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New engine battery recommendation

Hello does anyone have a recommendation for replacement engine batteries for my coach? I currently have 3 group 34 Duracell batteries in place ... 93 U300 GV with a DD.

Thanks
Woodie
Woodie Lee Jr
93 U300. 40'
6V92ta

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #1 –
Just replaced mine yesterday. Bought what was in there, O'Reilly EXTJ batteries. The old ones were in there when we bought the coach in March of 2013. I drove the coach Friday, then disconnected the batteries completely. Checked and recorded the voltage on each one, then checked again yesterday morning. Battery #1 had lost nearly 2 volts overnight, #2 went down .12 volts, and #3 .1 volts. Don't know how long those old batteries were there, but they certainly worked well.

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #2 –
Thanks
Woodie Lee Jr
93 U300. 40'
6V92ta

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #3 –
Measure you battery area-- you want the largest batteries that will fit.

Many Freightliner dealers have battery specials.  I believe (info not in front of me) they are group 31 batteries.

Example: http://www.fydafreightliner.com/fckimages/pdf/service-specials/Parts%26SvcSummer20Specials4PgFlyer_digital4.pdf

Group 31 $75.95 each. CCA 925 each.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #4 –
I am needing to replace the Chassis Batteries and no one seems to know if you should use wet cell, Gel, AGM, or Lithium Ion.
Coach is a 2008 Nimbus CE 342 40'
I have also been told we have Group 31.
We also do not know how to access them.  Looks like we need to take the Tag Wheel off.
Thank you,
Robby

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Wing-nRV1999 –
I am needing to replace the Chassis Batteries and no one seems to know if you should use wet cell, Gel, AGM, or Lithium Ion.
Coach is a 2008 Nimbus CE 342 40'
I have also been told we have Group 31.
We also do not know how to access them.  Looks like we need to take the Tag Wheel off.
Thank you,
Robby


When you figure it out can you let me know? I need to do the same thing. I can see one of mine in front of the muffler but it appears you have to access them from underneath. It looks like this coach came with Optima Red Tops. I have not seen any receipts for batteries. I haven't had the opportunity to crawl around under mine yet. I need to get some safety stands first. I have an 08' Nimbus 342 as well. But it's 42' not 40'.  But probably the same chassis layout.
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #6 –
Robby, LiFePO4 batteries are not a good choice for start batteries.  I have maintenance free AGM batteries in my coach, some will use flooded batteries but they require regular maintenance and very good ventilation.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/fleet-heavy-duty/super-start-fleet-heavy-duty-battery-group-size-31/ssbl/agm31t?q=AGM&pos=0

Under $200 with the discount code on their web page.

Lots of choices out there.  I hve no idea where your start batteries are located.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #7 –
If your batteries are difficult to access I would go with AGM.
My 3 batteries are very easy to access and the entire battery box is open to the outside, no ventilation issues. I chose wet cell, buy them at Costco. I have had zero issues for about 7 years.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #8 –
Quote from: leejrfla –
Hello does anyone have a recommendation for replacement engine batteries for my coach? I currently have 3 group 34 Duracell batteries in place ... 93 U300 GV with a DD.
Thanks
Woodie
If you have the three start batteries close to the back bumper like our '93 U300, it's an easy choice for plug and play with Group 34 batteries. About $300 for all three maintenance free (not AGM) if you ask for a 10% discount (Autozone) Check weight as the heavier the battery, the better.

If you want more CCA, Group 31 are the ticket with 2850 to over 3500 CCA. I had to build a rack as the 31 series are longer but the same width. Available auto parts store or Craigslist/FB Marketplace. About $300 for a set of 3 in maintenance free (not AGM) Again, check the weight as the heaviest is the best. Our Autozone 31 weigh 60 lbs each. I do see other brands including Interstate advertised on CL for $60 to $80 each new, no tax. See my old post for how to build the rack, etc.

No need to spend more $$ as 34 or 31 conventional batteries will last 7 to 11 years. The cables connecting the batteries are the same for 34 or 31 series so no need to change cables for the three battery setup if using 31 series.

Change your block heater to the standard Detroit location under the AC compressor at the same time. It takes a different element but will heat the block so you get instant starts in winter or at high altitudes in sub freezing weather. You will have to collect the antifreeze in a container to make this change.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #9 –
https://youtu.be/h7rTcBanpMk
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #10 –
Good video above. You also have to consider user reviews. The Optima Red Top starting batteries have had a lot of complaints on different sites in the last few years. OPTIMA Batteries Reviews | 937 Reviews of Optimabatteries.com | ResellerRatings  No one wants to spend top $$ for a battery that's going to have a limited lifespan so also an important yardstick when considering replacing your batteries.

Walmart (Sam's Club) and Costco do have excellent reputations for honoring product warranties.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #11 –
To answer the question of how to access the batteries it is done from underneath. After disconnecting the cables remove the top hold down bar and then lift them out and reverse to put in the new ones. Our 03 u320 had group 31 batteries but I changed some on a 2000 42 foot u320 with tag axle. It had Optima red tops and I had to replace with new red tops due to the size of the holder.
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: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Wing-nRV1999 –
I am needing to replace the Chassis Batteries and no one seems to know if you should use wet cell, Gel, AGM, or Lithium Ion.
Coach is a 2008 Nimbus CE 342 40'
I have also been told we have Group 31.
We also do not know how to access them.  Looks like we need to take the Tag Wheel off.
Thank you,
Robby

Starting batteries need fast and high current and most fancy ( lion, Fe lion) batteries are more for running inverters where low to medium constant current is needed( AHrs). Maintenance free wet cell, gel or agms are more suitable for starting batteries (high CCA cold cranking amps). Many Foretravels seem to run group 31 red top Optimas.
🤯
 

Re: New engine battery recommendation

Reply #13 –
I second the wallyworld batteries.  They have an outstanding warranty.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR