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Topic: Coach batteries (Read 849 times) previous topic - next topic

Coach batteries

The two 8D (I think) batteries aren't holding a charge very well, so I need to replace them. What's the current thinking about the best choice? I just installed two Powermaxx Boondocker charger/converters to replace the two old MagneTek units, so I think I'm good there.

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #1 –
MK 8g8d's is what my guru uses as did I

Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
MK 8g8d's is what my guru uses as did I

Bob
+1
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #3 –
I'm only asking because I don't know....why would you have 2 converter / chargers?
Do you not have 2 house batteries and 1 start battery...perhaps I'm assuming you and I have the same battery bank. I just don't understand why there would be 2 converter / chargers. I am replacing my single converter / charger in the Spring along with 2 house batteries...am I missing something?
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #4 –
I got a good deal on Lifeline AGM 8D batteries from a fellow who advertises on the Prevost site. So far I'm happy.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #5 –
Hi Tom,

Would you share the price and location on AGM 8Ds? Is it available any of us; and for GELs too?

Jim
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #6 –
When I got the coach it came with two 50A MagneTek chargers. I thought that maybe one was hooked to the start batteries and one to the house batteries, but they were actually in parallel and both connected to the house batteries. When I talked to the people I bought from (recommended by someone on this forum) they said I should get two new chargers of the same capacity and connect them in parallel, just like the old setup, so I did.

I have two 8D house batteries and three regular size start batteries.

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #7 –
I just installed three 8G8D deka batteries from A&D Hydraulics just up the loop from FOT in Nacogdoches in my 02.  They are the same as the original batteries which were in there 12 years.  Hope they last as long.  The storage box was clean inside with no acid leaks so this appears to be the right battery for my 295.  DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
Hi Tom,

Would you share the price and location on AGM 8Ds? Is it available any of us; and for GELs too?

Jim

Follow the link below to the prevost community forum and look for the Lifeline ad. It shows two locations, the factory in California and his home, but the batteries are picked up or shipped from the factory. When I called, he was returning from a rally and offered me the show price....there might be another rally coming up.

http://prevostcommunity.com/advertisers.asp?ID=6


Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #9 –
One thing I would add is that whatever batteries you chose read the warranty carefully.  Can they be replaced anywhere or only at the place you purchased them?  Warranty is no good if you are a 1,000 miles away and there is nowhere to get warranty service.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #10 –
Agm's versus the gels most have use  the gels.  Just saying.  No venting.  Oem uses gels I think. 

My 30 year electrical tech used the MK gels only.

Although he did install eight Trojan six volts 225 amp hour at six volts in a new discovery this week. 

900 amp hours in 12 volt use.  Three tv's.  Stacked inverters. Household refer he does not like and space limitations were why.

He daisy chained them and used a six volt charger to bring them up over a few days.

And installed a hand pumped battery water filler system with a squeeze bulb.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #11 –
Good point, Keith. I've seen some discussion about the Optima batteries and warranty issues. I generally go with nationally known brands for most things just because of that. I wonder if Wal-Mart sells 8D batteries.

Tom, I just sent an email to Tom (hmm, are you two the same person) asking about the Lifelines.

I got one suggestion of putting two or three physically smaller batteries in the space of one of the big 8D batteries and putting everything in parallel. I know it would give me the 12V I need, but would there be other issues with keeping all four or six batteries at the same charge level, or more losses because of more connections? Or am I just worrying too much?

Just got an email back from Tom. Cost is $565 each plus shipping. The 8DA has the standard round posts. They also come with a blade post.

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #12 –
As bob wrote 6 volt batteries are a viable option.  "Golf Cart" batteries are widely used as they are a reasonable price and I believe Sam's Club sells them nationally.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #13 –
The previous owner of our rig had installed Sun Xtnder batteries and we have been very well pleased with them. Here is a write-up about them from Concorde Sun Xtender AGM Batteries

"Sun Xtender vs LifeLine batteries: Both are made by Concorde and are very similar in basic construction and technology. They carry a different warranty, and there are some slight differences internally. The LifeLine usually have the SAE or dual type marine terminals instead of the bolt only terminals that most of the SunExtenders have. In many applications, they are interchangeable. You will not get the 5-year LifeLine warranty if you use SunExtender batteries in marine or RV applications, but the in general the SunExtender batteries are cheaper because you are not paying for that warranty."

I really like the AGM batteries and--while opinions may differ--the various sources I have checked generally appear to indicate that AGM batteries are superior to Gel batteries in RV use. When the time comes, I will definitely go again with AGM. 
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #14 –
I bought three Lifeline GPL-8DA batteries this morning from Centex Batteries <http://www.centexbatteries.com>; in Bastrop, TX. Personal service from Mark, the owner was excellent. He did the heavy lifting in helping me change the batteries in the driveway in front of his shop. He took my expired batteries and will dispose of them properly. There is plenty of room for a big rig with towed vehicle to enter, park, and leave the premises. The batteries fit easily into the trays in our U295.

Mark sells only Lifeline batteries. When I asked about starting batteries, he recommended a competing brand that is a better starting battery. He does not sell the other brand, but wanted me to get the best product at the best price. I think he is a "straight shooter" who takes pride in providing a good product and outstanding customer service.

He posts prices on his website. He sold the batteries to me at a price lower than what is posted on the web site. He will sell on line and ship to a commercial site (loading or receiving dock) at reasonable prices.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: Coach batteries

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Keith and Joyce –
As bob wrote 6 volt batteries are a viable option.  "Golf Cart" batteries are widely used as they are a reasonable price and I believe Sam's Club sells them nationally.

Keith

I had 8 6-volt Golf Cart batteries in a 12v house bank on my boat. That is about 900 ah (~225 X 4). About every couple of months I'd check water levels. I'll think hard at battery replacement time. Three of then fit into an 8D's footprint and I can (at least I COULD THEN) lift one.

I had an Amana 21cu household frig that ran off the Heart/Freedom inverter. I could go about 50 hrs. at anchor before getting down to 50% on the batteries. We would run the gen while cooking on the electric stove and eventually I would run the main engine for a while. I depended on the Link 100 battery meter.
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB