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Topic: chassis battery replacement (Read 1106 times) previous topic - next topic

chassis battery replacement

I have a U270 1998 FT and I need to replace the chassis batteries and would like to hear your recommendations. I talked to Mike at MOT and they have stopped using optium battery as have FOT. FOT is using Exide Orbital battery.
As a question, why does one have to use a sealed battery in FT? Thank you for all your help John
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #1 –
In my case, I leave the coach idle for long periods of time...30 to 50 days at a time.  The AGM battereis hold their charge for a long time.  They also do better in below freezing weather.  Zero maintenance, other than cleaning the terminals from time to time.  No gassing which leads to corroded terminals among other things.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #2 –
John, The only reason I can think of to use an AGM or sealed battery as a starting battery is to keep charging system simple.  No changing from wet, to AGM, to GEL etc.to correctly charge them or to keep from overcharging one or the other.  I have run across several SOB that use simple group 31 or 34 as starting batteries. 
Gary B

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #3 –
Quote from: 16840138 –
As a question, why does one have to use a sealed battery in FT?

One does not have to use a sealed battery in a FT.  However, if one uses gel or AGM  batteries for the house and ordinary lead acid for the chassis this creates problems with charging.  The alternator on the main engine charges both sets of batteries and is probably set for charging gel or sealed batteries, unless someone changed the setting since it left the factory.  Also the battery charger/inverter is probably also set for gel batteries unless that too has been changed.  The charger/inverter will not normally charge the chassis batteries unless the boost switch is on.  Lead acid requires a higher charging voltage than gel or AGM.  If you set the inverter/charger and/or alternator for the higher lead acid charging voltage, you will decrease the life of the house batteries unless they too are lead acid. 

I have MK gel for the house and Optima red top for the chassis.  Fully charged resting state voltage is slightly different for these batteries, about 1/2 volt.  I find that when stored with no plug in power available, the chassis batteries drain down faster that the house batteries, so I disconnect the chassis negative cable, and that helps the chassis batteries maintain their charge.  Both sets of batteries are about 5 years old and still have a good reserve of capacity.  Normally when batteries age, they in effect become smaller as capacity is lost. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #4 –
I installed Concorde AGM batteries as start/house batteries on their sides, in my boat in 2004.  They are still strong, hold their charge for months at a time, and are charged by the alternators on twin Honda engines, set up for standard lead acid batteries.  Never any special care, and no special charging profile.  Fabulous batteries that while expensive at first have turned out to be far cheaper than standard batteries given their life span.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #5 –
My coach (bought from FOT Nov 2012) came with MK 8D gel house batteries (3 yrs old) and Exide PX-31 925 wet cell chassis (1 year old) batteries. Foretravel says thats what they were using in 2001; weird combination and that model Exide is only made for PACCAR, don't know why FOT likes them. I put a Trik-L-Start in today to help keep the start batteries up - won't be 100% due to charger settings for the gels, but probably good enough until the time comes to replace them. BTW, the Exides can only be warranty adjusted at a KW or Pete dealer as they are unique to PACCAR (and Foretravel).
Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #6 –
My 01 and 2000 came with red tops.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #7 –
I am still trying to understand the reason for sealed chassis batteries. In 1998 I don't think they had been invented yet. Correct me if wrong. I understand the advantages to sealed verses wet. And I appreciate all the assistance that everyone is giving me. This has been a great experience thanks to all the members that share their knowledge and experience, thank you again John
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #8 –
Quote from: 16840138 –
I am still trying to understand the reason for sealed chassis batteries.

Perhaps it's an "out of sight, out of mind" concern?  Plus in some arrangements (like tag axle with OEM muffler) the chassis batteries are very difficult to access to check, add water to, etc., so sealed are more owner-friendly.

Just a thought.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #9 –
You can not access my chassis batteries as Michelle mentioned. I do nto have a rear door that opens up on them but have to crawl in from underneath.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #10 –
Has anyone replaced chassis batteries with flooded batteries?
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #11 –
John,

My Cummins C8.3 only has 300 hp, but my U-280 came with a flooded chassis battery (8D) and coach batteries (8D).  I switched the coach lead-acids over to 8D gels a few years ago, but never felt the need to switch the chassis battery.  The one lead-acid 8D costs about $150, lasts 3 years, and then I replace it.  I still use the Boost switch when starting the engine.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.
 

Re: chassis battery replacement

Reply #12 –
New to FT but do have an 11 year old 5th-wheel that I put Concorde AGM batteries in when the trailer was new in 2002.  When I measured them last summer, they were still at 90% capacity.  I can disconnect them and leave then in the storage lot for months with very little discharge.  About 2-3% month.  And no maintenance.  They will be my choice when I need to replace the ones in my FT.
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15