both are made by Concorde and are very similar in basic construction and technology. They carry a different warranty, and there are some slight differences internally. The LifeLine usually have the SAE or dual type marine terminals instead of the bolt only terminals that most of the SunExtenders have. In many applications, they are interchangeable. You will not get the 5-year LifeLine warranty if you use SunExtender batteries in marine or RV applications, but the in general the SunExtender batteries are cheaper because you are not paying for that warranty."
I really like the AGM batteries and--while opinions may differ--the various sources I have checked generally appear to indicate that AGM batteries are superior to Gel batteries in RV use. When the time comes, I will definitely go again with AGM.
I bought three Lifeline GPL-8DA batteries this morning from Centex Batteries <http://www.centexbatteries.com> (http://www.centexbatteries.com>); in Bastrop, TX. Personal service from Mark, the owner was excellent. He did the heavy lifting in helping me change the batteries in the driveway in front of his shop. He took my expired batteries and will dispose of them properly. There is plenty of room for a big rig with towed vehicle to enter, park, and leave the premises. The batteries fit easily into the trays in our U295.
Mark sells only Lifeline batteries. When I asked about starting batteries, he recommended a competing brand that is a better starting battery. He does not sell the other brand, but wanted me to get the best product at the best price. I think he is a "straight shooter" who takes pride in providing a good product and outstanding customer service.
He posts prices on his website. He sold the batteries to me at a price lower than what is posted on the web site. He will sell on line and ship to a commercial site (loading or receiving dock) at reasonable prices.
I had 8 6-volt Golf Cart batteries in a 12v house bank on my boat. That is about 900 ah (~225 X 4). About every couple of months I'd check water levels. I'll think hard at battery replacement time. Three of then fit into an 8D's footprint and I can (at least I COULD THEN) lift one.
I had an Amana 21cu household frig that ran off the Heart/Freedom inverter. I could go about 50 hrs. at anchor before getting down to 50% on the batteries. We would run the gen while cooking on the electric stove and eventually I would run the main engine for a while. I depended on the Link 100 battery meter.