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05-21-2021, 10:10 PM
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#21
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Deposit: Chateau 28A
State: Ohio
Posts: 46
THOR #22158
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Glad to see some more Ohioans. The weather is finally getting nice for camping here also.
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05-24-2021, 01:48 AM
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#22
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 521
THOR #9553
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjohnsonmn
Hello Folks,
I have been searching online and in the forum for a ride report for a set of AGM batteries for our Thor Axis 25.6 (Group 24). Lots and lots of posts about Lithium batteries, but with the infrequency we use our motorhome, the $1,400-$2,200 for a set of two is not in the budget.
Our flooded batteries are not holding up above 12.3V for very long, even with a very light load.
Does anyone have experience with AGM batteries lately that have held up well for more than a season and have better than average capacity. Our use profile is relatively low. We don't have an installed inverter, though we may occasionally run a little plug in 400w unit to charge a laptop here and there.
Thanks in advance!
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I tried AGM batts and was not impressed AT ALL!!! Went back to flooded and use the Quik-Fill system, plus I added a third batt because I have a 12v powered Norcold that was modded by J.C. Refridgeration in Indiana and it's the bomb. Deka RV/Marine batts from NAPA are very good and half the price of AGM's...
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05-24-2021, 07:05 PM
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#23
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Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Colorado
Posts: 41
THOR #22407
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Thanks for the update - did you go with (2) 12V or (2) 6V Group 31 AGMs?
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjohnsonmn
Hello All,
For those who find this thread and wonder what the resolution was:
We went with two Group 31 AGM batteries from Batteries+ (Duracell Grey Case). They had an amazing sale, a rebate, and Rakuten 15% cash rebate with the online order for store pickup.
The install was fairly straight forward. The batteries DO fit in the space under the steps, but with no room to spare in the battery tray portion of the area. There is a small lip on the bottom that keeps them from sliding over and slamming into the 100AMP CB.
A few notes:
1. The cross over (parallel) battery cables will be at the limit to where I don't feel the need to remake longer cables. You will need to undo some zip ties that were used to hold up slack that is no longer slack.
2. The feed cable to the 50AMP CB will need to be rerouted to above the tray support, instead of under, very simple and only requires moving the cable from underneath.
3. CAUTION that you don't accidentally short the 100AMP post that comes from the BIM/Cab battery. The cable space is small, and you would think that the post is a ground lug, but it is actually a post in a bushing to connect the feed from the generator and the vehicle battery.
4. These are very heavy batteries. You will want to eat a good breakfast and be careful. They go into the opening at a slight angle and then slide to the front.
Overall, a solid looking installation. I took the opportunity to use red and black electrical tape to mark the ends of the battery cables. (Thor left them all black with the cable colors hidden under the plastic protective tubes). The solar charger is set to AGM now as well (not that I have solar setup yet anyway.
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05-24-2021, 07:59 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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Thanks all!! Our ACE 25 year RV tech guy said he will install Interstate Group 31 flooded..he said AGM is not needed. He said the centennial house batteries are useless and being used by many dealers due to cost..
He will installl the interstate for the cost he pays
__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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05-25-2021, 03:38 AM
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#25
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Nevada
Posts: 3
THOR #21367
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Agm
Buy them at Costco 79.99 each good enough for what you need by two of them bring them back every 8 months or a year get another one for free keep doing it forever Costco's like that use that Costco card like you own it
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05-25-2021, 04:24 AM
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#26
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,222
THOR #13362
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rangerbad
Buy them at Costco 79.99 each good enough for what you need by two of them bring them back every 8 months or a year get another one for free keep doing it forever Costco's like that use that Costco card like you own it
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Rangerbad...
You are bad.
