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Thoughts on Batteries

December 30, 2013, 07:44:06 pm

Even though I do not own a Foretravel yet, I thought to post some info.
Being in the RV and Marine Industry for quiet some time, I know that when it comes to Batteries, a high capacity is always desired, so you can stay on battery power longer without being plugged in or having to run the generator. Unfortunately high capacity means also a lot of Battery Space is required.
I noticed, that most people use 8D batteries in their coach. In vessels we are building , we went away from 8D and went with either the "Northstar NSB210" or the "Odyssee PC1800-FT"
You can google both types.( Northstar has a nice comparison to the 8D.) (i was gonna place links, but not sure if allowed in this forum)

Now here the reason we use either of the two mentioned: a typical 8D battery has 225Amp/hr capacity and is rated at 1300cold cranking amps. Most 8D are lead acid batteries and produce gases that are highly flammable, therefore installation has to be in a well ventilated area. Maintenance is required on most lead acid batteries and can be dangerous if not done correctly.Due to venting of the battery, the terminals will corrode if not maintained. 8D batteries can not be tilted during install.

Both the North Star and the Odyssee are similar in their rating at 1400 cold cranking amps and 210Amp hour Capacity.
The big difference to the 8D is that those Batteries are half as wide as a 8D, therefore 2 of those will fit in the place of an 8D.(even though they are slightly taller)  They are also both maintenance free AGM (gel Type) batteries and can be installed in any position except inverted.  Due to the almost totally sealed battery, you also have no corrosion on your battery terminals. If installation would be required in a enclosed area, a small vent hose can be attached.
I hope the information helps anybody looking at a battery replacement.. and no, I'm not affiliated with any of those manufacturers .. just distributing some experience..
Feel free to comment.
Thanks and have a happy new year.

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #1 – December 30, 2013, 07:51:17 pm

That they are half as wide is great.  Many of us already have either gell or AGM 8d and the new coach's use 4ds I think. Some bus conversions put in lithium ion batteries now too. Talk about ouch.

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #2 – December 30, 2013, 08:45:47 pm

Our coach uses three 8D AGM batteries as house batteries. Original equipment was 8D gel batteries. Our start batteries are AGM as well. Using all AGM or all Gel batteries avoids a lot of corrosion, maintenance issues, and hazards from flammable gasses. Having all the batteries of the same structural/acid type provides a common charging profile for the entire battery system.

I was offered 8D batteries that were taken out of service after six months based on the policy of a company which preferred to keep very new batteries rather than risk down time from a failed battery. The batteries were offered to me for the core credit value by a friend (battery dealer) of my son. I found that they were wet cell starting batteries and declined the offer.

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #3 – December 30, 2013, 09:10:17 pm

My thought is, that if you use 3 8D batteries, you could use 6 of the batteries above within the same required space and have double the capacity.. Or alternative use 4 of the batteries instead of 2 of the 8d's and have more capacity and have an empty spaces of where the 3rd battery was..

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #4 – December 30, 2013, 09:58:12 pm

I have two 8D wet cells and do not have enough capacity. I want to double my capacity but do not have the space. This seems to be a good alternative. Thanks for the post, may have solved my problem.

Roland

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #5 – December 30, 2013, 10:05:17 pm

GregoryS had done a replacement of his original 8D gels with the Northstar AGMs.  Search the forum for Northstar - he had some problems early on with the batteries and they had to be replaced at least once.

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #6 – December 30, 2013, 11:53:04 pm

I was looking at the Odyssey battery as it is a marine deep cycle, not cheap at $650 each, but looks like they are well built and carry a three year replacement warranty.

Roland

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Re: Thoughts on Batteries

Reply #7 – January 01, 2014, 09:28:20 am

I am intrigued by the North Star and the Odyssee telcom backup batteries.

North Star offers three variants of these batteries, Red top, Blue top, and Silver top.
As best as I can read their literature they are designed for:

Silver top  -  "...is a premium AGM battery designed for emergency backup
                        in float applications where there are semi-stable mains"
NSB Silver Batteries - Trouble-free Power in Semi Stable Grid Applications

Blue top    -  "... is a Partial State of Charge (POC) battery. Where most AGM
                        batteries need a 100%+ recharge, these batteries do not need a
                        full recharge making for a reduction in recharge time"
NSB Blue Batteries - Faster Recharge and Superior Cyclability in the Toughest

Red top      -    "Pure lead for long float life"
NSB Red Batteries - Exceptionally Long Float Life, Pure Lead Technology


I had to look up Partial State of Charge batteries and liked Trojans' write up.
http://www.trojanbatteryre.com/PDF/CarbonTech_Background_Final.pdf

In my mind, (actually I am of two minds -or more).

On the one hand, if you travel from power outlet to power outlet it probably doesn't really matter what the characteristics of your usage are.

On the left hand, generator/solar usage suggests that the POC conditions apply.
They certainly did during our boating days.

I will have to look at these when my plug to plug journey finally kills my 8Ds.

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