AGM Batteries as a Special

[andyh]

You would have to ask for a quote from the service department. E-mail Phil Stilley at Newmar (pstilley@newmarcorp) and describe what you want done during the factory delivery. And if you or Newmar needs to supply the batteries. They will get back with you on the estimated labor hours and part costs.

[Canuck53]

Andy Very cool thanks. I guess that goes for any none factory specials like PMS electrical protectors etc. Any other items that the service dept does?

[andyh]

They installed the coach portion of the SMI brake system (extra ping tank and relay valve and airline to the back), vent covers over the Fantastic Fans, a Progressive Industries power monitor and a Sanicon. i supplied the parts.

[Canuck53]

Thanks for the info. I have a lot of pieces of information collected in a short order. Need to capture it all in a organized fashion.

[wagonmaster2]

Does anyone have an idea or estimate as to what it costs to change from the regular wet cell batteries and the AGM batteries, per battery or for the total of 8 batteries? I've never price AGM batteries so I have no idea how expensive they are or what Newmar charges for this change.

[joes2901]

I would suggest going to Lifeline's web site and look for dealers in your area, then go to their web sites for prices. In Apr. 2012 I bought 4 Lifeline L-16s (6 volt & 400 AH) for $640 each.

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Does anyone have an idea or estimate as to what it costs to change from the regular wet cell batteries and the AGM batteries, per battery or for the total of 8 batteries? I've never price AGM batteries so I have no idea how expensive they are or what Newmar charges for this change.

On our all electric 2015 Ventana 4037 order, Newmar charged $1500 (retail) to substitute 8 AGM batteries for the 8 wet cells. Cheaper than it would have cost me to throw away 8 perfectly good wet cells and buy 8 AGM's. Not to mention those batteries are heavy to change (been there done that).

[andyh]

The list price for 8 AGM batteries is $1495. You should be able to get a discount from your dealer.

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by andyh

The list price for 8 AGM batteries is $1495. You should be able to get a discount from your dealer.

The AGM's and a few other things were added to our order after we struck "the deal". Our dealer only charged us their cost for the additional items. But even at $1500 retail, AGM's are worth it IMHO.

[Algoma]

This seems such a common request I don't know why it is not on Newmar's standard option list. They also charged me $1500 but the dealer told me that was cost not retail.

[Deek]

Canuck53 --

If you get to the bottom of whether Newmar will install the Lifeline batteries, please post back to this thread for the benefit of all of us who have interest in this issue.

I changed out our stock wet cell batteries with AGM's and paid $1,495 in mid-2013. They have been flawless and a zero maintenance problem, but I know that the Lifeline units are better for the reasons discussed in this thread above. In mid-2013, Newmar was not even considering the Lifelines and since we had to replace the batteries due to a boil over with paint damage in the battery compartment, we went with what they offered (they were good enough to fix the battery compartment like new without extra charge with our purchase of the AGMs).

In a new coach, which we are considering, like you, I would want to have the Lifelines.

Thanks in advance for keeping us posted with what you find out -- availability through Newmar, whether they will do the installation at Nappanee and cost.

Deek

[wagonmaster2]

Originally Posted by andyh

The list price for 8 AGM batteries is $1495. You should be able to get a discount from your dealer.

If Newmar charged $1500 to substitute the AGM batteries and that is what they retail for it almost sounds like the coach owner is just giving the wet cell batteries away and buying the AGM. A person would think the wet cells would be worth some kind of trade back credit.

[Algoma]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

If Newmar charged $1500 to substitute the AGM batteries and that is what they retail for it almost sounds like the coach owner is just giving the wet cell batteries away and buying the AGM. A person would think the wet cells would be worth some kind of trade back credit.

Can't disagree, but it is what it is. Newmar price these options and you either take it or leave it.

[HHIDan]

I think AGMs are about $300, wet cell about $100. Difference of $1600 for 8...