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Topic: Deep cyle or cranking batteries? (Read 1160 times) previous topic - next topic

Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

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We have been wondering about our house batteries ever since our failed attempt at dry camping near Laughlin, NV.  The 8D's are both labeled "Continental".  When I went to the Continental website, I interpreted the information as indicating my batteries are not deep cycle; but commercial cranking batteries.  I read the info as saying "Trojan" is Continental's deep cycle brand.  I haven't had a battery pro look at them yet; since we aren't boondocking much these days.  Does anyone here have any knowledge of Continental batteries?

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #1 –
Looking at Continental Batteries web site, it does appear that they do have  deep cycle batteries in the Continental line.  For example, they handle marine, golf car, and home mobility batteries which are all deep cycle type batteries.  And they are dealers for Trojan, Optima and NABS/Roadwarrier batteries. 

There are not a lot of battery manufacturers in the U.S.  I think that there are about 4 of them total.  But there are a number of remanufacturers.  Where Continental falls in this feeding chain is a good question.  I know Continental is a old time name in the field, like Trojan, but so many companies have been brought out, or merged, that it is hard to know who is who.  Very much like the oil companies, and the oil companies would be worse today, had it not been for a federal anti trust law suit of many years ago!  see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_Oil#Monopoly_charges.2C_anti-trust_litigation_and_breakup

Oh, as a piece of triva, the man who broke up Standard Oil went on to become the first Commissioner of Baseball!


1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #2 –
For cranking batteries I would use the Deka Dominator, for the house Deka Seamates.  :D
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #3 –
Hi Jeff, For house batteries you can't beat "Glass Mat" type, I prefer the brand "Lifeline" they are very expensive as compared to regular "wet cell" batteries, however they are lighter in weight, have a longer life, and have better duty cycle characteristic.  The 8 D battery basically refers to the physical size of the Battery.  Here is a site that will give you info. on the different type batteries available in the 8 D format .  Gerry   
 http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm
http://www.dcbattery.com/agmtech.html
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #4 –
Jeff & Suzanne,

We have been very pleased with our AGM battereis from Interstate.  We dealt with their Lake Zurich, IL facility.  But for 3 batteries you will be looking at something on the order of $2200. ARe you guys still back in Illinois?
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #5 –
Thanks all for the battery input. . .we know what we want for house batteries. . .the ones we have now came with the coach; and we aren't sure if the previous owner put in cranking batteries by mistake.  The question arose when our "new" (as advertised when we bought The Burrow) batteries failed to hold up after 4 hours into boondocking with a very low amp load demand.  We haven't yet had anyone do a load test or look at them to determine whether they are deep cycle or cranking. . .will do in Nac this October. 

George, we are still plugged in at the Gt. Lakes Naval Training Center Fam Camp about 35 yards from the shore of Lake Michigan.  We'll be here until the end of July while Suzanne has her knees worked on by the excellent VA (no surgery or replacement yet); and I get extensive dental work done; along with ongoing Agent Orange issues.

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #6 –
For some good info on electric go www.poopsheetsbyphred.com
 Bill W.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #7 –
Glass Mat and AGM are the same thing.  If having a hard time finding them, check at a airport base operater/sales office.  You will often find Lifeline batteries being sold by them because they don't leak when upside down. like a airplane sometimes does.    Lifeline is a brand, and is a AGM or Glass Mat construction and are deep cycle batteries.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #9 –
Try http://www.phrannie.org/phredex.html
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #10 –
phred wrote articles for Escapees magazine for over 20 years
google 'poop sheets by phred'
http://www.phrannie.org/phredex.html

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 For some good info on electric go www.poopsheetsbyphred.com
 Bill W.
 
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The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries? How to decide?

Reply #11 –

There is a lot of conjecture regarding batteries and especially deep cycle batteries.
Opinions abound regarding the best battery for boondocking.
We have boondocked 80% or more each year for the last ten years.
Batteries are very important to us and our lifestyle for storage of solar and wind power for use on a daily basis.
I have done a reasonable amount of research on batteries and feel that the preferred place to get my information is from a company that makes ALL three kinds of batteries.
The company I look to for my battery information is the East Penn Battery Company, the largest independent manufacturer in the U.S.
You might find the following from their website informative.
http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/0139.pdf
It is a lot of reading but, if you really want to know, it is worth it.
Regards,
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Re: Deep cyle or cranking batteries?

Reply #12 –
Some boondockers swear by Trojan 6 volt golf cart batteries.  If you have multiple 8D batteries and can hook up the 6V Trojans in parallel and series then that might work very well provided that you can keep water in them.  My personal experience did not work out so well as I replaced a SINGLE 12V battery with two 6V Trojans.  One battery went bad and I now had only 6 volts!  There is more of a chance of uneven charging with that situation which is what caused my problem.  If you decide to go with golf cart batteries make sure the charging voltage is the same across all of them.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP