OK. Whew. I continue to find out about my new-to-me 1996 U320. I need three new engine batteries.
What is the battery model number for the three batteries?
I heard I need Optima (red cap), top posts, and CCA 1150. Is there a stock number or model # for these?
So far I've had the transmission serviced and reset. The third to forth shift problem is gone. I also had the engine serviced. Now I think I have a leaky fuel line letting air in a interrupting fuel flow. It is turning over now but not starting. The engine batteries are old and weak so replacing them is needed anyways. The previous owner used the generator and the boost function to crank it up.
Check on Amazon -
Optima Batteries 8002-002 34 RedTop Starting Battery. I have 3 working well. I also use the Optima charger/maintainer
Optima Digital 400.
I use the same and am very satisfied.
John
Several of my sources say the spiral-wound design too frequently fails due to a shorted cell. Too expensive for it's capacity. Marketing hype. Stay with regular, well characterized AGM. I bought American Battery AGMs and they work great at less cost.
While the shorting issue on spiral wound optima red tops may occur my personal experience with our set speaks well.
By accident I left the headlights on for many days. Zero engine battery volts..
Crud. Just for grins I charged them back up and continued using them..
Guru buddy tested them separately last week. 780,780,780 out of 800?
Does your coach still have the original fuel lines? They may be the cause of your no-start condition.
The big Cummins in the U320 need plenty of brute force to turn them over. More that what is needed in a U270 or U295 perhaps.
My 2001 U320 came with Optima Yellowtops. They have about the same cranking power and much better longer term deep discharge capability, just what they decided was needed for all of the parasitic loads. I replaced the ten year old original YellowTops with new YellowTops. $25 rebate when I got them from Amazon, no shipping, two day delivery, at the time with no shipping very competitive price. They are six years old now and still turn the ISM11 over with no boost.
Mine were about $155 each after rebate and getting a core credit on the old ones. They are more now.
I have them on a built-in Sterling smart charger when the coach is plugged in. Whatever batteries you choose treat them right and they will do well.
I agree with Brett, a 1996 coach probably needs fuel lines especially if has been where it gets hot for long periods of time, like TX. I doubt our coach sees even 50° as an average temp in MN. Mine get inspected frequently. Generator fuel lines seem to go first.
I went to Costco and bought 3, 900 amp. hr. 12v wet cells.
Out the door for less than $300. With there warranty I will never buy (pay For) batteries again.
Save your money for other things.
You defintely spent less
36 mo. 100% 37 mo. nothing, They eliminated the 8 year pro rate and now sell Interstate branded batteries
My 1996 U320 has standard wet cell 8D batteries and I have had no problems for the last 2 years, and they were not new when I bought the coach--- as others have said, save your money for other things. The standard wet cell batteries work fine.
Just to close the loop, we did get three Optima Red top 800 CCA batteries to replace the old ones. Starts much stronger. Shop had to replace some cracking fuel lines that were causing air in the fuel line. The also reconnected a fuel priming pump that had been disconnected by someone else.
Just purchased 2 red top batteries over $400. Last ones lasted 4 years. Need to budget $100 a year for replacements. Now I need to think about the house batteries.
Anyone have experience on the life expectancy of house batteries?
Ten to twelve years has been posted here regularly