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08-13-2018, 09:03 PM
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#21
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Completed the upgrade
I've replaced the 12v SRM24 Interstates with two Duracell 6v GC2 batteries from Sam's. Very happy with the process and result. I have 215 AHs vs. the ~84 AHs I had with the Interstates for around $285 ($160 for the batteries and $125 for the box extender); it would have run about $245 to replace the Interstates.
I thought I'd post a couple pix if it might help others go ahead with this change. I used a battery box extender from Vinnie's Airstream. I drilled the holes, bolted it on. I had to cut the battery tray a bit, taking off the "raised lip" on the sides of the tray. The batteries fit north and south but needed more room on the sides.
Also had to cut down the threaded rod, and used a 3/8" coupler, bolt and fender washer for the hold down. Much cleaner than the wing nut. And it leaves plenty of room to check/refill water, so I don't see adding a watering system. I've got great access now. Then riveted the box lid after checking for enough clearance on the body.
I had to move the propane bottles forward about an inch. The higher battery box and the curve of the bottles wouldn't work. No big task, just used new self-drilling bolts. Little tight, but it works.
First pic is what the Interstates looked like; very difficult to get the caps off to check water levels. Then the installation of the battery box, the Duracells in the box with much cleaner cabling, and the finished result.
Happy trails,
Mike
__________________
Mike (W9LG) and Jennifer
2008 International 19' Ocean Breeze, Equal-i-zer WDH
2015 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat SuperCrew EcoBoost, 3.55, Max Tow
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08-13-2018, 10:55 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master
2005 25' International CCD
Westlake Village
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 508
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Well done.
Whatever or however it’s done, many of us are driven incessantly to better our given AS capacities. Especially in boondocking.
Who’s next........
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08-13-2018, 11:30 PM
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#23
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Moderator
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,522
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marter
I've replaced the 12v SRM24 Interstates with two Duracell 6v GC2 batteries from Sam's. Very happy with the process and result. I have 215 AHs vs. the ~84 AHs I had with the Interstates for around $285 ($160 for the batteries and $125 for the box extender); it would have run about $245 to replace the Interstates.
I thought I'd post a couple pix if it might help others go ahead with this change. I used a battery box extender from Vinnie's Airstream. I drilled the holes, bolted it on. I had to cut the battery tray a bit, taking off the "raised lip" on the sides of the tray. The batteries fit north and south but needed more room on the sides.
Also had to cut down the threaded rod, and used a 3/8" coupler, bolt and fender washer for the hold down. Much cleaner than the wing nut. And it leaves plenty of room to check/refill water, so I don't see adding a watering system. I've got great access now. Then riveted the box lid after checking for enough clearance on the body.
I had to move the propane bottles forward about an inch. The higher battery box and the curve of the bottles wouldn't work. No big task, just used new self-drilling bolts. Little tight, but it works.
First pic is what the Interstates looked like; very difficult to get the caps off to check water levels. Then the installation of the battery box, the Duracells in the box with much cleaner cabling, and the finished result.
Happy trails,
Mike
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I've no doubt your project was worthwhile especially in terms of longevity of the batteries under heavy use, but you went from ~84 AH to ~110 AH usable. The amp-hours aren't additive when you're putting batteries in series.
__________________
— David
Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566
He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
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08-14-2018, 06:19 AM
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#24
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Wolfwhistle
Margaritaville
, Banana Republic
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 705
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I also went from two each Interstate SRM24s to two GC-2s. Two poorly maintained 24s. Not all 24s are equal.
These brand new were 140 RC, or 58.33 A-H; so two (parallel) gives you twice that or 116.66 total or 58.33 A-H @ 50% discharge. The 6 volt GC-2s are 230 A-H (series) or 115 A-H usable. This is about a 50% improvement in usable amp-hours. Reserve capacity is nearly a 400% improvement (140 vs 552)
So, after selling my old toyhauler I had four surplus GC-2s (Duracell is East Penn/Deka not great but okay - cheap). I made the extender for the battery box from scrap metal and a handful of poprivets in about 3 hours.
So, I went from about 45 to 115 amp-hour "usable" for about $100 or less depending on how you value the surplus bits and bobs.
I have everything anyone needs to duplicate what I did here at my north Florida home.
Reserve Capacity or RC is how long in minutes the battery voltage stays above 10.5 when a 25 amp load is placed on the battery.
SRM24 = 140 minutes
GC-2 = 552 minutes
Amp-hour.
