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Replace chassis batteries yes/no

On our 2003 U320 40' tag axle, the three 31 series chassis batteries were last replaced March 14 of 2016 (8 years ago).

I am having no issues at all with them, but am considering a pro-active replacement in the  next couple of months. Batteries are Optima Blue Tops.

I just had a 3 way hernia operation, so removing and testing is out of the question.

I need to have the drivers side drive axle seal replaced, and thinking of adding replacement batteries to the work order.  Thinking of Nacogdoches (MOT/FOT/Keith Risch, or John's Truck Repair in Tucumcari for the work.

Opinons? Recommendations on place or batteries to do if replaced? 

Pic of axle seal

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #1 –
If you go to Nacogdoches, choose Keith Risch.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #2 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
On our 2003 U320 40' tag axle, the three 31 series chassis batteries were last replaced March 14 of 2016 (8 years ago).

I am having no issues at all with them, but am considering a pro-active replacement in the  next couple of months. Batteries are Optima Blue Tops.

I just had a 3 way hernia operation, so removing and testing is out of the question.

I need to have the drivers side drive axle seal replaced, and thinking of adding replacement batteries to the work order.  Thinking of Nacogdoches (MOT/FOT/Keith Risch, or John's Truck Repair in Tucumcari for the work.

Opinons? Recommendations on place or batteries to do if replaced? 

Pic of axle seal
Depends on where you are at the moment.  I sure wouldn't drive across the country for a very routine service procedure. But if you are near Nac. Why not.

Of course saying that, I'm fixing to drive from Tucson to Rudy's near Houston to get a new Aqua-Hot. But only because it's Rudy and he's the man, the legend. And AH's are pretty specialized.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #3 –
I believe I would have the seal replaced before you venture too far.

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #4 –
First of wish you a fast recovery. I hope you can get in with Keith Risch.
I like odyssey batteries.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #5 –
I wouldn't replace the batteries if there is no issues. If they fail you always have the boost switch to get you to the battery store..  just my .02


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: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #6 –
I'm in Benson AZ right now, 1,060 miles to Nacogdoches.

Wheel seal OK for that distance? 

We are on a journey To Chickasha OK in early May to visit family, then Hermosa SD after that.

I'll be calling Keith Risch on Monday, sent an email this weekend.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #7 –
The longer you drive the more change of oil soaking the brakes if they aren't oil soaked already.
Any good truck shop should be able to change the wheel seal. I'm with Keith on the battery issue.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #8 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
I'm in Benson AZ right now, 1,060 miles to Nacogdoches.

Wheel seal OK for that distance? 

We are on a journey To Chickasha OK in early May to visit family, then Hermosa SD after that.

I'll be calling Keith Risch on Monday, sent an email this weekend.
How come we haven't seen you at Justin's in Tucson? Six Foretravels here.

Any truck shop can do that seal. That seal is not a Foretravel specific thing.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #9 –
Quote from: bigdog –
How come we haven't seen you at Justin's in Tucson? Six Foretravels here.

Any truck shop can do that seal. That seal is not a Foretravel specific thing.
We have a leased site in Benson AZ, Saguaro SKP Co-Op.  We'll hit the road eastbound 28 March.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Replace chassis batteries yes/no

Reply #10 –
Beware of the eclipse nightmare traffic on 10 around kerrville