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chassis battery

Yahoo Message Number: 63363
Now I need a new chassis battery. Does it ever end? Once again I turn to this forum for advice.
I notice that my old battery has a Date of Manufacture on it (Dec 2003), which makes me wonder if those batteries have a shelf life, like tires do. When I buy a battery, what's the oldest I should accept? Or does it make a difference? I've been told to steer clear of batteries made by Exide. Any other things I should know? Thanks much.
Jim Biestek
'04 Intrigue
11783

Re: chassis battery

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63364
There are many posts on the subject of batteries. There are lots of opinions. For my 2 cents worth, deep cycle batteries have a life of around 200 full charges when dropped to a low level. Making sure the water level is kept up above the plates is a given. Most charging systems are set a little high which causes "off gassing". I check mine every two months and ad a little to most of the sells. I have never allowed them to reach a low level like dry camping and they appear to be in good condition after six years. The original owner let the batteries completely discharge for several months. When attempting to recharge them, he burned up the inverter. The batteries and inverter had to all be replaced. If storing, it is recommended that you check the specific gravity and determine if it is dropping. If it does, you have current going somewhere. In my case it is the Panasonic backup camera and assorted equipment that requires the fuse to be pulled in order to stop the current from flowing. The two main switches can be turned off, but the camera circuit is bypassed for some reason. John

2002 Allure
#30702

Re: chassis battery

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63367

Deep cycle batteries are great for house batteries but the chassis/start battery(ies) are not as well served by deep cycle.
As has been noted, while not necessarily the "best" wet cell batteries are the most cost effective. Sam's Club has good prices on 8D diesel starting batteries and with stores all over the country warranty is never far away.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: chassis battery

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63369
Bob,

I don't necessarily agree with you regarding the use of deep cycle batteries for chassis/start battery. In my previous Country Coach I had one Lifeline AGM 8D deep cycle battery that I used for a chassis/start battery in addition to two other Lifeline AGM 8D deep cycle batteries that were house batteries. I installed the Lifeline AGM 8D deep cycle battery as a starting battery at the suggestion of Ken Wasserburg (sp) who at the time was head of customer relations for Country Coach and lived full time in his Magna. The Lifeline AGM was a much better starting battery than the non-deep cycle battery that Country Coach had originally installed in my coach. This battery turned the engine over much faster and more strongly and lasted for the full seven years I had that coach.
My current coach has two Deka Group 31 batteries for starting and should I ever feel the need to replace them, it will be with another Lifeline 8D AGM deep cycle battery.

Brian Davis

2005 Intrigue OVTS
Coach #11901

Re: chassis battery

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63373
Brian,

I too have Lifelines as both starting and house batteries. They are excellent starting batteries.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: chassis battery

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63376
I am on my third chassis battery. All are 8D. The first was a Deca and it was in bad shape from being run down while the coach was on the dealer lot so I don't really know what kind of lifetime it could have had. A bad EchoCharger finished it off. The second battery was an Exide and it gassed constantly while parked, needed water every two weeks, and had constantly corroded terminals. The EchoCharger failed again to kill that battery. The third battery is an Interstate and it has been great. It's on its second year, has never needed water ( I check it every two weeks), and cranks our big ol' C13 with no muss or fuss. I don't remember the price but it was a lot cheaper than the Lifeline 8D's that I replaced last summer.

Bob

'05 Intrigue 11872

Re: chassis battery

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63378

Hi Brian:

AGM/Lifeline is a different animal altogether. I was referring mainly to wet cell batteries, should have been more clear. This is addressed about every 6 months in the RV magazines and elsewhere. In general deep cycle batteries are intended for slow discharge to very low levels. Start batteries need to produce a large amount of current for a short time and running them down can cause damage.
At least that is the general understanding. Absorbed glass mat designs are better suited to what would be abuse of wet cells.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178
 

Re: chassis battery

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63399
I second the motion (or third, or whatever) can't go wrong with Sams Club 8D for starting. All the obvious reasons.