Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

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Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

January 25, 2016, 09:42:02 pm

Just wanted to know if anyone has used these supposedly "deep cycle" batteries from NAPA?
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Battery-Marine-RV-Deep-Cycle-Universal-BCI-8D-NAPA-Batteries/_/R-NBE8276_0006559833

Hope the link works, they are NAPA battery 8276

Currently have one new (6 month old) F.L.A. battery and wanted to find something compatible without having to change both to the much more expensive AGM type.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #1 – January 28, 2016, 05:39:01 am

Well........ I guess no one has tried one of these batteries OR its the old saying "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"

I'll probably pull the trigger on one of these today and report back on its performance in a few months. If we were able to utilize the coach more, I would opt for the Gel or AGM as most other members appear to have done, but we will be "some-timers" for quite some time.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #2 – January 28, 2016, 07:31:14 am

I cant really comment about the battery interms of performance or quality but the price is great. When I replaced my house batteries they were gel type and the two cost me $1200. Good luck.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #3 – January 28, 2016, 07:52:41 am

Hi, had 2 of these in my 88.
house lasted 4+yrs
coach lasted 6+yrs
KEEP THEM WATERED, check your charger to make sure it will go to float...

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #4 – January 28, 2016, 08:07:43 am

Quote from: FourTravelers – January 28, 2016, 05:39:01 am

...we will be "some-timers" for quite some time.

My thoughts, which are the same as John's (above), but I use a lot more words. (English major...)

Flooded batteries can work fine in RV application, BUT, they require a lot more attention. You must monitor the electrolyte level religiously, and this is a real hassle in some coach setups. My '93 U280 has the 2 batteries stacked one above the other in a VERY tight space, making it almost impossible to check/add water to the "rear" cells on both units. This was one of my prime motivations for switching to AGMs, not long after we bought our coach. To me, the extra expense of the low-maintenance AGM design was well worth it.

There are "watering" systems on the market that have tubes that plug into each of the "check" holes on flooded batteries. They will allow "semi-automatic" filling of all the cells simultaneously from a single source. I have never used one of these devices, so I can't comment on their effectiveness, but (if battery access is a problem) you might want to consider something like that to help ease the service routine.

A high quality, "smart" battery charger is essential to the long life of any type RV battery, but especially so with flooded batteries. Over charging, which is common with older "dumb" battery chargers, will quickly kill a new battery. If you are still using the original charger on your '95 model coach, you really should consider upgrading. Your batteries will thank you.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #5 – January 28, 2016, 08:14:01 am

I have recently installed 3 of these from NAPA (FT stands for "flat top"). I called East Penn tech support to compare the NAPA batteries and I was told the "Commercial" and "Marine" were of the same internal construction. I wanted the post style terminal, and liked the smooth flat top covers.

As you can see in my photo I have easy access to check the water, and with a 4 ball tester I can also compare the charge level of each cell. Chuck, in your setup, the sealed batteries are the way to go.

I have upgraded to a smart charger and have it set to the unsealed lead acid setting. We are doing mostly "weekend" trips right now and for the money these were our best choice.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #6 – January 28, 2016, 09:22:53 am

Chuck : I have the same setup in my 95, I must slide them out one at a time to add the distilled water. The auto fill sounds like a good idea, I'll check into that.

Peter: Thanks for the link, I'll check on the FT style as the marine have studs instead. Might be an advantage?

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #7 – January 28, 2016, 10:12:11 am

The 1981 I have has 6 golf cart batteries and it was a pain to keep them filled with distilled water. I finally bought a semi automatic water system and it is a 5 minute easy way to go.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #8 – January 28, 2016, 11:52:42 am

The flooded cell batteries out gassing may require every six months or so to redo all the cabling in the compartment from corrosion.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #9 – January 28, 2016, 12:09:33 pm

Quote from: craneman – January 28, 2016, 10:12:11 am

I finally bought a semi automatic water system and it is a 5 minute easy way to go.

Any info available on the system you bought?
It's semi-automatic?

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #10 – January 28, 2016, 06:04:42 pm

Quote from: FourTravelers – January 28, 2016, 12:09:33 pm

Any info available on the system you bought?
It's semi-automatic?

I bought it on Ebay it has the fillers that replace the vent caps and a hose that goes in series to all the cells. One end is capped off and the other has a removable cap that I use a turkey baster to push distilled water into when all the cells are full I can feel the resistance. The fill caps have a float in them and when one fills up it closes off. Do a search for golf cart battery fill systems, at least that is how I found them.

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #11 – January 28, 2016, 08:02:11 pm

I have about the same battery layout at Peter. My batteries are the standard flooded not the flat tops he has. Checking water levels was a PIA so added a water system that everyone is talking about. Well worth the money. Makes checking and filling a snap. Highly recommended if you have a flooded system.

Cashflashbob my battery cables are the original OEM. Have never had a problem with corrosion. Can only conclude the FOT battery box with vent system works pretty darn good.

see ya
ken

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Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

January 25, 2016, 09:42:02 pm

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #1 – January 28, 2016, 05:39:01 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #2 – January 28, 2016, 07:31:14 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #3 – January 28, 2016, 07:52:41 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #4 – January 28, 2016, 08:07:43 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #5 – January 28, 2016, 08:14:01 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #6 – January 28, 2016, 09:22:53 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #7 – January 28, 2016, 10:12:11 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #8 – January 28, 2016, 11:52:42 am

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #9 – January 28, 2016, 12:09:33 pm

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #10 – January 28, 2016, 06:04:42 pm

Re: Flooded cell deep cycle 8D battery

Reply #11 – January 28, 2016, 08:02:11 pm

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