Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: gator on October 21, 2019, 07:58:32 pm
Title: Batteries
Post by: gator on October 21, 2019, 07:58:32 pm
Has anyone ever eliminated the engine start batteries and added one or two more 8D's to be tied together to start the coach and run the house?
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: bbeane on October 21, 2019, 08:16:39 pm
I suppose you could do that. However if you ever run the batteries down your stuck.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pamela & Mike on October 21, 2019, 09:44:27 pm
I believer Wyatt S has his coach set up that way. He may chime in later but you can drop him a P/M. https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=968
Mike
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on October 21, 2019, 09:47:28 pm
I replaced the two red top start batteries with one AGM8D. See the thread below for the details:
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: kenhat on October 21, 2019, 10:13:35 pm
My coach came with 3 8Ds all in the wet bay. 2 house and 1 start. I've rewired them to be all together. 3 8Ds coach & start. I have solar so if I run them all down I can just wait for the sun to come up. Or use the car to jump the generator to get the charger going. So far it's always started but I do watch my battery use pretty close.
see ya ken
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Old Toolmaker on October 22, 2019, 11:01:07 am
Has anyone ever eliminated the engine start batteries and added one or two more 8D's to be tied together to start the coach and run the house?
We've been living full time since November 2011. In all that time I've left the headlights on overnight twice. We had heat all night long because of the house batteries and the generator started on it's separate battery. But that was the Rockwood.
We're retired, and have "an interesting health profile." My Siata Spring toad project, begun in August with a 2-week schedule is drawing to a close, I'm now waiting on the fuel tank to be cleaned and repaired. Then I'll turn my attention back to the U225 we live in, and it's battery pack.
So far, I've added a pair of Facebook Marketplace 4-D batteries that proved to be a good gamble and a good replacement for the Group 24 that came with the coach. Once the toad project is finished, Vidalia, GA Auto Parts always keeps a pair of wet Interstate 8D batteries on the floor So I'll break up that pair and add an 8-D as chassis battery and dedicate a new Progressive Dynamics 9260 to its care and upkeep. Belt and suspenders.
And then finally we'll be back on plan and begin exploring again.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 22, 2019, 02:45:20 pm
Been having issues with the red top optima batteries lately. So a replacement is in the future. Have the lithium house batteries and would like to go all lithium in the coach. Have to figure out the next step. One thing I always wondered is why they chose not to put in a start battery for the generator? Seems like a long way to put heavy wire. In boats, long runs of heavy wire are usually not done, and a 2nd battery is put in, like for the windlass. It's a high amp draw, and you need heavy 4/0 wire, and that costs bucks, plus weight. So was thinking of putting in a small agm battery for the generator start, so I could always have the ability to start it, if my other battery bank was depleted, OR, just not worry about it, and start it from as portable lithium bank I have for my car. Or jump from my car. I would like to add a additional 300 amp hour Victron battery and just use the combined 900 amp hour bank to start the engine and run the house. Since replacing the 3 Optima batteries cost almost a coach buck, not sure what to do at this point. Don't have the $3300 to add another lithium battery right now, and don't want to put in 3 more Optima batteries either. I am hearing that the quality of these have gone down since moving the plant to Mexico, not sure if that is true or not. Always liked the Odyssey battery's. Might go with that. But for now, I keep the red tops plugged in to the Optima battery charger to keep them topped off. The voltage drops fast when not plugged in. They are toast I think.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Caflashbob on October 22, 2019, 02:53:35 pm
Does sound like the optimas are failing.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: craneman on October 22, 2019, 04:13:46 pm
Been having issues with the red top optima batteries lately. So a replacement is in the future. Have the lithium house batteries and would like to go all lithium in the coach. Have to figure out the next step. One thing I always wondered is why they chose not to put in a start battery for the generator? Seems like a long way to put heavy wire. In boats, long runs of heavy wire are usually not done, and a 2nd battery is put in, like for the windlass. It's a high amp draw, and you need heavy 4/0 wire, and that costs bucks, plus weight. So was thinking of putting in a small agm battery for the generator start, so I could always have the ability to start it, if my other battery bank was depleted, OR, just not worry about it, and start it from as portable lithium bank I have for my car. Or jump from my car. I would like to add a additional 300 amp hour Victron battery and just use the combined 900 amp hour bank to start the engine and run the house. Since replacing the 3 Optima batteries cost almost a coach buck, not sure what to do at this point. Don't have the $3300 to add another lithium battery right now, and don't want to put in 3 more Optima batteries either. I am hearing that the quality of these have gone down since moving the plant to Mexico, not sure if that is true or not. Always liked the Odyssey battery's. Might go with that. But for now, I keep the red tops plugged in to the Optima battery charger to keep them topped off. The voltage drops fast when not plugged in. They are toast I think.