SRM24 - 58.333
GC-2 = 230
WW
__________________
Is taking it all with you, really getting away from it all?
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08-14-2018, 06:49 AM
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#25
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKB_SATX
I've no doubt your project was worthwhile especially in terms of longevity of the batteries under heavy use, but you went from ~84 AH to ~110 AH usable. The amp-hours aren't additive when you're putting batteries in series.
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You're absolutely correct, and thanks for clarifying. Still a healthy increase, particularly re the number of cycles these will give me. Just can't justify the cost of AGMs or lithiums.
*Edit: I need to make another correction on the costs in my previous post. I said the replacement of my SRM24s would run around $245 to replace; that was based on retail from the Interstate site. Price at Costco would have been more like $155 on sale, based on DKB_SATX's post in another thread "Interstate Group24 deep-cycles at Costco were $72 last week. Well under 1/2 the price of comparable AGMs that would fit in your battery boxes."
Still happy, but not quite the cost difference I stated.
Thanks,
Mike.
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08-14-2018, 08:14 AM
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#26
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,735
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL
Bob,
Not tire. Single stage chargers are very common in new er Airstream’s. My 2014 had one and I changed it out after the factory one burned up one of my batteries.
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Hi
Then you are very confused about what. "single stage" converter actually is. Airstream switched over to multistage converters *long* before 2024.
Bob
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08-14-2018, 08:25 AM
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#27
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Rivet Master
2005 25' International CCD
Westlake Village
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
Then you are very confused about what. "single stage" converter actually is. Airstream switched over to multistage converters *long* before 2024.
Bob
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Bob,
Don’t the single stage versions push a single constant 13.6vdc voltage (with only a varying current dependent on battery charge demand)?
Multi stage vary charge voltages pending charge cycle as well as current which batteries much prefer ?
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08-15-2018, 06:43 AM
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#28
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,735
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vantair
Bob,
Don’t the single stage versions push a single constant 13.6vdc voltage (with only a varying current dependent on battery charge demand)?
Multi stage vary charge voltages pending charge cycle as well as current which batteries much prefer ?
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Hi
.... which is what the stock converters do ... vary the voltage and current depending on where they are in the charge cycle (= they are multi stage.)
...are they the best of the best multistage? Certainly not. They have their issues. For that matter a lot of the popular "replacement" converters have issues as well.
Bob
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08-15-2018, 11:54 AM
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#29
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2 Rivet Member
2008 23' Safari SE
Oklahoma City
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 98
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Did you paint the box extender? if so what color? yours looks good. bought the same thing and haven't done the conversion yet so was wondering.
thanks
Mike
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08-15-2018, 01:43 PM
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#30
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocket53
Did you paint the box extender? if so what color? yours looks good. bought the same thing and haven't done the conversion yet so was wondering.
thanks
Mike
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I did not; it came that color, which is pretty close to the AS tongue/frame color. I did touch up the battery box cover and spots on the tongue with some spray paint I got to match the AS gray. The box extender had a nice gloss finish on it from Vinnie and I knew I wouldn't get that nice a finish.
Good luck with the install; it's a piece of cake.
Happy trails,
Mike
__________________
Mike (W9LG) and Jennifer
2008 International 19' Ocean Breeze, Equal-i-zer WDH
2015 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat SuperCrew EcoBoost, 3.55, Max Tow
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08-15-2018, 02:13 PM
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#31
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Senior Member
2012 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Sparks
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,116
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Converting to 6v batteries
I have one of those extenders that I can’t use on my 27FB. Make me an offer if you need one. Looks like they go for about $100 plus shipping.
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08-15-2018, 03:09 PM
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#32
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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Interesting article on batteries and usage
Saw this one today, while looking for more articles about comparing 6V GC batteries for my replacment of the OEM Interstate 12V's. I thought it was a good read, although it is mostly talking about the Trojan brand batteries in this article, it also covers importance of multistage converters. Check it out...
https://trekwithus.com/rv-batteries-...ies-in-our-rv/
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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08-15-2018, 04:52 PM
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#33
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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Change of direction- I was sold on getting the Duracell GC2 6V at Sam's until I started reading more about the Trojan T105's and found the pricing all over the map. In San Diego, they were on sale at one place for $125; Amazon had them for $300+ each; I found a distributer near by in Missoula who had them for $184. I made one last call to distributer in Great Falls, and asked about a veteran discount; sure enough, he offered me the Trojan T105's for $136. Pays to shop around...still would be a little cheaper to get the Duracell's but I am going with the Trojans for now. The box in the 2017's are larger to accept these larger batteries...now if AS would start including as OEM...wishing....
