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02-10-2017, 07:20 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2016 30' International
Richfield
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
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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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02-13-2017, 05:10 PM
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#2
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New Member
2017 25' International
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 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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02-23-2017, 11:51 AM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Decatur
, Texas
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 53
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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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02-24-2017, 02:50 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 706
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Over, that is awesome advice!
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02-25-2017, 11:27 PM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
2016 19' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 155
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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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02-28-2017, 07:36 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
2016 30' International
Richfield
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
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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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03-01-2017, 07:01 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Decatur
, Texas
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 53
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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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03-01-2017, 07:11 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2016 19' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 155
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Just cut off the round post connectors and crimp on lug connectors.
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03-01-2017, 07:29 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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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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03-01-2017, 11:31 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2016 19' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 155
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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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03-02-2017, 01:55 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Decatur
, Texas
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
Proper crimping is essential for these to work correctly, but they are well worth the effort.
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Do you crimp and solder or just crimp? Thanks.
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03-02-2017, 03:58 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2016 19' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 155
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Personally I just crimp.
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03-02-2017, 04:48 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,565
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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.
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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03-06-2017, 08:33 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2017 23' International
Decatur
, Texas
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveP
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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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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03-06-2017, 08:42 AM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2013 20' Flying Cloud
Between Here and There and Nowhere
, what have you got?
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 146
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03-06-2017, 08:46 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,565
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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.
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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03-06-2017, 08:50 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,565
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Well, I guess openroad and I are in agreement on a good cable for you to use!
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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03-06-2017, 08:57 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,565
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Looks like Hammer Marine Supply in Decatur could make them for you. https://hammermarine.com/product-category/wiring-looms/
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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03-06-2017, 10:44 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Bozeman
, Montana
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 253
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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
__________________
Hank
WBCCI 1489 AIR 20708
2015 Chevy 3/4 ton 4 x 4 gas; 2007 Safari FB SE
"Its better to light just one candle than to curse the darkness,
Unless you're blinded by the light..."
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03-06-2017, 12:32 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
2016 30' International
Richfield
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
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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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