On my '81 I built a frame and put a small battery alongside the generator. However the generator has its own alternator so it keeps the battery charged. Made it easy to get going when the golf cart batteries went dead.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 22, 2019, 04:16:50 pm
Since replacing the 3 Optima batteries cost almost a coach buck, not sure what to do at this point. Don't have the $3300 to add another lithium battery right now, and don't want to put in 3 more Optima batteries either. I am hearing that the quality of these have gone down since moving the plant to Mexico, not sure if that is true or not.
Just another nasty rumor about Mexico. Many of our cars, aircraft (Lear Jets are made in Mexico) and thousands of other items as well as much of our produce come from Mexico. This list is only the tip of the iceberg: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/30/10-popular-products-in-the-us-you-didnt-know-were-made-in-mexico.html .
Optima batteries have seen many complaints on forums for years. This is just one of the reasons aside from price why I have never used them. Not hard to do the math for our three 31 series Duralast batteries for right at $300 for all three out the door compared to $1000. Since our last set lasted 11 years, where is the Optima advantage??? 2850 CCA for the three Duralasts on top of that. Check the weight on batteries, Good 31 series should weight at least 55 lbs each.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Caflashbob on October 22, 2019, 04:47:14 pm
The unicoaches moved the engine batteries into the engine compartment where there is heat and vibrations. The optimas are designed for those uses.
Every unicoach made had optimas and mk gels
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 22, 2019, 05:13:14 pm
The unicoaches moved the engine batteries into the engine compartment where there is heat and vibrations. The optimas are designed for those uses.
Our U300 has always had the three start batteries in the engine compartment. Looking at my old posts, you can see the batteries are about 2 inches from the Detroit crank pulley with the muffler not far away. Everything gets hot here not only from the engine/muffler but the hot radiator air goes right over the top of the batteries as well as below.
The Duralasts (and others) must have had an even better design.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 22, 2019, 08:43:04 pm
Just another nasty rumor about Mexico. Many of our cars, aircraft (Lear Jets are made in Mexico) and thousands of other items as well as much of our produce come from Mexico. This list is only the tip of the iceberg: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/30/10-popular-products-in-the-us-you-didnt-know-were-made-in-mexico.html .
Optima batteries have seen many complaints on forums for years. This is just one of the reasons aside from price why I have never used them. Not hard to do the math for our three 31 series Duralast batteries for right at $300 for all three out the door compared to $1000. Since our last set lasted 11 years, where is the Optima advantage??? 2850 CCA for the three Duralasts on top of that. Check the weight on batteries, Good 31 series should weight at least 55 lbs each.
Pierce
Pierce, I'm not a must have made in USA, Mexico is shit guy. Just some of the research I have found on specifically the Optima batteries after they moved to Mexico. But you are correct, they cost a lot and if they won't last, whats the point? Looked at the Duralasts on Autozone. I like the price. Thanks Bob
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Marilyn and Glen Clark on October 22, 2019, 09:27:44 pm
I was going to wait until I got back home to write about our batteries but I guess it will fit in here. We are about 1,700 miles into a trip through Tennessee and are now in Florida starting to head home. Before we left, I replaced our 3 Interstate Group 31s. I am pretty sure many would not take the path I took due to what is considered standard in heavy use batteries. I found that Sam's sold Duracell Group 31 batteries. I had never seen them before and could find little information about them on the web. They cost an astounding $99.00 when bought on line and $109 in store. They had to be picked up either way. I replaced them and left 2 days later dropping the cores off in Texarkana. As I said, we are 1,700 miles and many starts into the trip and they fire us right off. It was in the thirties a couple of nights in Tennessee with no problems. Not meaning to hijack but if they hold up, the cost less than 2 Interstates. Glen
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 22, 2019, 09:32:21 pm
I recently put in three Superstart AGM group 31 batteries from O'Reilly's. With my FMCA Diesel Power Club discount they were about about $105 each. They work great. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/fleet---heavy-duty-5000/battery-accessories-16452/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/ec27e4e51018/super-start-fleet-heavy-duty-group-size-31-top-post-battery/agm31t/4742641
What did you do to your coach today VIII (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=36854.msg366536#msg366536)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Farrarkc on October 22, 2019, 10:30:09 pm
One of the first things I did was replace the 3 starter batteries and the 3 house gel batteries. I was told I needed to switch the charger being the new batteries are not gel but I can not find that switch. Anyone here know anything about that?