(You sound like me)
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'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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05-25-2021, 12:36 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Renegade Valencia 38RB
State: California
Posts: 3,496
THOR #3156
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rangerbad
Buy them at Costco 79.99 each good enough for what you need by two of them bring them back every 8 months or a year get another one for free keep doing it forever Costco's like that use that Costco card like you own it
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So keep stealing batteries from Costco. Sorry but NO That is ethically and morally wrong
My stock batteries have lasted 5 years. I'll replace them after this trip I'm on. Whether I pay $80x2 at costco or $200x2 for agm that's not a lot for 5 years of use and definitely not worth lowering myself to steal them
Jerry
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05-25-2021, 07:05 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
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Agree. With halfway decent care your flooded batteries should last 5 years and cost about $75 apiece to replace. Totally works for me.
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05-25-2021, 07:15 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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Kurt my RV gut said he loves interstate flooded and all his client use them
__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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05-26-2021, 01:15 PM
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#30
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chatea 31E
State: Maryland
Posts: 453
THOR #5837
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As a data point, my original flooded batteries lasted 2 years. I replaced them with AGM batteries, which would no longer hold a charge after just 1.5 years, so I just replaced them. I wanted to go with AGM again, but I was on a trip and ended up getting flooded batteries (deep cycle RV/Marine batteries) due to availability at my location.
I'm starting to think that lithium might be worth the investment.
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05-26-2021, 02:11 PM
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#31
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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05-26-2021, 02:19 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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this is interesting see the volts and microwave test
__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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06-03-2021, 03:53 PM
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#33
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Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Colorado
Posts: 41
THOR #22407
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Thor Axis 25.6 battery upgrade
Hello all,
I have been following this thread in anticipation of upgrading my Axis 25.6 batteries, but I still have several questions - hoping this group can help asnwer some of them:
1. What battery capacity does the Axis 25.6 come with from the factory? I am assuming it's 2 12V group 24's in parallel - 100AH x 2 = 200AH
2. My understanding is that upgrading to AGM does not improve capacity, AGM just cycles longer, is maintenance free, at around twice the cost.
3. What capacity are folks getting upgrading to Group 31 batteries? [they appear to be 2" longer than Group 24 so I assume more capacity]
4. Has anybody moved from 2x12V in parallel to 2 6V in series? My local Batteries+ rep claims this change will yield 230AH vs 200
5. Has anybody gotten more than 2 batteries to fit, possibly by modifying the tray? My tray measures 28" long x 7" wide x 10" tall
Right now, I am leaning toward 2 6V Group 31 batteries in series (either flooded or AGM) but would really like to know the capacity increase before pulling the trigger.
Thanks, Vic
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06-03-2021, 03:59 PM
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#34
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Minnesota
Posts: 15
THOR #19857
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See my responses in Red
Quote:
Originally Posted by vealessi
Hello all,
I have been following this thread in anticipation of upgrading my Axis 25.6 batteries, but I still have several questions - hoping this group can help asnwer some of them:
1. What battery capacity does the Axis 25.6 come with from the factory? I am assuming it's 2 12V group 24's in parallel - 100AH x 2 = 200AH
>Group 24, something smaller than 100Ah
2. My understanding is that upgrading to AGM does not improve capacity, AGM just cycles longer, is maintenance free, at around twice the cost.
>Some AGM's do offer larger Ah capacity. We went up to Group 31 and likely gained an effective 50 usable Ah
3. What capacity are folks getting upgrading to Group 31 batteries? [they appear to be 2" longer than Group 24 so I assume more capacity]
>We went with the Duracell G31's (grey box) and they fit in the tray. The cables MAY need to be lengthened. I did need to re-route the supply like that goes to the 50AMP circuit breaker to over a frame member instead of under it.
4. Has anybody moved from 2x12V in parallel to 2 6V in series? My local Batteries+ rep claims this change will yield 230AH vs 200
5. Has anybody gotten more than 2 batteries to fit, possibly by modifying the tray? My tray measures 28" long x 7" wide x 10" tall
Right now, I am leaning toward 2 6V Group 31 batteries in series (either flooded or AGM) but would really like to know the capacity increase before pulling the trigger.
