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Old 02-10-2017, 07:20 AM   #1
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12V Interstate Batteries to 2 Lifeline 6V AGM

I've made some rookie mistakes during the first season with our Airstream. Roasting my interstate batteries being one of them.

Yesterday I ordered replacements. 2 Lifeline 6v GP1-4CT. Based on the battery box I believe this was the max battery amp hours I could fit without modifications.

I am trying to determine if I should also upgrade the battery charging system.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks
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Old 02-13-2017, 05:10 PM   #2
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Mark, my wife and I recently purchased a 2017 and upgraded to two 6v deep cycle flooded batteries w 200 watts of solar (very nice for dry camping). In addition I ordered a progressive dynamics PD4655v on line. This converter is multistage and will automatically reduce the charge as the batteries reach their maximum charge. While I am not an electrician, I was able to install install it without any problems. Very straight forward.

-Overthehills
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Old 02-23-2017, 11:51 AM   #3
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I have not done the battery upgrade yet but did install the PD4655. If you do a "Search" here, there are some good install Threads and also there are 1 or 2 good YouTube videos too.
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Old 02-24-2017, 02:50 PM   #4
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Over, that is awesome advice!
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Old 02-25-2017, 11:27 PM   #5
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I posted a couple of threads in the electrical and battery forums on both these topics. Pictures of PD4655 install and dual 6v upgrade.
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Old 02-28-2017, 07:36 AM   #6
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Thanks for the info. You have me in the right direction. I posed the same question to bestconverter.com. Below is the response:

Hi Mark,
I just need to know if you have 30 or 50 amp service. If its 30, they the 8355 is what you have and I recommend the Progressive Dynamics 4655V with remote. Here is a link.

PD4655V

If you have 50 amp service (2 air conditioners) they you will have to use a deck mount like the Boondocker 60 hard wire since there is no upgrade kit. Its not difficult and you still end up with a 4 stage smart charger. Here is a link to that procedure.

Parallax 8355 to boondocker

http://www.bestconverter.com/Paralla...e_ep_25-1.html

Randy
BestConverter

I let randy know that I have the 50 amp service with two air conditioners. I also inquired about the Iota brand. I will keep this thread posted.
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Old 03-01-2017, 07:01 PM   #7
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Hey Mark, it appears that the Lifeline 6V batteries do not have the round posts that the main + and - cables from the Airstream connect to on the Interstates...maybe Randy gave you some advice? Wondering if you have to change out the wire connectors or something?
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Old 03-01-2017, 07:11 PM   #8
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Just cut off the round post connectors and crimp on lug connectors.
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Old 03-01-2017, 07:29 PM   #9
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Agreed!

I NEVER re-use the automotive type of connector as they can never be tightened sufficiently for long term deep cycle use. The only connectors I use are either solid copper big ends or marine grade tinned copper lugs.

Proper crimping is essential for these to work correctly, but they are well worth the effort.
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Old 03-01-2017, 11:31 PM   #10
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If you are not comfortable in cutting off the round pole connectors you can buy battery posts off Amazon etc. Just wanted to give you another option.
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Old 03-02-2017, 01:55 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster View Post

Proper crimping is essential for these to work correctly, but they are well worth the effort.
Do you crimp and solder or just crimp? Thanks.
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:58 PM   #12
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Personally I just crimp.
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Old 03-02-2017, 04:48 PM   #13
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Crimp the lugs on then use adhesive lined heat shrink tubing to protect the crimp from the elements and to strain-relief the crimp joint. Here is a link to the tubing on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BTW, the Lifeline batteries will arrive with the proper bolts and washers to connect the lug terminals to the batteries.
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Old 03-06-2017, 08:33 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveP View Post
Crimp the lugs on then use adhesive lined heat shrink tubing to protect the crimp from the elements and to strain-relief the crimp joint. Here is a link to the tubing on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BTW, the Lifeline batteries will arrive with the proper bolts and washers to connect the lug terminals to the batteries.
Good info!

Where are you guys getting the 2/0 series battery cable? Looks like there is an eBay seller or 2 that will make one to any length you want.
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Old 03-06-2017, 08:42 AM   #15
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I used this cable from Amazon. Top notch!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 03-06-2017, 08:46 AM   #16
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I got my cable from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gauge-Premium...+welding+cable.

I happen to know the guys at EWCS and they make good products. The (welding) cable is very flexible and easy to use. I used Ancor galvanized lugs (also from Amazon).

BTW, depending on the length of the cable runs, you may need to go to 3/0 or 4/0 cable.
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Old 03-06-2017, 08:50 AM   #17
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Well, I guess openroad and I are in agreement on a good cable for you to use!
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Old 03-06-2017, 08:57 AM   #18
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Looks like Hammer Marine Supply in Decatur could make them for you. https://hammermarine.com/product-category/wiring-looms/
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Old 03-06-2017, 10:44 AM   #19
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Battery upgrade

Take a look at this old thread. I have since put 90,000 miles on the 2008 AS, and just replaced my AGM's last year.

At 20 deg I still get two nights of heat with no hookups.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...tml#post514373
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Old 03-06-2017, 12:32 PM   #20
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Hey guys, thanks for the info.

I didn't even think about the battery cables. Batteries are still in the house...

Below is he response from bestconverter.com when I asked about the iota brand.

"Hi Mark,
The Boondocker is a 4 stage smart charger and much better charge profile than the Parallax single stage. The Iota is a different brand similar to the Boondocker but I would use the Boondocker. Great charge profile, less money and better warranty. Thanks!


Randy
BestConverter"

I will give the boondocker a try unless someone can think of a reason not to.

Mark
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