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: craneman on October 22, 2019, 10:31:53 pm
One of the first things I did was replace the 3 starter batteries and the 3 house gel batteries. I was told I needed to switch the charger being the new batteries are not gel but I can not find that switch. Anyone here know anything about that?
It is a setting not a switch on most chargers.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 22, 2019, 11:11:09 pm
Autozone, O'Reilly's, Sam's Club, Costco don't stay in business by selling junk. High prices are many times nothing more than a scam to get people to spend $ that does not necessarily translate into better service. Many members of this forum have chosen an alternative to the high price spread and done well over the years. Read the battery forums and then decide for yourself the direction to take.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tom Lang on October 22, 2019, 11:17:54 pm
When I bought my 5 year old coach in 2008, the 3 Optimas were not holding charge. I disconnected them and discovered one had a shorted cell. I ran on the remain two just fine until I could replace the bad one.
When the coach was 11 years old, they all showed their age, so we're replaced by three new Optimas. They are now 5 years old and doing well.
Next time, I might go with less expensive agm batteries or possibly one 8D.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 23, 2019, 12:37:38 am
Tom,
One 8D is fine for an 8.3 but won't have enough reserve for an M11 or Detroit 2-cycle. Winter needs a lot of CCAs.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Caflashbob on October 23, 2019, 01:32:40 am
M11 requires 2200 CCA if memory serves me.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Old Toolmaker on October 23, 2019, 09:15:48 am
One thing I always wondered is why they chose not to put in a start battery for the generator? Seems like a long way to put heavy wire. In boats, long runs of heavy wire are usually not done, and a 2nd battery is put in, like for the windlass. It's a high amp draw, and you need heavy 4/0 wire, and that costs bucks, plus weight. So was thinking of putting in a small agm battery for the generator start, so I could always have the ability to start it, if my other battery bank I keep the red tops plugged in to the Optima battery charger to keep them topped off. The voltage drops fast when not plugged in. They are toast I think.
Or wiring the generator to the house batteries. Over the past 8 years, more than once, a cold night left us with pretty flat house batteries. Our previous coach had a dedicated battery for the generator. My long term plan for our new home is to add a dedicated battery for the generator start.
Voltage drop on lead acid batteries needs to be qualified. There is a normal voltage drop for the first 3 hours after charging, this is normal and due to the lead acid battery internal chemistry doing its thing. After resting for 3 hours or if the discharge is relatively rapid, voltage drop indicates shorted cells, and then yes, your Optima Red tops have given their all.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: craneman on October 23, 2019, 10:17:22 am
Or wiring the generator to the house batteries. Over the past 8 years, more than once, a cold night left us with pretty flat house batteries. Our previous coach had a dedicated battery for the generator. My long term plan for our new home is to add a dedicated battery for the generator start.
Voltage drop on lead acid batteries needs to be qualified. There is a normal voltage drop for the first 3 hours after charging, this is normal and due to the lead acid battery internal chemistry doing its thing. After resting for 3 hours or if the discharge is relatively rapid, voltage drop indicates shorted cells, and then yes, your Optima Red tops have given their all.
If you don't have an alternator on the generator, you will have to tie in the house batteries to charge the generator battery. Will need either a big diode or a cutoff switch otherwise the generator battery will go down with the house batteries.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: bbeane on October 23, 2019, 10:26:23 am
You could also use a small ACR (automatic charge control relay) Blue Sea is one that comes to mind.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 23, 2019, 11:43:49 am
Voltage drop on lead acid batteries needs to be qualified. There is a normal voltage drop for the first 3 hours after charging, this is normal and due to the lead acid battery internal chemistry doing its thing. After resting for 3 hours or if the discharge is relatively rapid, voltage drop indicates shorted cells, and then yes, your Optima Red tops have given their all.
Old Toolmaker... the voltage drop is the distance from the start battery to the generator. 80 feet is a long way for 12 volts even with 4/0 cable. But the small 3 cylinder Isuzu probably doesn't use much to start usually. Bruce the ACR is one way I was thinking of charging it, using the existing wire. Also putting some lugs in the front of the generator to connect a jumper wire to.
