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Battery Question

Old coach 89 280.. 3208 cat... 7500 onan with Kubota diesel... My coach has 3 8d wet cell batteries..  Does 1 start the coach engine and generator leaving the other 2 for coach dc power?  I am having battery failure, I can use the boost switch and while the coach is plugged up to ac power it will start after a few minutes.. Must have the boost switch on. Time for new batteries... Of course when the cables goes into the wall out of the battery compartment they are out of sight and my efforts to trace what cable goes where has taken me nowhere. I am darn curious to know the answer to what number of batteries does what.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Battery Question

Reply #1 –
Also.. I rarely boondock.. Could I do away with 1 of the 3 batteries using 1 for starting engine and gen and 1 for dc power to coach? Started to ask this on RRadios post concerning batteries but I had already started here. Don't have to tell anyone about the weight of these batteries + the maintenance.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Battery Question

Reply #2 –
Or change to  4 d batteries like we use to start our 18 wheelers.less weight.. less expensive.. can get maintenance free.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Battery Question

Reply #3 –
One battery is to start the engine and the other 2 are the house batteries
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Battery Question

Reply #4 –
Does the same batter that starts the engine start the gen as well?
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Battery Question

Reply #5 –
not that I've seen, unless the boost switch is on.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Battery Question

Reply #6 –
On my 1991 U300 the front battery is the cranking battery and the other two are the coach batteries. Your U280 is probably similar. You can call Foretravel and ask them. They have two guys there to answer your technical questions.
Scott Cook
1991 U300 36' 6V92TA
Old Town Penobscot 16
1984 Honda VF1100C (V65 Magna)

Re: Battery Question

Reply #7 –
You could disconnect the negative leads of the batteries. Then hook up one at a time and see what works, and what doesn't work.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Battery Question

Reply #8 –
In our 91 GV the engine battery is in the shore power cable locker and is an 8D.  The house batteries are under the step into the coach.  There are 4 of them in a series parallel set up.  Those 4 batteries are deep cycle golf cart batteries.  These all can be cross connected via the boost switch.  The generator is started via the house batteries.  I prefer the 4 golf cart batteries in a series parallel configuration over two 8Ds, but this is strictly a personal thing depending on how much time you spend without hookups.  The 8D seems more than adequate for my needs.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Battery Question

Reply #9 –
Thanks for the replies.. I have never tried to change the 3 8d configuration.. I have it on my mind because I don't feel like I need that much battery since I seldom cold camp.. I do however want everything to working for shorter periods of time verses one who cold camps more often.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Battery Question

Reply #10 –
What type of batteries do you have?
I'd guess Gel of some type.. ?
Give a try at slow charging for several days (if you have the time).
If the batteries are expanding don't waste time, they're toast. 
Interacter(sp) has an excellent 10 Amp cycling charger ($150) that may save you some money..  (not all battery chargers are created equal)
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Battery Question

Reply #11 –
10/4... we are going to take them out and have them load tested then go from there.. The weight of these things make that a chore to dread. Still thinking of going back with 2 rather than 3..  Tired of handling these blasted things.
Dub McBride 1996 270
 

Re: Battery Question

Reply #12 –
One reason I like the 4 deep cycle 6volt batteries!!  ----  Have fun and a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'