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M/K battery life on average?

November 19, 2013, 04:04:09 pm

My coach is 12 years old. I believe the batteries are the originals. Seems like if that is the case, they should be replaced by now?

On average, what have been some of the replacement times people have experienced?  Also coach has 130K.
They seem to work fairly well. But generator time has been getting shorter lately.

Thanks,

David

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #1 – November 19, 2013, 04:48:57 pm

These batteries should have a date code label on them. The life of these batteries is dependent on the number of discharges subjected. My MK gel batteries are now nine years old and they are going strong. Then again I really don't discharge these very often as I usually am hooked up to shore power when camping. Everyone's experience will differ depending on the amount of use on how deep these batteries are discharged.

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #2 – November 19, 2013, 04:55:30 pm

Drive to a battery shop and have them load tested if you think they are starting to lose capacity.
Have seen well maintained batteries go longer than yours. Also a good time to do terminal maintainence.

Pierce

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #3 – November 19, 2013, 05:11:11 pm

Mine were ten years old, I thought they were doing fine...in fact they load tested very well...but I had to replace them a month ago when one on them developed an intermittent a shorted cell. The new ones are actually no better in holding a charge than the old ones just before giving me trouble.

One thing I learned is that even at a 10.5 volt battery voltage the generater started right up. My sob required help from the boost switch or the engine altenator.

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #4 – November 20, 2013, 03:26:30 pm

Thanks everyone. Didn't think to look for date of in-service on batteries. Will do that.

David

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #5 – November 20, 2013, 06:48:04 pm

Anyone have any suggestions of a current hot price for Deka, East Penn or MK 8 D's, either Gel or AGM? Mine are 10 years old and finally showing their age.

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #6 – November 20, 2013, 08:59:29 pm

Since I removed all the LP Gas tank etc, built a frame to secure the 4th 8D8G Deka Gell, have room for the 5th, but no need. the 4 do an outstanding job, very noticeable improvement.  Next is to aquire the locking handle for that compartment, no need for the electricd, just the keyed is fine.  Any ideas ?

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #7 – November 20, 2013, 09:03:32 pm

Gels were $575 last spring at A&D Hydraulics across from FOT.

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Re: M/K battery life on average?

Reply #8 – November 21, 2013, 09:38:12 am

Just came from Nac Tuesday and went to A&D to get price for three new MK 8D batteries. They had the Deca in Stock for $650.00 ea. plus $50.00 per hour to install. I did not buy them at this time.

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