Tom Lang, I believe one of my Optimas are bad, just haven't pulled them out yet. Also not sure of my trickle charger. Might have to replace that as well. Just have to much to do right now. And I am getting slow in my middle age. ;)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tom Lang on October 23, 2019, 11:54:32 am
If just one of the Optimas is bad, just disconnecting that one might be a temporary fix. It worked for me, but my ISL400 is a smaller engine than yours.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Old Toolmaker on October 23, 2019, 05:22:54 pm
If you don't have an alternator on the generator, you will have to tie in the house batteries to charge the generator battery. Will need either a big diode or a cutoff switch otherwise the generator battery will go down with the house batteries.
Craneman, On my last installation I had a dedicated charger for the dedicated generator battery. That way I have three independent systems, chassis, house and generator. With the exception of the boost solenoid for the chassis battery from the house. And a boost solenoid from the house to the generator. In the attached photo the shiny button in the upper right corner is the boost button.
But thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 23, 2019, 10:36:53 pm
Yeah one Optima battery is bad. Of course it's the last one. Got them out and that battery was hot and leaking from a top port. Got one on the charger now and when that one is full will charge the other one then see what the voltages do. Probably will go with some cheaper start batteries for now. Time to change the lugs too.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Caflashbob on October 23, 2019, 11:34:05 pm
Rotation of the batteries will help equalize the wear.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Jack Lewis on October 24, 2019, 03:02:03 am
I had two previous rvs with an 8d starting battery, I would never go back to that after haveing my current two grp 34 batteries. These are an improvement. 1350 cca for a single Lifeline, 1380 combined cca for my two Exides.
A single Lifeline 8D has 1350 cold cranking amps. Three of my grp 34s (690 cca each) would have 2070 cca combined.
These were my after and before pictures 2 yrs ago. The FT came to me with two wet Grp 34 Interstates that I replaced along with installing a ground disconnect.
The two Exide Edge Grp 34 AGMs have been perfect, they now are marketed under the name Exide Marathon Max. They have 48 month free replacement and 84 month pro rated warranty, priced at approx $180 each.
They have continued to hold almost a full charge each year, with disconnect off, for over a six month continuous storage period.
Security Check is Car ID, retailer for these batteries. Security Check (https://www.carid.com/exide/marathon-max-agm-battery-mpn-mx34.html)
Exide website. Marathon Max Automotive AGM Battery (https://www.exide.com/us/en/product/Marathon-Max-AGM)
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 24, 2019, 03:01:36 pm
So thanks for all the ideas on battery selection, and sorry for hijacking the thread. Confirmed that one Optima is bad. The other 2 are charged and will see how they hold it over time. As I understand it, in a multi battery setup, one should not replace one battery, but the entire bank. These Optima's are only 3 years old. Seems a waste to do that. They are 800 CCA, so 2 might not do it, although I don't plan to be in the cold weather with this coach for a year or two.
The other issue is Foretravel built this battery tray for this specific battery. The Optima yellow tops for instance wouldn't work. The measurements of the inside of the tray is 10.5"W X 20.5" D. I guess I could have someone weld me a new tray, but don't want to go to that expense if I don't have to. Might just build a try out of wood and screw it to the existing tray, then epoxy it for weather protection. What have you guys that have put other batteries in do?
What do you think about just adding another Red top to these batteries? Thanks, Bob
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Chris m lang on October 24, 2019, 03:06:57 pm
I would replace all 3, If I understand it wright , the old batteries will pull the new battery down and you would still have to replace all it them. Personally I am looking at putting in a 8D when I have to do a replacement. I'm sure others will Chime in !!! Chris
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 24, 2019, 04:09:58 pm
Installing a good quality 8D is still going to only give you 1400 CCA and cost a little over $200 (Autozone/Duralast). So, not enough CCA for your Cummins. For an 8.3, you should have around 1800 CCA for reliable starting in winter. Installing two brings the CCA up to 2800 but still slightly less than three 31 series from Autozone and for the price of over $400 compared to the three 31 series for about $300. Plus, while the 31 series batteries are heavy, one person can easily make the installation while the 8Ds are back breakers. Two 31 series @ 950 CCA would probably do the trick nicely and that is only $200 for an 8.3 or $300 for the additional battery for a M11.
