Need Help with 1993 U240

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Need Help with 1993 U240

November 25, 2015, 07:38:19 am

Hi everyone!
Just bought a 1993 Grand Villa & I cannot find the motor batteries anywhere. It has 2 (should be 3) 8D batteries in the lower storage area behind the door, but no motor batteries anywhere. I am going to need a lot more help with this later, but for now I just want to get it started. Thanks!! Matt

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #1 – November 25, 2015, 08:10:28 am

You are looking in the right area-- just in front of the passenger's side rear tire. Open the bay, remove the fiberglass cover over the batteries. From the factory, the forward batteries were chassis, the rear ones house. The wires will be labeled. Do you have a wiring diagram?

Where are you located?

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #2 – November 25, 2015, 09:04:58 am

Was the same set up as Brett says for our 93, 225.

The space has room for those 3 8D batteries. Over the years owners might change to other set ups that you are seeing now. When we bought our's, there were a set of group 27's for the engine starting. In addition was a 8D, and a 4D, for house use. I latter upgraded the old 8D, and 4D to a set of 2 8D's.

If you start pricing batteries, you might realize why you are seeing the batteries in your coach. The best 8D's can cost over $600 each. Another issues is the weight of each battery. Some have switched to small batteries and ganged them together so as not to have to lift each 150# or more 8D.

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #3 – November 25, 2015, 12:39:44 pm

BigSky 4,

Tell us how much dry camping and in what temperatures and we can recommend the correct batteries for your coach.

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #4 – November 25, 2015, 08:46:42 pm

I do not have a diagram, I will look for labeling, I am in Montana. I do know there are 2 sets of battery leads coming from the factory harness, why they are in parallel is what has confused me. I have had a charger on them for a day (a good one) still only 50% charged. GV still won't start

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #5 – November 25, 2015, 10:34:57 pm

Please let us now what batteries you have (or post pictures).

We CAN help.

Brett

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #6 – November 26, 2015, 05:31:52 am

It is as you said Brett, I realized it was only the negative that was in series (duh). I have 4 8D batteries that I can use, along with a 2.5 trace inverter. So I will keep you all up to date. Thank you for the help!

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #7 – November 26, 2015, 09:12:15 am

Keep in mind that the right rear is likely already very close to its weight rating. Yes, if you are doing a lot of dry camping, then 3 8D's for the house bank may be a good idea.

And with the U240, you need to check your ride height.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #8 – November 26, 2015, 02:19:47 pm

Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb – November 25, 2015, 09:04:58 am

The best 8D's can cost over $600 each.

True, my files show ours were replaced in 11/14. The invoice shows two Lifeline GPL-8DL batteries @ $627.00 each + install. Wow, I thought the best batteries for the Airstream were pricey!

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Need Help with 1993 U240

November 25, 2015, 07:38:19 am

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #1 – November 25, 2015, 08:10:28 am

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #2 – November 25, 2015, 09:04:58 am

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #3 – November 25, 2015, 12:39:44 pm

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #4 – November 25, 2015, 08:46:42 pm

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #5 – November 25, 2015, 10:34:57 pm

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #6 – November 26, 2015, 05:31:52 am

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #7 – November 26, 2015, 09:12:15 am

Re: Need Help with 1993 U240

Reply #8 – November 26, 2015, 02:19:47 pm

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