Thanks, Vic
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06-03-2021, 04:08 PM
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#35
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chatea 31E
State: Maryland
Posts: 453
THOR #5837
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vealessi
Hello all,
I have been following this thread in anticipation of upgrading my Axis 25.6 batteries, but I still have several questions - hoping this group can help asnwer some of them:
1. What battery capacity does the Axis 25.6 come with from the factory? I am assuming it's 2 12V group 24's in parallel - 100AH x 2 = 200AH
2. My understanding is that upgrading to AGM does not improve capacity, AGM just cycles longer, is maintenance free, at around twice the cost.
3. What capacity are folks getting upgrading to Group 31 batteries? [they appear to be 2" longer than Group 24 so I assume more capacity]
4. Has anybody moved from 2x12V in parallel to 2 6V in series? My local Batteries+ rep claims this change will yield 230AH vs 200
5. Has anybody gotten more than 2 batteries to fit, possibly by modifying the tray? My tray measures 28" long x 7" wide x 10" tall
Right now, I am leaning toward 2 6V Group 31 batteries in series (either flooded or AGM) but would really like to know the capacity increase before pulling the trigger.
Thanks, Vic
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My Chateau class C has 2 group 27 size batteries. I'm not sure if the Axis is the same, but I suspect group 27 will fit.
For me, the biggest advantage of AGM is not needing to add water. With the RV plugged into shore power a lot of the time, the water tends to evaporate and needs to be refilled regularly. Plus, one of my batteries is not completely accessible. Some folks install battery watering systems to make adding water easier.
In my class C, the battery tray extends under the steps, so there is room for 4 batteries. However, the rear 2 will be totally inaccessible for maintenance.
My original flooded batteries lasted about 2 years. I replaced them with AGM, and they lasted only about 1.5 years. I will consider upgrading to lithium batteries next time.
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06-03-2021, 04:09 PM
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#36
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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A really rough rule of thumb for amp hours...
24s will get you about 60 ah
27s will get you about 85 ah
31s bump you up to about 105...
YMMV...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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06-03-2021, 04:23 PM
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#37
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,222
THOR #13362
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vealessi asked...
4. Has anybody moved from 2x12V in parallel to 2 6V in series? My local Batteries+ rep claims this change will yield 230AH vs 200
There are very few that announced it on this Forum. That is, 6v (golf cart type) sit too high. I remember one member in his Axis had to modify the steps so that it could close. Something I'm not willing to do
5. Has anybody gotten more than 2 batteries to fit, possibly by modifying the tray? My tray measures 28" long x 7" wide x 10" tall
There have been mods listed on this Forum where the front passenger compartment was used as a battery storage for two additional 12v. But even if the current battery tray is modified, you run out of room "side-to-side" due to the chassis frame
Finally, regarding Group 31's...based on the measurements I'm not sure that all brands of Group 31's fit the battery cavity. I know that it would be a very very tight fit to install + attaching the cables & closing the step without any shorting-out.
Personally, I've stayed with the Group 24 FLA's. They're cheap and work fine for me.
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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06-03-2021, 04:25 PM
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#38
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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Had Kurt rv install 2 group 31 interstate flooded $150 each his cost and $50 to install
__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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06-03-2021, 04:27 PM
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#39
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.6
State: New Mexico
Posts: 5,100
THOR #20220
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Thx Bob
A really rough rule of thumb for amp hours...
24s will get you about 60 ah
27s will get you about 85 ah
31s bump you up to about 105...
__________________
LAS CRUCES 2020 Thor Vegas 25.6
Lora & George. Golden Retriever & Multi-Gen Australian labradoodle & new ALD in March. Happy Campers!! E Biking, Hiking, Tennis, Scuba,Fishing,Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing. Retired H.S. Principal, Sr. IT Engineer, Life & Health Insurance Agent
"Today is a Gift and Why it is called the Present"
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06-03-2021, 04:55 PM
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#40
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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