Don't fool with wood, have someone weld up a steel tray. The batteries will be secure and can't come loose in case of an accident.
If one in a set of three batteries is bad, replace all and repurpose the other two. $300 for three batteries? How can you not not replace them. My old Duralast 34 series lasted eleven years with two still good. Thats only $27/year. Make sure to get at least a 10 percent discount if buying three batteries.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tom Lang on October 24, 2019, 07:29:00 pm
When one of my three Optimas went bad after five years, I removed it and ran with two for a few months. Then I added a third Optima that I had been using elsewhere, and my mismatched set served me well for another six years.
This is on an ISL400
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on October 24, 2019, 08:53:58 pm
I do have just ONE battery bank, three 8D AGM batteries which provides house power and starting power. I have used this for 8 years on my 96 U320, and used it on my previous coach for 7 years. I have had to boost with my towd twice, both times because I left the refer on electric over night. I have 1450 watts of solar which can provided 78 amps for battery charging. This works very well for me but I would caution others that you have to continuously watch the charge level of your battery bank. I have an amphour meter on each battery and use desulfators on each battery.
My Cummins manual recommends 1800 CCA for an M11. Three charged 8D AGM batteries can provide over 3000 CCA and they spin the M11 faster than the three "red top" Optima batteries which came with the coach did (unknown age).
Contact me if you need more information, or are thinking about making the change from two battery banks to one.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 24, 2019, 09:19:51 pm
Pierce I looked at AutoZone and the high cca batteries were not available at that price. The only ones online were 190$ and for that price might as well get the optima's. The batteries Roger has are available, but if 2 of the red tops are still good, not sure I want to pay more $ for less. Still evaluating the optima's. But if they are still good, will stay with that config. My boost switch doesn't work and I think AM Solar did that when they did the lithium install.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 24, 2019, 09:33:26 pm
Took me ten second to find this; https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/duralast-battery-31-950-group-size-31-950-cca/97512_766202_25698 $129 now but 10 percent drops it to $117.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 24, 2019, 11:04:34 pm
The O'Reilly's group 31 batteries are a drop in fit to the existing battery rack and were $105 each with Diesel Power Club discount. They start my ISM11 easily. Warranty is not as long as an Optima but for the difference in price I can buy three sets of these for the price of Optimas. OEM on my coach were Optima Yellow Top group 31.
If you have two good optima's left keep them for something else instead of turning them in for a core charge. It make no sense to put in a new battery in with a pair of older batteries. It will just result in an imbalanced capacities, resistance and contribution to loads. I don't see a group 31 red top.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on October 25, 2019, 11:02:03 am
Took me ten second to find this; https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/duralast-battery-31-950-group-size-31-950-cca/97512_766202_25698 $129 now but 10 percent drops it to $117.
Pierce
Pierce after I posted, I looked some more and found the same. Thanks for taking the time to search for it. Roger, I signed up on the diesel forums and waiting for a email back. Not sure what I would use the redtops for. They won't fit in my jeep grand cherokee. Thanks Bob
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 25, 2019, 12:45:33 pm
I have a 12v to 120v motor generator (2 12v motors) from ambulance manufacturing back in the 70's. Close enough to pure sine wave for use in them at the time. 2 red tops will run an electric chain saw for as long as you want to cut wood in a day. I have an original 2001 8D gel battery that when fully charged will last 2 days cutting wood. Chain saw uses about 1200 watts.
Keep them charged up for 12 volt power out lighting. Get a small inverter to run your refrigerator for a day or so when power goes out.
If they are really good then keep them charged with a smart charger and use them. It is $18 for a great battery.
I have 6 used 8Ds in the garage, charged. With an inverter they will run our refrigerator, freezer, water pump and some lights for about 2 days in a power outage
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on October 25, 2019, 12:55:34 pm
I received an email from "hotonthetrail" regrading replacing three Retop start batteries with one 8D and using the boost for starting. I was unable to replay perhaps because the return email contained "noreply".
