Performance report: Battery upgrade one year ago

hshovic · 01-19-2009, 08:54 AM

Please refer to this thread for my battery upgrade last year.

Battery tales – upgrading batteries for boondocking Safari SE

After a year of this 6V Lifeline upgrade, I have been happy with its performance, with 12,000 miles on the rig.

* I get two nights boondock with 50 deg days and 25 deg nights (to 50%charge). (Thermo temp 70 when we are there, 50 at night). Previous original batteries lasted only one night.
* I get less than 0.1 v decrease in charge per month now in storage, before was up to 0.5.
* I don't remove batteries from the trailer now. With the old set I did and stored them in the garage. No leakage so far.

Just the facts...

Diesel Phil · 01-19-2009, 12:27 PM

Hi, MT. MAN. I too,spent the bucks for lifeline .Used the smaller 6v x4 in the front of my motorhome.No more messing with batts ,no adding water,fumes ,corrosion ect.The batts in rear engine compartment are doing fine ,but when they get weak,they will get replaced with lifeline start batts. Stay warm. Phil & Sam

ostream · 07-02-2009, 03:08 PM

The batteries are very impressive indeed!

We also made the switch and went with (4) GPL-4CT Lifelines and an upgraded Xantrex XADC 80, to add to our AM100 solar panel and HPV-22B solar charge controller.

With 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, we've not yet reached our limit in terms of available power.

Next upgrade is an inverter and addtional AM100 panel

Sean · 07-09-2009, 09:50 PM

I'm envious of both of your battery upgrades! I'm not sure which way I'll go yet thought. A question for ostream. I have a 2007 28' International CCD. Where did you put the batteries. One of two banks?

ostream · 07-10-2009, 10:04 AM

1 pair under the sofa/bed, 1 pair in the battery box. Because of the height of the Lifeline's, I had a custom battery box top fabricated (see pdf).

If I were doing it over again, I would probably go with the (2) GPL-6CT's mounted in the battery box. I'd give up 30% capacity in exchange for 84lbs less weight, no batteries inside coach, less $ and ability to use the XADC-60. The design of the top would simply be extended a little.

Cheers