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08-11-2013, 03:15 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2007 23' International CCD
Columbus
, Ohio
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 9
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Battery Life
We have a 2007 International, purchased new. We remove the Interstate deep-cycle batteries in the winter and put them on a battery tender. The batteries are kept clean and the water level is checked regularly. We're on the road about 3 months a year. We don't boondock a lot.
How long should we expect the batteries to last? I think we're pressing our luck at 6 years.
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08-11-2013, 03:34 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
Two Places
, Sticks & Bricks
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,500
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What type of Interstate batteries do you have?
I would be extremely happy to get 5 seasons out of my batteries. I usually get 2-3 years.
__________________
I feel homeless
Alan 
Former Airstream Owner
(1973 31' Excella, 1978 31' Excella, 1987 32' Excella, 1999 30' Excella, 2000 25' Safari)
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08-11-2013, 03:44 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1978 28' Ambassador
Morada
, California
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,584
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Maintaing a full state of charge, as you have done, is the key to long lead-acid battery life...
In my shop, I answer that with proper maintenance, one should get about 4-6 years 'useful' battery life...
The common type deep cycle batteries on the market today will 'sulfate' to some degree over time, even with proper care - As the sulfate on the plates accumulates, the 'capacity' of the battery to run your 12 volt stuff will diminish...
If you notice shortened run times between charges while off the grid, it's probably a good time to replace with new batteries...
You can take your fully charged batteries to a battery shop and ask them to load test them to give you an idea of remaining capacity... 
__________________
Ray & Pat; Morada, CA
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08-11-2013, 04:04 PM
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#4
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USN/LAPD Retired
2005 25' Safari
North Las Vegas
, United States
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 850
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Yup, this is what happen to me! I ended up purchasing two new deep-marine batteries this past week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mexray
Maintaing a full state of charge, as you have done, is the key to long lead-acid battery life...
In my shop, I answer that with proper maintenance, one should get about 4-6 years 'useful' battery life...
The common type deep cycle batteries on the market today will 'sulfate' to some degree over time, even with proper care - As the sulfate on the plates accumulates, the 'capacity' of the battery to run your 12 volt stuff will diminish...
If you notice shortened run times between charges while off the grid, it's probably a good time to replace with new batteries...
You can take your fully charged batteries to a battery shop and ask them to load test them to give you an idea of remaining capacity... |
__________________
2007 Dodge Ram Quadcab 6.7L Diesel w/jakebrake
"Better to have more then you need, then need more then you have because you don't have enough!"
AIR #: 8129
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08-11-2013, 04:10 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member 
1987 29' Sovereign
St Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 31
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I'd guess you need new ones. Buy a load tester and you'll always know the story.
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08-11-2013, 04:33 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 28' International
Olympia
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 777
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamFL
I'd guess you need new ones. Buy a load tester and you'll always know the story.
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Harbor Freight has a cheap one.
Amp 6 Volt/12 Volt Battery Load Tester
__________________
Dave
2014 Ram 2500 CTD
Pro Pride
Centramatics
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08-11-2013, 05:48 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member 
1975 31' Sovereign
Palomar Mountain
, California
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 355
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Many converters have a desulferinator cycle you use once a mouth (on mine it's automatic). Don't know how much good this is, but in the past I've lost lots of marine deep cycle batts. to not keeping them charged in boats. If this works and extends the life - worth while. I now pay the extra for AGM's - no maintenance and no gas - hopefully they will last longer - the Manf. stated up to ten years if kept charged - will see.
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08-12-2013, 05:11 AM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member
2007 23' International CCD
Columbus
, Ohio
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 9
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Thanks
Many thanks to all who have offered guidance. I'll get new batteries today and leave on a long trip tomorrow with confidence.
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08-12-2013, 06:33 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,190
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I have the Optima AGM batteries
I have had them about 8 years. They are not performing very well anymore. I also own a back up that I neglected. I was researching ways to charge a dead battery, and I found a video made by Optima that suggested dropping the battery on a soft lawn from waste level. The video said that it would loosen the sulfur. THIS SHOULD NOT BE TRIED WITH A LEAD ACID BATTERY. The main message was to daisy chain a good battery with the bad battery to trick the charger into charging the dead one.
One guy stated that charging a battery would de-sufurize it.
Another website seem to think that totally dead batteries could be brought back to life using a Bendini motor. The Bendini motor is really just a de-sulfurizer...I think.
I was looking for answers and I actually am more confused.
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08-12-2013, 07:32 AM
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#10
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mandolindave
The main message was to daisy chain a good battery with the bad battery to trick the charger into charging the dead one.
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That's a good way to trick the charger into FRYING the good one! Not recommended!
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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08-12-2013, 10:16 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,435
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist
That's a good way to trick the charger into FRYING the good one! Not recommended!
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Right... I have used a wire to show voltage then disconnect. Don't leave it connected!!!
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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08-12-2013, 11:05 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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I generally seemed to get about 4 years out of 12 volt deep cycle batteries.
My 2 6 volt exide golf cart batteries however are just starting on year 11.
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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