Here is my reply:
One 8D will only provide circa 1100 CCA which is not sufficient for an M11 according to Cummins. The problem is that the starter is almost a short and will draw more amps as voltage goes down. More amps means more heat. Low voltage will cause the starter to overheat. So, if the engine is cranking slow, stop and determine what is causing low voltage or risk starter damage. One 8D start battery and using the boost will work provided that the house battery bank is well charged. If house battery bank has low charge it may actually lower the voltage to the starter when using the boost. The other factor to consider is the amp capacity of the boost solenoid, the OEM solenoid is suspect for boosting the start battery. I would buy three low cost start batteries which will fit the battery rack - AGM are not as essential for start as for house batteries because the start batteries are NOT cycled, ie remain fully charged most of the time. I believe the high cost for AGM start batteries is a waste of money. Maintenance free or Flooded start batteries are less expensive and will work just as good as AGM.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Justin Cook on October 30, 2019, 05:40:52 pm
Anytime I see a thread about batteries I jump in with a cent or two to add. Optimas, and in particular the Redtops, have been going downhill for years... or maybe it's just that overall AGM battery performance has been steadily increasing for years and what were once considered top of the line specs are now barely breaking mid-class. Whatever the case, I recently replaced my own Optima Redtop (Grp 34/78) in my personal truck with a NorthStar Pro AGM (which is a NorthStar/Exide partnership), and I have to say that it's a pretty fantastic battery with excellent specs... full 4-year free replacement warranty, gold-plated top posts with M8 threaded inserts on the side as well, 1500 pulse cranking amps and 880 CCA, with 133-minute reserve (obviously this spec is highly debatable, but better than a Redtop's reserve rating regardless). Given that I've only had it in the truck for a month, I can't give a long-term performance review, but my selection of this battery in particular was after a loooong period of spec comparison, research, and deep-diving into the review rabbit hole, so I do believe that any discussion of replacement combination start/reserve batteries should include this fine specimen.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: amos.harrison on October 31, 2019, 12:55:21 pm
Justin,
May I ask for details on that personal truck you show?
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on November 02, 2019, 12:29:33 am
After careful consideration of all of you, plus much research and old knowledge, I have decided to go with Odyssey batteries. The model I purchased are pc2150t (https://www.batterymart.com/p-odyssey-pc2150t-battery.html). 1150 CCA, 100 AH times 2. They won't fit in the tray as it is, so I got some angle steel to widen the tray by 3 inches width wise and will put the 2 batteries long way across the tray. I will use the same hold down bar. So total of 2300 CCA. These are great batteries and we will see how long they last. $799. Not to bad imo. I looked at the lead acid, the agm, the 8D option. In the end I felt these were the best option. I have used Odyssey batteries before in my last boat. Seemed to be great batteries. I was at Sams tonight, and looked at the others that people recommended and felt for me these would do best. Time will tell. Thanks for everyone that helped in this decision. Bob
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: John Haygarth on November 02, 2019, 03:57:30 pm
Excellent choice. Odyssey are the baþery of choice for all of BC govt busses and trucks. Trying to get some of same from my brothers friend who is a dealer and has a few for free. JohnH
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: evantwheeler on November 02, 2019, 04:24:51 pm
I recently put in three Superstart AGM group 31 batteries from O'Reilly's. With my FMCA Diesel Power Club discount they were about about $105 each. They work great. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/fleet---heavy-duty-5000/battery-accessories-16452/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/ec27e4e51018/super-start-fleet-heavy-duty-group-size-31-top-post-battery/agm31t/4742641
What did you do to your coach today VIII (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=36854.msg366536#msg366536)
They gave you over $100 off MSRP per battery!?! That sounds way too good to be true! I'll be digging into this as I'm in need of new start batteries.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on November 02, 2019, 06:13:18 pm
The list price was over $200 per battery. I do not know what they actually sell them for in the stores but it was $105 each out the door for me. The FMCA Diesel Power Club savings here and at MCD Shades has paid for more than 10 years of the cost. So far the Superstart batteries are living up to their name.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Justin Cook on November 19, 2019, 01:23:49 pm
May I ask for details on that personal truck you show?
Haha sure, I'm always happy to give details on my baby girl... she's a '91 Ranger STX, 4.0 V6 5-spd 4x4 with PosiTrac and the "HyRider" package (factory 1.5" lift), unknown miles (5-digit odometer). I picked her up in sad, sad shape almost two years ago and have spent countless hours on upgrades and body work and fun little details including K&N cold air intake, Taylor throttle body spacer, Taylor Racing wires, E3 plugs, Performance Distributors "Screamin Demon" ignition coil pack, Mishimoto radiator, GReddy oil/air separator, Mishimoto oil filler cap (yes, really :-P), Momo pedals, Mishimoto 559-gram shift knob, the NorthStar Pro AGM battery I originally posted, Victron Smart BatteryProtect 65A running my Alpena ModCubes DRLs, Alpena 4"x4" LED spotlights on the roll bar, Alpena 24" Slimline LED bar on the front, LED headlights, marker lights, taillights, turn signals, backup lights, and extra backup lights, Alpena LED bed lights, Alpena LED white undercarriage (ground effects) lights, interior music-sensitive color-changing LED lighting, Polk Audio component sound system...
(takes a breath)
...aaaand K&N fuel filter, K&N oil filter and Royal Purple oil every time, ventshades, PIAA wipers, full tint all the way around, refinished the wheels, 1.5" spacers on the rear wheels to bring the rear inline with the front, full bodywork to fix all the rust holes she had, just replaced the stock rear taillights with original-mold smoked acrylic lenses, dual functional scoops in the hood to ram air into that K&N, Gabriel suspension all the way around, replaced the stock mirrors with 93 Mustang foxbody mirrors (thinner profile), Brembo front disc brakes (haven't gotten around to the rear disc conversion yet)... man.... the list goes on.
Suffice to say, there isn't another 91 Ranger in existence quite like my Roxy :-) I love doing my own work; it's kind of my meditation.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: amos.harrison on November 20, 2019, 05:43:21 am
A real labor of love!
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on November 21, 2019, 12:18:55 am
Working on the new battery install today. The 2 batteries are 13.5 inches wide and long, so have to modify the existing battery tray to fit them. I choose to buy a mild steel angle iron and modify the tray. I took my grinder to it, cutting off the top part 13.5 inches out. I am bolting together the angle iron, after cutting it to size and drilling holes in it to fix it to the old tray. Most of the weight will still be on the old tray, but this will allow the entire battery assembly to fit. My first bolts were to proud, so off to the big box store for others. Should be done tomorrow. But I might make new battery cables.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: evantwheeler on December 01, 2020, 11:56:42 am
I recently put in three Superstart AGM group 31 batteries from O'Reilly's. With my FMCA Diesel Power Club discount they were about about $105 each. They work great. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/fleet---heavy-duty-5000/battery-accessories-16452/battery---automotive-16864/battery---best-fit-16245/ec27e4e51018/super-start-fleet-heavy-duty-group-size-31-top-post-battery/agm31t/4742641
What did you do to your coach today VIII (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=36854.msg366536#msg366536)
I just want to follow up on this. As suspected, too good to be true. After paying for the FMCA and Diesel RV Club subscriptions, found out that the discount on batteries at O'Reilly is about $10 each. Not disputing Roger's claim to pay $105 each for the AGM group 31's (which I am jealous as all get out about), but someone screwed up when they processed that purchase. Guy at my store said there is no possible way that discount was correct as that is way less than the best employee discount available at the store.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on December 01, 2020, 03:12:08 pm
Sorry, that was a typo, they were $205 each.
We like these batteries, we switched to a gear reduction starter too and easy starts followed. And probably saved 30 lbs too.
An upcoming project (in the long and never ending line of projects to do) is to redo all of the start battery wiring, add switches and a shunt and new cables to the starter.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Bob & Sue on December 01, 2020, 03:43:50 pm
Roger.. What would the addition of a shunt on the start batteries be for. Enhanced monitoring maybe.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 01, 2020, 04:23:31 pm
If you have an open battery storage and can go with conventional batteries, our Autozone duralast batteries have been good for many years. 60 lb 950 CCA 31 series for $300 for all three batteries with 10 percent discount for three and core exchange. They always seem to last about 10 years. 2850 CCA should be enough for anyone for any season. I tie the conventional and AGM together while at home on shore charge.
Pierce
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Realmccoy on December 01, 2020, 06:26:48 pm
My solution.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on December 01, 2020, 06:42:03 pm
Bob, mostly because I have two BMV monitors and shunts. Then I can monitor SOC on the start batteries and all the other data. A disconnect switch on both + and - sides, batteries to bus bars.
Title: Re: Batteries
Post by: Tim on December 02, 2020, 07:05:23 am
Here are the specs on my LIFEPO4 12VDC auxiliary / engine start battery, located in the bedroom. There are four 3.3VDC cells in series. See photos.
I installed them because they can output 4000 Amps for 5 seconds. The starter requires 1800 Amps. As an auxiliary battery, they can run critical house systems for days.