Need New Chassis Battery

[VBFLgirl]

I'm almost certain I will have to replace the start battery as it will no longer hold a charge (below 12)


Recommendations as to which one to buy??


thor 2023 24.1


thanks ahead!

[SGilbert]

You'll be just fine replacing it in kind (wet cell), as it will likely last you 5+ years. If you want longer and a bit more powerful, go AGM. Lithiums are terribly expensive and will have no benefit as a chassis battery.

FWIW, I bought my '18 8 months ago and immediately replaced the original coach batteries...with flooded. This spring, before a long trip south, I will replace the chassis battery...also with a flooded one.

As to brand; that's your choice. I buy mine at Sam's Club and have been quite satisfied. I've heard many RVers & boaters have been very satisfied with Walmart's batteries. Let your fingers &/or Google be your guide.

As to the Axis, be prepared to stand on your head, as the chassis battery is down a hole under the folding desk in front of the passenger seat. Have a square drive screw driver bit and have some duct tape ready to seal up the wooden board you'll have to remove to get down there.

Let us know how it goes.

[Lt Keefer]

Wal Mart, Autozone, O'Reilly's are all viable options. They are located all across the country, fairly inexpensive and all sell basically the same branded batteries from the same manufacturer. I would suggest an AGM over the standard FLA.

[MJC62]

Any of the national auto parts stores will have a wet cell battery that will do the trick. I was going to suggest driving over and having the parts jockey swap out the battery for you till I saw you have an Axis. I doubt you will find one willing, nor would you want the local parts store guy pulling apart the dash to change the battery.

[VBFLgirl]

thanks for the info. think I'll go to Sams. already have it all opened up; I just don't think I have the strength to lift it out. guessing that it weighs quite a bit?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by VBFLgirl

I'm almost certain I will have to replace the start battery as it will no longer hold a charge (below 12)


Recommendations as to which one to buy??


thor 2023 24.1


thanks ahead!

I believe you need a group 24 (or 24F) battery.
As your battery is so inaccessible I would spring for an AGM.
Lots of options on where to get it discussed above.

Now to decide if you want to DIY change it out or pay a mechanic.

[SGilbert]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Now to decide if you want to DIY change it out or pay a mechanic.

Sweet talk or bribe a friend or neighbor. A case of beer makes a mighty tempting bribe.

[Chateau_Nomad]

If you already have it opened up just give the auto parts jockey a $10 tip to drop it in and connect the terminals.

[RickAuz]

I just removed my starting battery on our AXIS. two things there is a hold down clamp on the engine side of the battery. The other is the (looks like an airconditioning hose in the way) disconnect the fresh air hoses under the hood.
the all I needed was 8mm flat wrench and an 8mm socket for the hold down.
slide the batteryaway from the engine side, rotate, tip and pullout through the hole.
clean the terminals before replacing the battery as there is room to work.
(I am not being an ass this so I will in a month remember the order)

best of luck
Rick

[VBFLgirl]

thanks everyone, will update after I get a new battery and trombetta solenoid

[Jimbo56]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

If you already have it opened up just give the auto parts jockey a $10 tip to drop it in and connect the terminals.

Sometimes easier said than done. Axis/Vegas engine battery accessed by cutting panel underneath passenger desk.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Jimbo56

Sometimes easier said than done. Axis/Vegas engine battery accessed by cutting panel underneath passenger desk.

See post #5. I understand she has already done that?

[NordicVetMBA]

I got a 2 for 1 deal recently from FleetPride online for OTR 'premium' wet cells (for semi tractors). FleetPride is somewhat national I think but intended to be a willcall walkin/pickup service. I paid $190 for both on the first time website shopper deal, and I had the 2 old chassis batteries in my truck bed, the 6 golf cart 6 volt coach Batts that I had also had just replaced... they recycled all 8 for me, all for the $190 purchase cost of 2 new lead acids - quite the steal of a deal in tree-hugger Cali.

Service was great and the batteries have been performing great after the first full charge up. No complaints.

[t1bone]

I have a Thor Freedom Elite HEC, and I changed the house battery from cell to AGM, and am very happy with it. I leave the RV in an outside storage facility in another state, and have been disconnecting the batteries for three years now, but always worry about the flooded cell battery being left outside in freezing temps. I have had good luck so far, but after reading this, I think I will switch to AGM.