Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

These AGM will serve you well. Be aware they appear to not be size-identified as 8D, height, width, weight AH, measure to be little smaller and lighter than 8D and the terminals are bolt and not automotive posts, so cable end adapters may be needed. Cost is bit lower than many 8D, which is okay and maybe inline with smaller size. Recommended charge voltages are very good with bulk & absorption at 14.4-14.8v and float at 13.6-13.8v. Not sure what "Initial current less-than 60 amps means. Renogy is a high-quality product name with lots of different RV products.

These AGM will serve you well. Be aware they appear to not be size-identified as 8D, height, width, weight AH, measure to be little smaller and lighter than 8D and the terminals are bolt and not automotive posts, so cable end adapters may be needed. Cost is bit lower than many 8D, which is okay and maybe inline with smaller size. Recommended charge voltages are very good with bulk & absorption at 14.4-14.8v and float at 13.6-13.8v. Not sure what "Initial current less-than 60 amps means. Renogy is a high-quality product name with lots of different RV products.

I have a heart interface freedom 20 inverter, not sure where the charger is.  1996 U270

  not sure where the charger is.  1996 U270

No problem using original Heart Freedom 20. With battery recommended charge voltage ratings, just set Freedom for flooded wet acid, which is the highest voltage charge profile. Settings are on the inside charge remote monitor panel. Charge/invertor is probably mounted to streetside bay ceiling. Keep in mind that the Heart Freedom is modified sine wave and after a lot of years in service, they often suddenly fail, so you would be wise to have a replacement plan researched out. Many have used Magnum MS-2812 model. As with all chargers and inverters it is always better to not push them near their rated capacity, so larger then needed usually gives these devices a longer life.

Should I replace it now? And if so, any recommendations?

Most find that Pro-active maintenance is better. You will be able to install a new charge/inverter yourself.

Heart freedoms internally have "points" that make the connection for the power output. Over years of use the "points" pit. The reduced contact area can lower the inverters power output. Your 96's heart freedom 20 is too early to have a battery temp input to not overcharge or undercharge the batteries based on their exact temp. Late 97's with freedom serial numbers above 100k have the temp input. Float voltage can vary by more than .5 volts between hot and cold temps.

Agms  normally have their amp hour capacity reduced slowly in use if not totally recharged to 100% every use. That is very generator time consuming. To go from 50% to 85% takes x amount of gen run time. To go from 85% to 100% can take the same amount of gen run time.

Thats why Foretravel installed in every unicoach east Penn(MK) gel batteries. Twice the cycle life and can be partially recharged then used without affecting their service life as much.

The 28 model years later inverter/chargers and batteries will greatly add to your enjoyment when using your coach.

Versus a less enjoyable experience lessens your decision to keep your coach. 

A set of AGM's would get you started although with a limited investment. 4-5 years with slowly reduced amp hours after the first couple of years.

Power pole to power pole use lowers the batteries wear as they are 100% every day.

Gels and a ms2812 with a temp shunt with last more than a decade in normal use. Plus retain more capacity for more years lowering gen run time.

Visione in Kentucky used to have a 97 u320 that had a top rack allowing 3 8d batteries to be installed.

If you 'get into" this rv lifestyle like a lot of us here have a top quality 12volt system and solar panels can almost eliminate gen running in mild temps.

Quiet enjoyment of nature is a pleasure. I went through many years of mods to end up with a reliable fully automatic charging system that charges both battery banks.

The AGM's will get you started ok although.

Good luck with your new to you coach

Bob

So am I better off looking for gel batteries? Will this be a significant cost increase?

So am I better off looking for gel batteries? Will this be a significant cost increase?

I'm starting to think I bought the wrong coach, issues after not even a week of ownership.  I was planning on spending more on something with a large solar setup but thought we'd start with setting more budget friendly, unfortunately I've gotten a sour taste already. 

Thank you so much for the informative replies!