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wacnstac · 10-10-2006, 12:41 PM

Has anyone used one of these Cabelas AGM batteries in their rig?
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...tery&noImage=0

Look like a pretty good deal... I wonder if the group 30 size will fit in my standard battery compartment.

63air · 10-10-2006, 03:54 PM

Don't use the Cabelas but do have the Optima which is an AGM and have been very pleased so far. One thing to consider is if you have a warranty issue you'll probably have to get the battery back to Cabelas, lot of dealers for Optima.

boatdoc · 10-10-2006, 03:58 PM

Hey 63Air: Congrats, what a great and true statement. The little battery guy need to eat as well. Thanks, "Boatdoc"

peegreen · 10-10-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63air

Don't use the Cabelas but do have the Optima which is an AGM and have been very pleased so far. One thing to consider is if you have a warranty issue you'll probably have to get the battery back to Cabelas, lot of dealers for Optima.

I thought Optima's were gel cell batteries - not Absorbed Glass Mat.

**azflycaster** · 10-10-2006, 05:09 PM

That's great to know they have those batteries and at a good price. We have a Cabelas here in the Phoenix area (Glendale).

wacnstac · 10-10-2006, 05:22 PM

I have a Cabelas right by me. Bottom line is what is the biggest battery I can cram in the box in a 1979 31' International? I'd like to go with their biggest but I'm not sure it will fit.

66Overlander · 10-10-2006, 06:02 PM

A group 24 battery should probably fit in any Airstream. I got a Group 27 in our '85 Sovereign, and it is a tight fit, but works. In the past I was able to put a group 31 (or was it Group 30?) in our '66 Overlander, but no way it would go in the '85 (which probably has the same battery box as your '79). Since the Cabela AGM comes in Group 22, (too small), 24, 27, and 30 (probably too big for most applications), you should be able to find one that fits.

I should note that I have heard that the charging voltage for AGM's must be held to tighter tolerances than typical Lead Acid batteries, so this is something you may want to check out furtur before committing any dollars on an AGM.

wacnstac · 10-10-2006, 06:25 PM

I would probably replace the Univolt at the same time with a modern convertor. I assume most of the new convertors would handle an AGM? Was hoping a group 30 would fit to really give me some bang.

prairieschooner · 10-11-2006, 05:17 PM

I am in the process of installing AGM Batteries in my '58 Traveler. Make sure that the charger you chose has a setting for the AGM Batteries!
The different types require different charging voltages in order to get the proper life out of them.
Steve

markdoane · 10-11-2006, 05:23 PM

I was told the AGM batteries use the same charge voltage/program as regular wet cells; its just the gel batteries that require a different regimen.

Does anyone know who makes the AGMs for Cabelas?

68 Overlander · 10-11-2006, 06:23 PM

You are correct, AGMs and wet cells have the same charging requirements. Gels can be finicky and need a lower rate. There are even some that have a AGM setting but I subscribe to the marketing gimmick theory on those, for the most part. Might be some slight benefit but not much.
I don't know who makes the Cabelas AGM but they aren't that popular from what I've heard. Doesn't make them bad at all though and worth a try if the price is right. Probably better than lead acid.

wacnstac · 10-11-2006, 09:45 PM

So does anybody know what the maximum size battery is that I can grease down and fit in the standard battery compartment on a 1979 31" International?

As for the Cabelas AGM battery look at it's rated reserve of 180 for group 27 vs. 105 for the Lifeline group 27. That's what's selling me on it.

68 Overlander · 10-11-2006, 10:41 PM

You should be able to fit a group 27 with ease. Maybe even group 29. Look at the AH capacity. What you are saying is very suspicious for a group 27 at 180.

markdoane · 10-12-2006, 06:50 AM

You're mixing up the numbers. Reserve capacity is not the same as the AH rating.

AH rating (105 on Lifeline) is the number of amps it can discharge at a 20 hr use rate. Reserve capacity (180 on Cabela) is the number of minutes it will operate, usually at 25 amp discharge rate. Lifeline's reserve capacity, 186 minutes, is actually higher than Cabela's.

Two different ratings entirely.

wacnstac · 10-12-2006, 07:57 AM

Does any body know if a Lifeline GPL-31T will fit into my box? Want to go as big as possible.

5cats · 10-12-2006, 09:02 AM

Might be a silly question, but have you measured the existing battery box? That will be one of the very first things I do once my coach arrives (Real Soon Now).

wacnstac · 10-12-2006, 09:12 AM

Well since it's 240 miles away no....

66Overlander · 10-12-2006, 09:59 AM

I hate to repeat myself, but I think a Group 27 is the largest battery that will fit in your battery box. A group 31 definitely will not.

68 Overlander · 10-12-2006, 10:25 AM

Joe might be right but another thing to consider is the 31 is the least popular and least value. You only get 5 more AH over a 27, its quite a bit bigger, more expensive, heavier, etc all for 5 AH.

DPeakMD · 10-12-2006, 10:51 AM

Remember to include the extra room for the cables in your space calculations. It's nice to have a little extra wiggle room and not pinch them into too tight a spot. The cables that Airstream used on our 70's units were not very flexible. I've replaced mine with welding cable which has finer strands in order to bend easier. Of course, you also have to consider the type of connections for these batteries. If you keep the standard car battery connectors you might need extra room to convert from the marine type to posts.