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Topic: Cold and batteries (Read 533 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Optima Red Top

Cold and batteries

Would love to hear back from the few Canadians that have to deal with ugly frigid temperatures (Alberta) as I am in the market for 3 new start batteries and a new isolator (200 amp). I am planning to plug the coach into a 15 A plugin for the house batteries and keep the start batteries up with a battery minder...
Any suggestions???
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #1 –
Quote from: dicksop –
Would love to hear back from the few Canadians that have to deal with ugly frigid temperatures (Alberta) as I am in the market for 3 new start batteries and a new isolator (200 amp). I am planning to plug the coach into a 15 A plugin for the house batteries and keep the start batteries up with a battery minder...
Any suggestions???
Peter
Get a trik l start on the isolator and let the 15 A do both and not have to have the battery minder
Mega TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer


Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #2 –
Peter, in general, AGM batteries will be ok when it gets cold. We are not in Canada but it has been at least -30° here in the winter.  A small charge rate on the batteries will help, if they start fully charged then you only need a couple amps per battery.  Use a smart multi step charger.

When it is time to start your coach at very cold temps turn on the diesel side of the Aqua Hot a day or so before starting and switch on the engine preheat loop overnight.  Your engine and batteries will appreciate the much easier start. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #3 –
If you disconnect AGMs or conventional batteries that are fully charged over the winter, they won't freeze. As I have used previously, the DieHard ad showed a battery frozen in a block of ice and then the ice chipped away and the battery started fine. Batteries are not as efficient when cold.

A battery only partially charged will freeze and be ruined. It takes minus 70 to freeze a fully charged batter. The colder it gets, the slower the self discharge untll the self discharge actually stops.

A conventional battery may self discharge in a month in summer.

Effect of Winter on Battery Self Discharge Photo Gallery by Compass Marine...

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #4 –
When my optima batteries died I replaced them with Odyssey AGM batteries I only needed two and it starts like a charm cold or warm. of course it's cold it's only been down to around 32° but it started just fine. But I did have to modify the battery box to take in the larger batterieswhich wasn't the easiest thing but I'm still glad I went with these batteries over the optimas. I also have a trickle charger AGN model to keep them topped off. Great batteries highly recommended.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #5 –
I have the Redtops in right now and when they go I will look at the Silicone Batteries. I have just put in Silicone Batteries in for the
coach batteries. Are you using the coach in the winter, if not why not wait until spring for new batteries. I like the silicone batteries
as they don't lose any power in the cold and I ski so I use my coach all winter.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #6 –
Link for the silicone batteries?
"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: Cold and batteries

Reply #7 –
I am trying to get the link I will see if this works
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport
 

Re: Cold and batteries

Reply #8 –
Silicone Batteries The first try didn't work I will see if this works. I'm not the greatest with a computer
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport