House Batts

Topic: House Batts (Read 1040 times) previous topic - next topic

House Batts

January 11, 2018, 03:04:50 pm

As my GV restoration continues, I have discovered that my six (6) house batteries need to be replaced. They are Gel Tech, probably quite old, and perhaps I should just replace with like brand, but wanted to get the opinions here as to the best batts abailable today.

I know that I could probably have answered my question through research here, but just did not have time today to do so. All info will be much appreciated.

Re: House Batts

Reply #1 – January 11, 2018, 03:42:09 pm

Couple of variables:

First is what side (in amp-hrs @ 12 VDC) do you need. How long do you want to be able to run what load without starting the generator or being on shore power

Next is where are they located-- in a well vented compartment or in the basement, but not well vented. That will tell you whether you can consider wet cell batteries which are less $$. Another part of the "what battery technology" is are you able and willing to check and add water (wet cell) or willing to pay more $$ for AGM or gel

Re: House Batts

Reply #2 – January 11, 2018, 06:40:44 pm

Quote from: RandallBrink – January 11, 2018, 03:04:50 pm

As my GV restoration continues, I have discovered that my six (6) house batteries need to be replaced. They are Gel Tech, probably quite old, and perhaps I should just replace with like brand, but wanted to get the opinions here as to the best batts abailable today.

We also had a couple of 8Ds in our U300 for house batteries. I looked around Craigslist and found a deal on six new deep cycle AGM batteries from a bankrupt solar company so I just modified the stock rack so three fit on the top and three on the bottom. Nine years later, they are still working fine.

Bottom line is there are deals out there and if you have the time to look, you can get some real bargains. The ones I found were about 8 percent of the normal price. I should have bought the whole truckload but $35/ea was still super. While the deep cycle AGMs are hard to beat, lots of folks use 8Ds or 6 volt golf cart type batteries with excellent success. The key to a long life is keeping them charged year after year after year. Lots of RV owners let them go flat and then the really expensive investment is gone.

Forgot to say our house batteries were located almost at the back in the last compartment on the driver's side. This compartment is not enclosed. The three engine batteries were in the engine compartment just in front of the back bumper. I just replaced them after 9 years.

How about putting your model, engine, floor plan w/length below your name.

Pierce

Re: House Batts

Reply #3 – January 11, 2018, 08:26:26 pm

Brett, very good questions. I will evaluate on this basis.

The batteries are in the basement, to port of the blackwater tank. I never thought about lead acid batteries, was hoping that some new technology batteries may have become available.

Re: House Batts

Reply #4 – January 11, 2018, 08:28:38 pm

Pierce, thanks. Will look at these options. I'll post a photo of my instalation.

Re: House Batts

Reply #5 – January 11, 2018, 08:41:19 pm

Suddenly I can't post photos.

Re: House Batts

Reply #6 – January 11, 2018, 08:48:57 pm

Our 91GV has the house batteries under the step into the coach. We run with 4 lead acid golf cart batteries in a series/parallel set up. The space is well ventilated and it is easy to add water when needed. I didn't consider the AGM batteries due to the extra cost with no technical gain. Just me I guess. ---- Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: House Batts

Reply #7 – January 11, 2018, 10:16:45 pm

Quote from: RandallBrink – January 11, 2018, 08:26:26 pm

The batteries are in the basement, to port of the blackwater tank.

Which direction is port? Is that Driver side, Passenger side, front of, or back of your blackwater tank?

Not all of us have boating backgrounds, but even landlubbers can figure out which side is driver side.

Thanks for clarifying (I hope),

Trent

Re: House Batts

Reply #8 – January 11, 2018, 11:13:37 pm

Port = Left (shorter words)
Starboard = Right (longer words)

POSH = Port Out Starboard Home if you were from England heading to and from India. Cooler side of the ship.

Re: House Batts

Reply #9 – January 11, 2018, 11:29:14 pm

If you are old enough, your first music was on LP's. That's how I remembered. [left port]

Re: House Batts

Reply #10 – January 11, 2018, 11:58:21 pm

Off topic but.....

Port and starboard - Wikipedia

Re: House Batts

Reply #11 – January 12, 2018, 09:35:03 am

Clearly, AGM and Gel batteries are available, but more expensive than wet cells.

Re: House Batts

Reply #12 – January 12, 2018, 10:13:35 am

Always found the designations left & right when referring to our coach as a bit confusing. Are the designations determined while facing the front of the coach, or while with my back to the front of the coach?
My HWH solenoids placement designations on the manifold under the coach comes to mind.
Example: I'm laying under the coach and trying to figure out which is left solenoid valve and which is right. Which valve controls which jack?

Re: House Batts

Reply #13 – January 12, 2018, 10:14:49 am

Quote from: nitehawk – January 12, 2018, 10:13:35 am

Always found the designations left & right when referring to our coach as a bit confusing.

Try just using Curbside or Streetside???

Re: House Batts

Reply #14 – January 12, 2018, 10:16:45 am

Try telling that to the writers of these instructions. Because they most likely are not involved in or have knowledge of the installations.

Re: House Batts

Reply #15 – January 12, 2018, 12:36:35 pm

Brett, I know you are right about that because I was able to find the same brand online. As I am not sure about the ventilation condition of the bay area, I believe it prudent to stick to the same setup as OEM installation.

Re: House Batts

Reply #16 – January 12, 2018, 12:39:18 pm

Other than cost, AGM's are an excellent choice.

For start batteries, the CCA requirements of your engine dictates.

For house batteries, how you use the coach (how much battery capacity you need) dictates.

Re: House Batts

Reply #17 – January 12, 2018, 03:00:24 pm

I went with six 6 volt golf cart batteries from Sam's Club and added a Pro-Fill battery watering system that is well worth the price.

Re: House Batts

Reply #18 – January 13, 2018, 12:30:55 pm

Carol and Scott:

Thank you very much for your link to the Wikipedia explanation of Port and Starboard. It explains it completely.

Now if my 73 year-old memory storage device is still working, maybe I will stop complaining about you boaters.

Trent

Re: House Batts

Reply #19 – January 13, 2018, 01:12:29 pm

If my dim memory still works the relocation of the batteries to a sealed storage compartment instead of the vented step area would have me personally use at least AGM batteries. They are still Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries and if overcharged will vent hydrogen gases.

A updated multi stage charger should be installed so to be safer charging the VRLA type batteries.

That same type charger and gel batteries would, for utmost safety, be my choice. Or try to vent the compartment if using flooded cell or even AGM's IMO.

Gels , I think, can be installed in sealed plastic boxes. Not sure about AGM's

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