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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08-15-2018, 07:34 PM
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#34
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsydad
Change of direction- I was sold on getting the Duracell GC2 6V at Sam's until I started reading more about the Trojan T105's and found the pricing all over the map. In San Diego, they were on sale at one place for $125; Amazon had them for $300+ each; I found a distributer near by in Missoula who had them for $184. I made one last call to distributer in Great Falls, and asked about a veteran discount; sure enough, he offered me the Trojan T105's for $136. Pays to shop around...still would be a little cheaper to get the Duracell's but I am going with the Trojans for now. The box in the 2017's are larger to accept these larger batteries...now if AS would start including as OEM...wishing....
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Nice price for the Trojans; sounds like you can avoid the freight. Wasn't an option for me. I hope the Duracell GC2s @ $75/ea from Sams (East Penn/Deka?) will hold up. Time will tell.
Happy trails,
Mike
__________________
Mike (W9LG) and Jennifer
2008 International 19' Ocean Breeze, Equal-i-zer WDH
2015 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat SuperCrew EcoBoost, 3.55, Max Tow
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08-16-2018, 09:34 AM
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#35
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Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,664
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marter
Nice price for the Trojans; sounds like you can avoid the freight. Wasn't an option for me. I hope the Duracell GC2s @ $75/ea from Sams (East Penn/Deka?) will hold up. Time will tell.
Happy trails,
Mike
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Funny- my brother in law and his wife- Mike and Jennifer! The Duracell GC2's here in MT at Sams are listed $93 and the EGC2's at $124 (not sure difference.) Did you get a deal at $75? I am going to Sam's today on way to get the Trojans...just curious.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
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08-16-2018, 11:23 AM
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#36
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsydad
Funny- my brother in law and his wife- Mike and Jennifer! The Duracell GC2's here in MT at Sams are listed $93 and the EGC2's at $124 (not sure difference.) Did you get a deal at $75? I am going to Sam's today on way to get the Trojans...just curious.
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One day sale at Sam's that Saturday. $20 off either the GC2 or EGC2. I think the EGC2 had another 10 to 15ah?
The freight on Trojans made it a moot point.
Mike
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08-16-2018, 12:13 PM
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#37
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marter
One day sale at Sam's that Saturday. $20 off either the GC2 or EGC2. I think the EGC2 had another 10 to 15ah?
The freight on Trojans made it a moot point.
Mike
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Yup. Just bought a set of standard GC2s at Sam's Club that weekend. Did not expect to have a sale, but what the heck, the last set of GC2s was deader than dead and needed replacing anyway. Found a handy tool to make the process of lifting those beasts out of the box a lot easier:
Golf Cart Battery Lift Strap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The EGC2 is exactly the same dimensions as a GC2, only gives a few more amp-hours. As someone rightfully pointed out, that probably means the 'sludge space' below the plates is shallower to accommodate slightly larger plates, and could lead to earlier failure as the inevitable flakes of lead fill up that space. I thought about it, and figured 10-15 more amp-hours was not worth the cost differential now that I'm pretty much all LED lighting now and have solar panels on the roof...
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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08-16-2018, 01:23 PM
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#38
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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I didn't think the few extra amp hours were worth the $30/ea either. I must have been living right that day though; I asked the guy who brought them out to my truck "how do I lift these" and he went in and got one of those straps and gave it to me. They're a lifesaver for these old bones and muscles.
Mike
__________________
Mike (W9LG) and Jennifer
2008 International 19' Ocean Breeze, Equal-i-zer WDH
2015 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat SuperCrew EcoBoost, 3.55, Max Tow
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08-16-2018, 01:47 PM
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#39
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4 Rivet Member
Curtis Wright
Currently Looking...
Eyren Haven
, South Jersey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 326
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Duracell EGC2 are 230 AH each compared to GC2 at 215 AH. According to my Penn engineer, they are a better battery than the GC2 , being made for commercial use. I bought the EGC2 at $109 each at Battery plus Bulbs.
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08-16-2018, 03:51 PM
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#40
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3 Rivet Member
2008 19' International
Lincoln
, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
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Is he saying GC2s aren't made for commercial use? Just curious.
Thanks,
Mike
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