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Caroyl · 02-20-2017, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissingLink5

Where do you get the LifeLine 6V AGM's????

I just ordered a pair from BestConvertor.com
They had the best price I could find online...

dames7 · 02-20-2017, 08:13 PM

You have your opinion, I taking my Lifeline down below 80% and they read 12.5 and they jump back to 100% in no time.

Manual are for companies to set a baseline for them.

I know several people w/ lifeline and have the same results, I push everything to its limits to know what the best results.

I have sail from west coast to Hawaii several times, first trip back in 02 was 23 days. Knowing that I could make better time I push it to the limits and hold 3 records, one from SF to Big Island in 16 days and Portland to Oahu 14 days, Oahu to Cabo 15 days. To know what you have you must take it to the limits.

You should try it before get in someone's case. Keep reading those manuals they might get you some were some day.

snow · 02-20-2017, 08:28 PM

David, now I'm confused. If you take your batteries down to 12.5 volts, how can that be an 80 per cent discharge?
Thanks, Dave

dznf0g · 02-20-2017, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snow

David, now I'm confused. If you take your batteries down to 12.5 volts, how can that be an 80 per cent discharge?
Thanks, Dave

Exactly. I think David isn't taking to an 80% discharge. He's taking to an 80% state of charge, making this argument moot. I'd need to check the charts, but....

dames7 · 02-20-2017, 08:33 PM

Sorry, its read 11.7 on my reader.

dznf0g · 02-20-2017, 08:34 PM

Well, I certainly wouldn't go that low.

dames7 · 02-20-2017, 08:35 PM

Got my Lifeline from California ship to AZ, no sale tax and free shipping. Go on web look for Lifeline dealer and call them to get a good deal.

lewster · 02-20-2017, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dames7

You have your opinion, I taking my Lifeline down below 80% and they read 12.5 and they jump back to 100% in no time.

Manual are for companies to set a baseline for them.

I know several people w/ lifeline and have the same results, I push everything to its limits to know what the best results.

I have sail from west coast to Hawaii several times, first trip back in 02 was 23 days. Knowing that I could make better time I push it to the limits and hold 3 records, one from SF to Big Island in 16 days and Portland to Oahu 14 days, Oahu to Cabo 15 days. To know what you have you must take it to the limits.

You should try it before get in someone's case. Keep reading those manuals they might get you some were some day.

Sorry....manuals are for customers to READ AND UNDERSTAND.

The remainder of your post does not deserve the courtesy of a reply.

dames7 · 02-20-2017, 08:45 PM

I didn't expect one.
Have a good day.

Boxite · 02-21-2017, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Sorry....manuals are for customers to READ AND UNDERSTAND.

The remainder of your post does not deserve the courtesy of a reply.

We know a seaman who became delirious when he spent too much time at sea, ... but we were courteous to him. (He owned a cutlass.)

Mollysdad · 02-21-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcskier

Why wouldn't the battery be labeled with the spec for Amp Hours?

They used to be. Then the suppliers decided on CCA.
Marketing?

trumpetguy · 02-21-2017, 05:27 PM

Listen to Lew. He's a real professional who is highly experienced and educated.

quietguy · 02-22-2017, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Sorry....manuals are for customers to READ AND UNDERSTAND.

The remainder of your post does not deserve the courtesy of a reply.

Agreed. One of the least helpful posts ever that's dripping with a "holier than tho" attitude. Has "The Donald" moved from Twitter to Airstream Forums?!?!

:

(Note: ^^^^ sarcasm alert)

lsbrodsky · 02-22-2017, 08:28 AM

I stand with Lewster on this. There are many novices on this forum and a post like Dames7, at best, will confuse them. At worst, it will cost them real dollars and inconvenience. Lead-acid battery technology is more than a century old and there is a ton of experience, all incorporated into manuals. Make things up at your own peril.
Larry

alano · 02-22-2017, 02:56 PM

In the interest of diplomacy, and I'm guessing that Lew would agree, discharging an AGM (or a flooded battery for that matter) battery down to 80% once in a blue moon won't dramatically affect the battery's longevity performance. So it's good to know, especially when you're in a crunch, that you can discharge your battery and not have to stress about thinking that you've done significant damage to the internal cells.

pcskier · 06-12-2019, 05:16 PM

Bringing this back to life as I am getting ready for new batteries, as well as the addition of solar. I've been in touch with AM Solar regarding their packages, probably going to start with a 2x98w system that can expand with another 2-3 panels if needed down the road. I'm really miserly with power, so just keeping the batts charged is my goal, and spending most of my time in the southwest, lots of sun most of the time.

I'm at the point right now of trying to decide on Trojan T105 flooded; Lifeline AGM (GPL-24T), or just sticking with the Interstate SRM 24s and spending a lot less, and avoiding the hassle of expanding the battery box...for now

Lewster if you're around, in talking with AM Solar there is a 2x98 Zamp package that is $1250; and a 2x98 "Airstream" package" that apparently includes higher and lower feet to accommodate the curved roof, as well as different cables from the panels to the combiner box. That seemed a bit steep to me, $145 to swap out a few feet, and different wiring for just 2 panels? When I inquired as to the big difference, the response was:

"Aside from the mount feet, the cable connecting the panels to the combiner box is different. The Zamp option uses the Zamp cable and connectors that came with the panel. The other option uses our custom 10/2 cable. Our option gives you a little more versatility and makes a much more durable connection."

I have to admit that lost me a bit. Is there something more special about the wire from the panel to the box with the "Airstream" package that makes it worth $145 more for a 2-panel system? What's 'wrong,' for lack of a better word, with the Zamp cable/connectors? What is more 'versatile' about the custom option?

Also, if I switch to 6v Lifeline AGM, will the PD-4655 be compatible to fully charge them, as it does pump out 14.4V in bulk mode?

Troutboy, would love to hear what you did in terms of feet and Zamp vs. 'custom' on your five-panel install? I know you moved your feet on two panels near your AC shroud, but don't recall in your installation thread if you mentioned using shorter feet inboard and longer ones outboard to account for the roof curve? And I'm really interested to hear if you just went with Zamp wire/connectors to the combiner, or something more custom like described above, whatever that exactly is! This is expensive and if I don't have to spend $145 more, I'd rather not!

Thanks to all for the earlier battery advice as well. I will