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Old 05-24-2011, 06:16 PM   #1
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What is the best replacement battery to buy?

I need a new battery for my 73 Overlander 27ft. It's been dead for at least two years when I bought it. It won't charge with the univolt and the trailer plugged in to house current. Any thoughts or experiences on appropriate replacement battery? Should it be deep cycle? How do I keep a new one from overcharging?
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Old 05-24-2011, 06:19 PM   #2
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To prevent it from overcharging get a good 3 stage converter. I have an Intelipower 9245 and a Lifeline AGM (group 27). They has been working great for the past 5 years.
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Old 05-24-2011, 06:22 PM   #3
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Wink

I'll go with the Lifelines also......BUT others may... Never Mind.
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Old 05-24-2011, 07:04 PM   #4
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It all depends. If you plan to do a lot of boondocking, the AGM's seem to be worth the added cost. If you are like me and spend a night or two off the grid every now and then, a decent (I used NAPA) lead acid deep cycle battery will do fine (mine is over 3 years old).

The secret to long life with both is, as noted above, a good 3 stage converter.

Have fun,

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Old 05-24-2011, 07:14 PM   #5
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Any lead-acid battery that's been sitting for two years has died a slow death due to the buildup of sulfate crystals inside - the ends of the battery are probably 'bulged outward' and are hard as a rock if you tap on the ends...But you already knew that - time to replace...

Yes, you need to install Deep Cycle batteries in your AS...DC batteries have thicker plates than 'starting' batteries so that they can better withstand the expansion and contraction of the grids inside during the charge/discharge 'cycles'...

It's usually better to get the largest battery that will fit in your particular installation - larger battery means more plates and therefore a higher Amp Hour rating - longer running time for your 12 volt stuff!

I like regular flooded cell Deep Cycle batteries for most TT installations due to their high AH ratings compared with a more moderate cost when compared to the sealed AGM types - AGM's are usually over 2+ times the cost of a flooded cell battery, due to their more labor intensive production costs...

As mentioned above, you'll probably not be happy with the old Univolt converter/charger due to it's lack of any charging limitations - it will just keep charging till your batteries are overheated and the fluid's evaporated IF you keep it plugged in to shore power for long periods...

The modern 3-stage converter/charges are the way to go, and the investment usually will pay for itself over a few years in reduced battery replacement costs alone!

Randy at http://www.Bestconverter.com is a good way to get all the info you'll need, plus he has the equipment to get you on your way...

Happy trails...
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Old 05-24-2011, 08:42 PM   #6
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I agree with Mexray. A deep cycle group 27 battery is what I use. The last one cost me $65.00 at Wal Mart. If I get 2 years out of it, I figure I'm ahead of the game.
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Old 05-24-2011, 09:13 PM   #7
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Get rid of the univolt first...it fried two beautiful 18 wheeler batteries in mine.
Now I just run a small marine with a Intelli power charger, as we don't do alot of boondocking.
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Old 05-26-2011, 11:53 PM   #8
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The best bang for the buck battery replacement is the largest AGM you can fit in the compartment.
That might not fit the near term budget so the largest flooded is the next best.
Just don't let anybody talk you into Gel unless they are free or nearly so. PIA to charge and maintain in RVs.
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Old 06-26-2011, 05:52 PM   #9
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I think short term. I use Interstate deep cycle batteries.
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Old 06-27-2011, 09:02 AM   #10
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I need to replace my univolt also due to a fried new battery. Can anybody enlighten this relative novice as to what an AGM battery is?
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Old 06-27-2011, 09:41 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuman70 View Post
I need to replace my univolt also due to a fried new battery. Can anybody enlighten this relative novice as to what an AGM battery is?
Replaced my Interstates with two Group 27 Lifeline AGM, (absorbed glass mat),
Battery's from Lewster here on the forum.


Lifeline Batteries - Marine & RV Deep Cycle Batteries

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Old 06-28-2011, 08:28 AM   #12
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I do not ever go where there is not shore power. My AS stays hooed up to power when at home. Would it be in my best interest to buy something other than the agm battery?
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Old 06-28-2011, 08:36 AM   #13
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I know this thread is old and my comment maybe out of date. But I shopped around and came up with Deep Cycle Group 27's( a pair) at AUTO ZONE. They are now 3 or 4 years old without a problem. In summer I leave the OVERLANDER hooked to shore power 24/7 ,I check the water in the batts once a month. Seems to have been a good choice.
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Old 06-28-2011, 09:27 AM   #14
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Quote:
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I do not ever go where there is not shore power. My AS stays hooed up to power when at home. Would it be in my best interest to buy something other than the agm battery?
If you are "never" without AC, the AGM's would not be cost effective.

A good deep cycle will more than fill your needs.

I try and stay "hooed" myself....
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Old 06-28-2011, 09:52 AM   #15
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We put solar in our trailer in 06 and 4 Group 27 Lifeline AGM, (absorbed glass mat), battery's and thay are still in real good shape. they cost a lot more, but are worth the cost, if boondocking.
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Old 06-28-2011, 12:26 PM   #16
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While AGMs are excellent batteries, I do not believe that their benefits justify the extremely high cost.

A flooded-cell deep cycle battery from a local dealer (they can't be shipped economically in small quantities) is your best bet.
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Old 06-29-2011, 07:22 AM   #17
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I try and stay "hooed" myself....
Typing was never one of my strong points.
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Old 06-29-2011, 08:15 AM   #18
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And here I was afraid to ask. Thought it was an "ALABAMA" lingo thing.

Thanks for clarifying that.

Catch ya on the road sometime.
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Old 06-29-2011, 08:24 AM   #19
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I have used a lot of Concord AGM's - mostly SunXtender - and had always wondered what the difference between LifeLine, Chairman, and SunXtender was. I ran across this on NAWS website

Quote:
Sun Xtender vs LifeLine batteries: Both are made by Concorde and are very similar in basic construction and technology. They carry a different warranty, and there are some slight differences internally. The LifeLine usually have the SAE or dual type marine terminals instead of the bolt only terminals that most of the SunExtenders have. In many applications, they are interchangable. You will not get the 5-year LifeLine warranty if you use SunExtender batteries in marine or RV applications, but the in general the SunExtender batteries are cheaper because you are not paying for that warranty.
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Old 06-29-2011, 08:28 AM   #20
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Lucy came new from the dealer with a pair of Interstate Group 24's. They last almost five years to the day. I replaced them with two Group 24 marine/RV batteries from Wal-Mart at $55 each. We are usually plugged into shore power or the generators.

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