Yahoo Message Number: 11384 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/11384)
Message: 12
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 01:02:46 -0000 From: "Bill Harris"
Subject: so much for "Cummins Coach Care"
After 20 months, my AGM batteries will not hold a charge, dropping like a rock after a charge.
I took the coach to my local "approved" Cummins shop, to have them check the batteries, and they said they were shot.
I noticed they were measuring the batteries, and they said they were trying to decide what battery to order for replacement.
I reminded them that the batteries were "AGM", and they looked at me with that dreaded "blank stare".
They had no idea what I was talking about, so I called CC, got the number of Lifeline, the mfgr, and they had me try to equalize them, over 8 hours, but to no avail.
I will have them replaced when we get to Phx, Arizona at the end of the week.
I had them check the coolant level, it was low, so they had to add some.
Total bill: $185.00 to check the batteries and add 4 qts coolant.
You gotta love it!
Bill Harris
03 Allure 1st Ave, 30912
Hi Bill,
I suggest that you go to the Lifeline mfg. web site http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/dealers.asp (http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/dealers.asp) to find the dealers in the Phoenix-Tucson area. My batteries started to power the coach for less than 9 hours and my wife was getting concerned since we were planning a trip with a fair amount of dry camping. So, I decided to replace them before the trip. My batteries lasted almost 4 years and I just replaced them at a "Batteries Plus" store in the Chapel Hill, NC area for $350.00 each. Don't be afraid to negotiate hard for them, They originally quoted me almost $400.00 each and $350.00 was the best that I could do.
I've been told that it is important to insure that your batteries never go below the 50% charge level, any lower than 50% will damage them and shorten their useful life.
Denny Zarnt 2001 All Electric - Affinity # 5972 - Acura MDX