Bestconverter = Best Price for Lifelines

[NWGetaways]

I just upgraded my wimpy 12 volt Interstate to dual Lifeline GPL-4CTs. Woohoo!

Bestconverter.com beats everybody's price on these. Over $100 less than Amazon.

[KJRitchie]

I'm planning on switching to the 6v too. How long did it take to get them?

Kelvin

[NWGetaways]

They cam FedEx Ground, shipped the same day I ordered. Took about 3 days to get from California to Washington state.

[BoldAdventure]

When I was searching they had the best price I could find. (before I changed my mind and went with lithiums) Although the Trojans' come in cheaper, the Lifeline has a better warranty.

[NWGetaways]

I really wanted the 100 amp lithium, but the CFO said no for now.

[Rgentum]

Query: What's the advantage of installing 2 6-volt batteries at 2x amperage vs. 1 12-volt battery as 1x amperage?

[KJRitchie]

You get more capacity, 220ah for 6v and 80 to 100ah for a single 12v but you can parallel two 12v batteries to get 160 to 200ah. Typically, 6v batteries are true deep cycle and not a hybrid like most but not all grp 24/27/31 rv/marine batteries.

Kelvin

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

Query: What's the advantage of installing 2 6-volt batteries at 2x amperage vs. 1 12-volt battery as 1x amperage?

Generally better deeper discharge rate, more amp hours per unit opposed to 12 volt. You'd be hard pressed to find a 220 amp hour 12 volt battery that is the same size as an equal 6V battery.

[JCWDCW]

Basically a 6 V battery has only 3 cells so the amount of lead can be double that of 3 cells in a 12V. By connecting 2 x 6V in series you get much more amp capacity and the required 12 V
JCW

[BigAl]

Last time I checked they were virtually the same AH per pound. The golf cart batteries are physically larger and heavier.
Al

[idroba]

The 6 volt GC type batteries have heavier, thicker plates, due to larger cells, and will hold up better than smaller cells in the 12 volt batteries. They also will charge better, as they are like one large 12 volt battery, not two smaller ones which, unless perfectly identical in circuit length may not charge as evenly.

They probably will hold up to a severe deep discharge (never recommended, but can happen) better than the thinner plate, smaller cell 12 volt units. I am not positive about this last statement though.

They will also have more capacity for the same footprint as two group 24, 12 volt batteries in parallel, but they are about an inch higher, requiring modified battery box height in most older Airstreams.

I recently saw, in the factory literature, that 2016 Airstreams already have larger, taller, battery boxes installed at the factory so upgraded batteries can be more easily put in. However they are still installing group #24 size batteries as original equipment. Flooded cell type in all but the factory solar installations, which get AGM as originals.

[ModernVista]

I can verify that the lifeline 6v GPL 4ct fits without modification in the 2016, as that's what I have!

220 AH on tap is enough with outbreak solar set up right now.

Cheers!

[NWGetaways]

I'm starting my third night with no hookups and my two Lifelines are at 12.6 volts. That's somewhere around 85%!

I've been conservative but also purposely using DC power to gauge capacity. Furnace in the morning and evening, water pump, about 3 hours of TV, lights (LED), and charging a laptop, iPad, and iPhone as I'm working from "home".

I'm impressed!

[Steamy1]

Impact Battery has the GPL 4CT for $344.95 including shipping and tax for comparison.

[carl2591]

WOW that is amazing.. do you have solar or generator.. if solar how many watts etc. are you recharging them or just low usage?? sound good for them so far.. wonder the life will be going forward?

One quick question. On the bestconvetor website they show the height at 9 3/4 in. tall. when you measure your with the nuts on terminals is that height correct or if it more like 10's inches tall.. I believe the battery box on my 2005 classis is right at 10.5" is tallest that will slide in.

Originally Posted by NWGetaways

I'm starting my third night with no hookups and my two Lifelines are at 12.6 volts. That's somewhere around 85%!

I've been conservative but also purposely using DC power to gauge capacity. Furnace in the morning and evening, water pump, about 3 hours of TV, lights (LED), and charging a laptop, iPad, and iPhone as I'm working from "home".

I'm impressed!

[NWGetaways]

Nope, just batteries. All LED lights, no electric appliances. It was fairly warm at night so not much furnace use.

I started a thread earlier about minimizing electrical usage as an alternative to increasing generation: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ch-147944.html

I think the measurements are accurate but can't get to the batteries at the moment to double check.

[carl2591]

read through that thread .. interesting stuff for sure. I am guessing you do not have solar thus far and maybe a small generator to recharge batteries.

I think your number are real close to actual usage for sure. I can see having some solar, 100-200 watts min, as a real bonus. The cost for panels is like $130 buck for 100 watts on amazon, or AM solar. charge controller with battery monitor (bogart 2030RV, 500 amp shunt and SC2030) will run you $325.00

some breakers, wire, panel mounts you are golden for less than a grand plus with the lifelines AGM you have, power will be a non factor for the most part.

I like it. both in minimizing usage and some solar generation.

PO switched some lights in coach to LED. I am working replacing the 12v fluorescent tube lights with LEDS as well as a couple other closet, shower, etc lights and be all LED.

Originally Posted by NWGetaways

Nope, just batteries. All LED lights, no electric appliances. It was fairly warm at night so not much furnace use.

I started a thread earlier about minimizing electrical usage as an alternative to increasing generation: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ch-147944.html

I think the measurements are accurate but can't get to the batteries at the moment to double check.