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Batteries

On my 96 U320 that we have owned for 3 years, My 4 Blue Top Optimas batteries that were in the coach sense the middle of 08 died they do not hold anymore. The question is do I put in 4: 12 volt Blue tops or 4:  6volt golf cart batteries ?
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Batteries

Reply #1 –
I have only three red tops to start my coach and that is what I had on my 2000 as well. One of the issues these coaches have is that the battery goes up thru a splitter before going over to the starter. I just ran a second line directly to the starter and placed it behind the first.  Turns over much faster and easier now.
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: Batteries

Reply #2 –
Quote from: prevostart –
On my 96 U320 that we have owned for 3 years, My 4 Blue Top Optimas batteries that were in the coach sense the middle of 08 died they do not hold anymore. The question is do I put in 4: 12 volt Blue tops or 4:  6volt golf cart batteries ?
I don't think you want Golfcart batteries. They are designed for deep-cycle (ala the house batteries) while the Bluetop (and the Redtop) are for quick discharge, engine starts.

Optima has two start batteries, the Bluetop is a group 31
http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9513/4583/5023/BLUETOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf
and the Redtops slightly smaller groups 25 and 35.
http://jci_media.s3.amazonaws.com/9613/4583/5078/REDTOP_Full_Specs_Sheet.pdf

on my '96 295 I have two Redtops.

I did have 8 Golfcarts as my boat's house bank and a group 31 start battery for my two Perkins 6.354 diesels.

HTH
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Batteries

Reply #3 –
Don,
I thought you were talking about the house batteries?  Others responding are suggesting the start batteries?  Please clarify.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Batteries

Reply #4 –
I'm sorry I should have said the 4  Blue top Optima's  are the House batteries, Blue tops are the deep cycle batts  I have 3  group 27 deep cycle batts for starting
Art
1997 Prevost 40'
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Re: Batteries

Reply #5 –
Art,
If you stay with AGM for the house batteries, there are better choices than Optima, such as Lifeline, although at a premium price.  My choice for house batteries are made by East Penn, either Deka or similar brands gel technology.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Batteries

Reply #6 –
Quote from: prevostart –
I'm sorry I should have said the 4  Blue top Optima's  are the House batteries, Blue tops are the deep cycle batts  I have 3  group 27 deep cycle batts for starting
I that case I'll change my answer...

Each of your Bluetops have an amp hour rating of 50ah. The Trojan 105 (and many GCs) have a rating of 220 or greater. Thus 4 Bluetops at 200ah vs 4 GCs at 440ah.

I would be tempted to go with SIX golfcart batts. You can put 3 T105s (for instance) in an 8D's footprint.

hth
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Batteries

Reply #7 –
Our 1997 U295 came with three 8D "no-name" AGM batteries. They are listed at about 256 AH each. They have served us well.

We have two Optima Red-Tops for starting. They are adequate. We usually turn on Boost to start and the engine turns over faster than without Boost. I'd like to have more starting capacity (or perhaps better cables).

I prefer to use AGM for all applications in the coach. They are very clean, reliable, and all have similar charging requirements.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX