Yahoo Message Number: 101808 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101808)
I have always used batteries from Les Schwab for the coaches and air stream. But a couple years back
when I took the coach out of storage I noticed one of my AGM's was swelling on one of the side walls,
and the pair wouldn't take a charge that well. So I was in a hurry and bought a pair of Napa heavy duty
commercial 8D batteries for a quick trip to Houston. We then left for our annual trip to every where.
Well we ended up in Eugene for a few days and went by Dickman's Les Schwab for a check up and tire
inspection. Well the Les Schwab engine battery that was 4 years old was at 95% capacity and the 2
NAPA batteries that were just over 6 months old were less than 45%. So they were pulled out and
another set of DEKA's were put in. I amazed how well Les Schwab lead acid batteries hold up. It will be
5 years old in a month or so and the previous battery lasted close to 6 and half years. The original
battery lasted about 6 weeks as I remember. In fact the original house batteries from Les Schwab
lasted about a week. Its a mazing how batteries life span seems to be like the rolling of dice. But I have
never had luck with Napa batteries in cars or pick-ups. That goes for most Interstates, too. Sears
always gave me the best results. Though I have been very happy with Walmarts premium batteries in
my Dodge diesel. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731.
Yahoo Message Number: 101810 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101810)
I have a 2007 Country Coach (Tribute) which I have had since last June. I am needing to replace the original batteries, both chassis bats and coach bats. Any recommendation as to the best battery that would be available? I am presently in the Nashville area. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks
Mike Lambert
Nevada Forms & Print Specialists
702.367.6888 Phone
702.367.6974 Fax
702.612.0440 Cell
www.formsnevada.com
Yahoo Message Number: 101813 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101813)
Sam's Club has the best battery pricing lately.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 101814 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101814)
Just bought 2 house batteries, $84 and change next nearest price was $115 I believe.
The Sam's I replac3edd lasted over 5 years.
Ray
Yahoo Message Number: 101817 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101817)
We bought Lifeline AGM for coach batteries at Interstate Batteries. There's one in Lebanon. In Tampa FL w found them to be the cheapest price. Brother in law just bought some at O'Reilly Auto Parts cheaper. There are several O'Reilly Auto Parts stores in the Nashville area.
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 101825 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101825)
I also have a 2008 Tribute 260, and went to Les Schwab in Junction City, OR and had them add 2 more "golf cart" batteries and make up the cables, so now I have 6 house batteries, which fit nicely, and last longer with a charge. My original batteries were new in 2008, and still hold a charge and work just fine. I did have to replace my main coach batteries at Les Schwab, because somehow, they were drained down to near 0 volts, and that damages them. The new ones are 3 years old now and still function just fine.
Jim Hill
2008 Tribute 260
81138
Yahoo Message Number: 101827 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101827)
Thanks Jim. Wish I was going near a Les Swab dealer.
Mike Lambert
Nevada Forms & Print Specialists
702.367.6888 Phone
702.367.6974 Fax
702.612.0440 Cell
www.formsnevada.com
Yahoo Message Number: 101828 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101828)
Jim, I have been led to believe that adding new batteries to an existing (older) bank will inevitably shorten the life of the new ones. As the older batteries fail, they will drag the new ones down with them.
Did Schwab mention anything along that line? Just curious.
Jay 05 Inspire 51457
Yahoo Message Number: 101830 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101830)
Jay,
I am not Les Schwab, but that is correct.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 101831 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101831)
Sam's Club.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 101833 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101833)
Yes Jay, they did, and they tested my existing batteries to determine their condition prior to installing two extra batteries. They have functioned well for the last 3 years, so even if they go bad, and I have to replace all of them, it isn't that much difference. I am pleased with my decision, and their advice on the subject.
Jim Hill
2008 Tribute 260
81138
Yahoo Message Number: 101834 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101834)
Jim is correct .....Unfortunate the alleged professional sales tech advice was quick, decisive and wrong.
Yahoo Message Number: 101836 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101836)
It is a balancing act as to whether you replace all and get the longest life or shorten the life of the new batteries.
If you are in the first year or two of the oldest battery and it tests in good shape you will probably get near full life out of new.
The flip side if the oldest battery is more than 2 years or tests less than near perfect you may cost yourself more in shortened life than what you save with not replacing all batteries in bank.
One a weak battery can cause is overcharging the stronger batteries, which if the failing battery had an open cell for very long it damaged the remaining batteries from overcharging.
Ray
Yahoo Message Number: 101837 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101837)
What chassis battery configuration are most using? Thanks.
02 Allure 36' 30685
T&V
Yahoo Message Number: 101871 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101871)
I will soon need 2 new starting batteries. I am considering LifeLine model #GPL-3100T for replacement.
Has anyone here had any experience with "Centex Batteries" in Bastrop, TX? I am concerned as the price on their website, including shipping, is approximately 1/2 the prices quoted by other LifeLine dealers. Sometimes if it sounds too good to be true, it may be.
Please advise.
Brent
2005 Magna #6492
Yahoo Message Number: 101886 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/101886)
Can't comment on the 3100 but their price for the 8D looks about $40 less than what I see everywhere else and their price for the L16 looks really good.
Don
'02 Intrigue 11427