Battery bank size, opinions please

January 08, 2013, 12:15:11 am

Time for new batteries, house and chassis both. On chassis, going from some good input from this and other boars, with the CAT 8D maintenance free.

Two options for house:

Opt 1

Qty 4 Lifeline 8D AGM for 1020AH.

Opt 2

Qty 4 Lifeline L16 AGM for 800AH.

Option 1 requires the same kind of mods that Dallas did to his battery compartment, Option 2 will fit the compartment as is.
No residential fridge; we use about 120-135AH's in a day; still to swap out old tube TV's for new ones.

Going with Magnum MS2800 PSW, and will add solar panels next.
We want extra capacity reserves, thus the upgrade from current qty 2 8D's. Also planning for changes were we will be in the coach more during the day, using 200AH per day for planning purposes.
Opinions on if we would be OK with the L16's instead of the higher reserve capacity 8D bank. What do you think?

Thanks,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017

Re: Battery bank size, opinions please

Reply #1 – January 08, 2013, 04:16:25 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 84909

Smitty,

800AH is a 60% increase from the 500AH you currently have. That capacity will allow you to go two days drawing 200AH per day without generator or solar. Add some moderate generator use and/or a few hundred watts of solar and you can go a long time without dropping below 50% SOC. Only problem then is how long do you want to go between 100% charges. n fact, 800 watts of solar on a sunny day and you'll be full at the end of the day. All you need is the roof space.
I would be perfectly happy with the L16s and think they are a very good fit for your described usage.

Good luck.

George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298

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