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05-24-2011, 06:16 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Plainfield
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 38
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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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05-24-2011, 06:19 PM
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#2
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,618
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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.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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05-24-2011, 06:22 PM
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#3
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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I'll go with the Lifelines also......BUT others may... Never Mind.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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05-24-2011, 07:04 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,138
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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,
mike
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05-24-2011, 07:14 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1978 28' Ambassador
Morada
, California
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,584
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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...
__________________
Ray & Pat; Morada, CA
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05-24-2011, 08:42 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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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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05-24-2011, 09:13 PM
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#7
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Liberator
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
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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.
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
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05-26-2011, 11:53 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
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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.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
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06-26-2011, 05:52 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,119
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I think short term. I use Interstate deep cycle batteries.
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06-27-2011, 09:02 AM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Muscle Shoals
, Alabama
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 145
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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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06-27-2011, 09:41 AM
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#11
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuman70
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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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
Bob.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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06-28-2011, 08:28 AM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Muscle Shoals
, Alabama
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 145
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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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06-28-2011, 08:36 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
Trotwood
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,153
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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.
ROGER
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER
KA8LMQ
AIR # 22336 TAC- OH-7
May your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
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06-28-2011, 09:27 AM
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#14
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuman70
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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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....
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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06-28-2011, 09:52 AM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2003 30' Classic
mount joy
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 28
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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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06-28-2011, 12:26 PM
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#16
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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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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06-29-2011, 07:22 AM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Muscle Shoals
, Alabama
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 145
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
I try and stay "hooed" myself....
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Typing was never one of my strong points.
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06-29-2011, 08:15 AM
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#18
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retired USA/USAF
2001 30' Excella
Somerset
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
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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.
__________________
Roger in NJ
" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948
TAC - NJ 18
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06-29-2011, 08:24 AM
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#19
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Aluminum Falcon Mechanic
1972 31' Sovereign
Wesley chapel
, Florida
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,169
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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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06-29-2011, 08:28 AM
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#20
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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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.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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