Yahoo Message Number: 85403 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85403)
Has anybody had any experience with Interstate AGM 8 D batteries? How do they rate against other AGM batteries? Bud Perrotta
'94 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 85417 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85417)
I believe they just started producing AGM batteries. Previously they put their label on the Optima batteries which they had bought out.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 85495 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85495)
Yahoo Message Number: 85496 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85496)
Bud,
I installed Lifeline 8D's in Jan of '04 and still have them. The are expensive but based on the performance, I will go back with them when I need new batteries. I think Lifeline is the best of the bunch.
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427
Yahoo Message Number: 85500 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85500)
I've been thru two sets of lead acid Interstate 8Ds and an early set of no-name batteries the coach came with in the last four years. I tried to play "pool guy" and be consistently checking, servicing and charging them. I eventually tired of the topping off exercise as I don't have a "pool-guy" mentality (i.e., I've had the pool/jacuzzi and found that I hate babysitting the servicing aspect of it). The Interstates never seemed to last very long before losing performance even though I tried to be fairly religious about water levels and charging. I decided to go the Lifeline route, and they fit our usage perfectly. Their performance for usage seemed much better than the lead acid, recover nicely from a very deep cycle, and never need watering. Realize it's not a direct comparison, and I don't want to get the lead acid vs AGM battle going again. The Lifeline AGMs work for me!+++
Kevin Reilly
'92 Concept #4917
Yahoo Message Number: 85515 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85515)
You say you do not want to get the lead acid vs AGM battle going again, then you make a snide comment calling people that have lead acid batteries "Pool Guys". I check the water in my batteries TWICE A YEAR! It case you missed that, that is every SIX MONTHS!
I said it before, I will say it again, if your attitude is "I have lots of money and I do not mind wasting it on AGMS so I NEVER, EVER have to check my batteries again", fine. But do not pretend here that checking water twice a year is some horrible task that the (considerable) extra expense of AGMs justify. That is nonsense, and frankly, irritating. Since I feel insulted by your comment, I will be mildly insulting back and say you clearly do not mind throwing away your money. Go ahead. Just do not insult my intelligence in the process of doing that. Lead acid is the clear winner in any objective comparison involving a ROI. And yes, AGMs charge up a little faster. I would wager that 1. Most of you with AGMs do not do extensive dry camping anyway and 2. Any difference, if laid out in an objective test, would be so marginal that, again, the (considerable) extra money is to laugh at. Run the generator an extra ten minutes? Maybe. Sorry, I will take my six Trojan T125 bank any day. I would not even trade with you straight across for your AGNs.
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979
Yahoo Message Number: 85517 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85517)
I agree with everything you say. But, you are not playing fair either. The story was comparing apples and oranges, and you have tangerines. The trojans are much superior to the standard 8D Battery and you know it! That's why you can say you only check water twice year. When I had 8D lead acid, I had to check them at least once a month in the summertime, due to very low humidity and high 80 degree temps and the way we travel, etc etc. I'm glad I have AGM, they are not Life line but are still going great after 5 years starting the 6th. I am on my second engine lead acid battery, its 3 years old. TWI 2004 Intrigue. 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 85536 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85536)
Kevin
Going thru three sets of batteries in four years is very excessive. Perhaps your charging rate is too high and literately "boiling the life out of them. I replaced my 8Ds three years ago with Interstate 6V golf cart batteries. We do dry camp on occasion, but not often. I add water about once a year and admit I get lazy about checking water levels (maybe every three months) as I rarely need to add water.
If AGMs fit the bill for you that's great expressly if you dry camp a lot. , however, in my case I do not think it is a necessary expense. Again, you may need to get your charging rate checked to be sure it is not excessive.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 85537 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85537)
I put four Interstate 6 volt and one Interstate 8D into the coach three years ago and have not had any problems.
Knowing I'm lazy about checking and filling, I invested in auto watering systems. Now I check and fill all five in less than five minutes.
George
'04 Inspire 51061
Yahoo Message Number: 85574 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85574)
I replaced the original 8D lead acid chassis battery with an 8D lead acid battery at Sam's club in 2005, cost was $105.00, and I still have that battery and as of today it was still starting the coach with no problems. I seldom have to add any water to the battery. I know that the AGM's are superior batteries but for the money I paid for this 8D I would have to say that it, while very cheap, has also been a superior value. The same batteries are about twice the $105 I paid in 2005. My house batteries are 6 Interstate 6 volt batteries purchased at Camping World in 2007. I think the fact that I have solar panels keeping the batteries charging most of the time is the reason they have lasted longer than expected.
Ray
2000 Intrigue 11040