DSDP House Batteries

[DutchBoy]

I've been thinking on changing out my house batteries on my '03 DSDP to a maintence free type. I know there has been a lot of discussion about doing this. I'd like to hear the pros & cons, and also what exactly is involved; other than buying new batteries. Thx in advance for any responses.

DutchBoy

["007"]

Give this a read before you start has links to battery MFG's and good info.
Other information.
I changed mine out to AGM's, from SAM's, over a year ago my two work very well you have more to spend.

[Norm4015]

In November 2001, I put a set of Concorde Lifeline AGM batteries in my 2000 DSDP. When I traded motorhomes in 2005 I swapped the batteries to the new motorhome and they are still working like new. During most that those nine years we were fulltiming and boondocking up to 100 nights a year.

I have 6-volt AGMs and they were a one for one swap so installation was easy. I changed the charger to the AGM setting. Once a year I wash the dust off the batteries and check the torque of the battery connections. Other than that I forget about them and enjoy camping.

[TechWriter]

On my previous RV I replaced the flooded 6V with Lifeline AGMs and never looked back. Superior battery that can take much abuse. No water to fill. Handles.

Next spring I'll replace the flooded 6Vs on my 2001 MADP with Lifelines.

[DutchBoy]

Sounds pretty simple. Thx for all the info

DutchBoy

[Lug_Nut]

Those with or going to change out for AGM's should check with the manufacturer. In very recent times many have changed the charge voltage from a maximum of 14.4 to higher. This changed Newmar's approach to setting the charger from AGM back to wet cell. All new units that come out of Newmar are set this way. I changed mine back to wet cells and my AGM's run much better. Again, though check with the manufacturer of your specific models.
I first learned this last year. I have 20 big AGM's in my boat. I had odysey (Spelling?) on my boat. They wanted to see charge rates during the bulk charge at 29+ volts, even 30. That's 14.5 to 15 volts on 12 volt systems.
Anyway, check it out.

Peter

[JVR]

Sams Club has the wet 6v for $73ea add 3oz mineral oil to each cell which virtually stops gassing, just replaced the original 8 in my 06 Essex 4508, leaving for Bluewater Key Nov 20.