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Wazbro · 03-19-2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC7039

What makes a RV or marine battery better?

Well you need to pay attention to what kind of marine battery, there are 3 types;
1 marine cranking
2 marine combined cranking/deep cycle
3 marine deep cycle

You want a RV or marine deep cycle battery, the deep cycle batteries are designed for low amp draw, for long and deep discharge (deep discharge then charge is a "cycle" and where they get the name deep cycle).
As in run the lights, radio, ect.... for several hours to several days then charge.

Golf cart batteries are also deep cycle and work good to except most golf cart batteries are 6V and you need 2 in series to get 12V.

The cranking batteries are designed for high amp draw, short discharge.
As in start the engine then charge.

The combined cranking/deep cycle are a compromise and not best at either.

Phmhhoward · 03-23-2013, 05:54 PM

What battery do you all suggest for a trailer with a solar panel on top? We have a 2006 28 ft. International.

Wabbiteer · 03-23-2013, 06:01 PM

Phmhhoward: there should be a controller in circuit when solar is involved to keep the battery topped off but not 'cooking' from over-charging. What size is the panel, and what controller do you have already?

graysailor · 03-23-2013, 09:17 PM

I was wondering about the Optima batteries. Not sure if I followed you completely but did you have to upgrade or change your charging system? I do have 145W of solar so no problem there but am concerned about charging the AGM's when plugged in or using my generator(s).

dcasr · 04-03-2013, 11:33 AM

I also need to buy a new deep cycle battery for my 1990 Excella 29' and some 27 series batteries will fit into the battery box. I still have my original univolt from 1990, so I am wondering if it is compatible with the AGM batteries that are being offered.

Lumatic · 04-03-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcasr

I also need to buy a new deep cycle battery for my 1990 Excella 29' and some 27 series batteries will fit into the battery box. I still have my original univolt from 1990, so I am wondering if it is compatible with the AGM batteries that are being offered.

I am not sure if there is a significant difference between a 90 Univolt and the single phase Univolt of the 70s I am more familiar with. The 70's Univolt was a battery boiler that was not compatable with any batteries compared to new 3 phase converters.

nvestysly · 04-03-2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcasr

I also need to buy a new deep cycle battery for my 1990 Excella 29' and some 27 series batteries will fit into the battery box. I still have my original univolt from 1990, so I am wondering if it is compatible with the AGM batteries that are being offered.

I am not an expert on the subject but I have experience with the univolt supplied as original equipment on our 1992 Classic. The univolt would boil our batteries dry if we were not careful and it was very loud (hum). I suspect the constant-on mode of the univolt is not suitable for AGM batteries.

We replaced the univolt with a more modern converter made/sold by WFCo. and that worked much better and it lasted about 10 years. The WFCo. unit has now been replaced with an Intellisense unit.

Lucius

graysailor · 07-24-2013, 10:34 PM

I don't have a name to give you but my Airstream dealer just installed 4 79amp hour AGM's. They were about half the price of Lifeline batteries. Time will tell if they hold up. I also added another solar panel for a total of 300W. This to go along with a 1000W inverter.

LFC · 07-25-2013, 10:15 AM

The best price I found on an Optima blue top was AutoZone.

ROBERT CROSS · 07-25-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC

The best price I found on an Optima blue top was AutoZone.

May not be the best option for the Airstream. Low a/h rating, very narrow charge profile.

I took Lewsters advice and stayed away from them, no regrets.

If you feel you need agm's, go with the best.

It's an Airstream after-all.

Bob

LFC · 07-25-2013, 12:29 PM

Here's the specs on the one I have.

Battery Model: D31M Part Number: 8052-161 NSN: 6140 01 502 4405 UPC Code: 8 11405 00161 1 Performance Data

Cold Cranking Amps: 900 Cranking Amps: 1125 Nominal Voltage: 12 volts Open Circuit Voltage (fully charged): 13.1 volts Internal Resistance (fully charged): 0.0025 ohms Capacity: 75 Ah (C/20) Reserve Capacity: BCI: 155 minutes (25 amp discharge, 80°F (26.7°C), to 10.5 volts cut-off)

LFC · 07-25-2013, 12:40 PM

Would this be a good one ?

UPG30H AGM Battery

LFC · 07-25-2013, 12:51 PM

If price is an indication of being "best" then this one might be the best.

Sears.com

daveswenson · 07-25-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC

Would this be a good one ?

UPG30H AGM Battery

Made in Asia.

Hmmmmm

BAB · 07-25-2013, 07:31 PM

I finished the install of 4 100W solar panels from AM Solar a couple of weeks ago. The package included the controller, a remote and all of the cables. Total cost was around $2K. Lewster recommended (and my research seemed to confirm) that I'd be well served by dumping the two Interstate batteries and go to Lifeline AGM's. These were an exact fit into my battery compartment and ran $295 each. So, going off the grid to generate solar power in my rig runs around $2,600K. I'd suggest that anyone who is even possibly contemplating a solar install to bite the bullet and head for US manufactured Lifelines. You do get a 5 year warranty with them (prorated, of course).

lewster · 07-25-2013, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC

Would this be a good one ?

UPG30H AGM Battery

MADE IN CHINA! And probably a knock-off of a US design.

When US battery makers are not around any more and all you have available is this crap from China, take a good long gaze in the mirror when looking for someone to blame!

Airtandem · 07-25-2013, 08:28 PM

I used M K batteries in power wheelchairs. These batteries were also used in security systems - banks etc. These might be over kill for campers, but are one of the best for high tec electronics. $$$$$$ about $250 each for 12v group 24.

newroswell · 07-25-2013, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC

If price is an indication of being "best" then this one might be the best.

Sears.com

They use those on the 787 don't they?

Ronman · 08-01-2013, 09:41 PM

I'm a bit late to the party but here is my situation...I need to replace my batteries and I am looking at two different batteries. Both Group 24 DC:
1) The Exide from Camping World. The 24MDCST with 80Ah and 140 RC. ($104.00)
2) The Energizer from Sam's Club. The 24DC with 75Ah and 140 RC. ($74.00)

I understand that Johnson Control is the manufacturer of Energizer while Exide recently file Chapter 11 for the 2nd time in as many years.

We do not do a lot of dry camping but we do some and may like to do more.

Any thoughts, Fellow AS'ers??

idroba · 08-01-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronman

I'm a bit late to the party but here is my situation...I need to replace my batteries and I am looking at two different batteries. Both Group 24 DC:
1) The Exide from Camping World. The 24MDCST with 80Ah and 140 RC. ($104.00)
2) The Energizer from Sam's Club. The 24DC with 75Ah and 140 RC. ($74.00)

I understand that Johnson Control is the manufacturer of Energizer while Exide recently file Chapter 11 for the 2nd time in as many years.

We do not do a lot of dry camping but we do some and may like to do more.

Any thoughts, Fellow AS'ers??

Battery manufactures change their production so often that any advice is semi meaningless. I go by weight. The heavier battery always wins, as it has more lead in it. But in group 24 batteries there is really not much difference in my opinion.

BTW, my preference is always two 6 volt golf cart batteries in series. Wins every time, but unfortunately they are about 1 1/2" taller than group 24's and things may have to be modified for them to fit.

If you don't often do dry camp, probably any group 24's would be fine.