Replace batteries?

[BasilFawlty]

Just took delivery a month ago of our 38RL. Found out that it is easier to walk on water than to check the water in the batteries since they are so well enclosed.

Did our first check today and just realized that it would be much smarter to get a maintenance free battery and especially a AGM.

Found out that the menu on the charger/inverter has a mode for AGM and GEL-cells.

Does anyone have anything good (or bad) to share with chaining the batteries.

We are always connected except when we are moving but if we have invested a lot of money in a new unit and truck it is kind of stupid to have batteries of the old kind when it is so hard to check them.

 

[dave and ginny]

The battery placement is my biggest complaint on the Redwoods. I've thought about either trying to configure a sliding tray or changing over to AGM . I've always been a fan of Interstate batteries but someone on this forum said that the Interstate brand doesn't make a good AGM.

The nice thing about the AGM batteries is that they don't have to be vented.

 

[lwgrubbs]

The battery placement is my biggest complaint on the Redwoods. I've thought about either trying to configure a sliding tray or changing over to AGM . I've always been a fan of Interstate batteries but someone on this forum said that the Interstate brand doesn't make a good AGM.

The nice thing about the AGM batteries is that they don't have to be vented.

Probably me. They have the Optima line which was once a good battery, then Interstate bought them and failures abound. They might have it fixed now, not sure, but not willing to gamble.

I have Lifeline 6V AGM's in mine. Rock solid batteries made in the good ol' USA. Also Odyssey makes a really good AGM battery.

You have to really do your research as a lot of OEM AGM's are made by a handful of factories. Sears Platinum AGM's are actually made by Odyssey and have a great warranty (4 years). They have some other brands that are from reputable manufacturers as well.


I've personally had Optima, Odyssey and Lifeline. My Land Rover has a pair of Odyssey batteries currently and my Redwood has the Lifeline's. I'd recommend both. But they both run about $300+ per battery which is why most people just stick with standard Lead Acid Batts.

 

[spindrift]

lwg...I would add Deka to your list of "approved" AGM batteries.

 

[0nTheRoad-REDW]

Just curious...how long will the AGM batteries last in comparison to the traditional lead-acid types?

 

[Grandpa-THOR]

I have two from Interstate Batteries that were installed when I purchased my 36RL that are still going strong after 27 months.

 

[spindrift]

Just curious...how long will the AGM batteries last in comparison to the traditional lead-acid types?

That's a tough call as your use and maintenance habits will vary. Generally speaking, AGM batteries will last longer than lead acid because they tolerate vibration much better. That, and the fact that they don't require venting are reasons that I use them in the RW.

 

[lwgrubbs]

lwg...I would add Deka to your list of "approved" AGM batteries.

Good point, Deka has pretty good batteries as well. Like the other brands they can be difficult to find at times due to their distribution network.

As to AGM battery life. I know the expected life of an Odyssey battery is 8-10 years. But they use virgin Lead which supposedly helps them make a better battery. I would guess that all the high end AGM manufacturers have similar practices due to the expectations of their batteries at that pricepoint.

Lifeline shows 5-8 years for average use on the link below:
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rv.php

 

[BasilFawlty]

Replace batteries

I have been in the Louvre in France twice and I can tell for sure that it is easier to steal Mona Lisa than to check the batteries that comes with the unit.

We changed ours to AGM Optima Bluetop Maintanance free dual purpose group 31.

You might loose a bit of amp hours think ours is 75 each but not sure what the originals are since there is no marking.

We also set the inverter to AGM2 battery type so they charge correctly.

We only use the batteries when moving and even then the truck appears to keep the batteries charged.

 

[lwgrubbs]

We also set the inverter to AGM2 battery type so they charge correctly.

Where is this setting as I can't seem to find it in the manual?

 

[rcflame]

I check our batteries every few months. It's a little bit of a pain, but I've seen worse.

 

[BasilFawlty]

Very well hidden

the company is trying to keep this a secret so do not tell anyone else.

The secret is on page 10... and they have divided the manuals - this is the remote manual.

My wife is smart and found it out!


http://www.magnumenergy.com/Literature/Manuals/Remotes/64-0031 Rev D (ME-MR)_Web.pdf