Community Forums

bsavage · 05-07-2008, 07:44 PM

Any opinions on best value for purchase of 4 new house batteries for the coach? Costco? Walmart? the Cummins dealer wants $300 each and we need 4 of them... thanks in advance...

Brenda, of...

bsavage · 05-07-2008, 07:44 PM

Any opinions on best value for purchase of 4 new house batteries for the coach? Costco? Walmart? the Cummins dealer wants $300 each and we need 4 of them... thanks in advance...

Brenda, of...

MonacoMama · 05-07-2008, 08:23 PM

Hey Brenda...
How have you guys doing? You need to holler when you head back up into Oregon this year.

I remember that there had just been a thread on this topic...so I went and found it for you! Good Luck!

MM

Dutch Star Don · 05-07-2008, 08:29 PM

I think my next set I'm going to pay the price and try AGM's. Would really like to eliminate battery acid issues.

rvtips · 05-07-2008, 09:11 PM

Are you sure a 2 or 3 year old moho needs new batteries?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bsavage:
Any opinions on best value for purchase of 4 new house batteries for the coach? Costco? Walmart? the Cummins dealer wants $300 each and we need 4 of them... thanks in advance...

Brenda, of... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

bsavage · 05-08-2008, 05:20 AM

Hey MM! We're doing great... just been very busy. If we head that way I will let you know, but we've cut the Washington trip out of the schedule this year, so I don't know that we'll get through Oregon.

As for whether a 2 or 3 year old coach needs new batteries... I wish it didn't. Our generator went down again this past weekend, this time Cummins said they found a broken ground wire and some corroded wires. In the process, they tested the batteries, and they won't charge. I will say Arizona is brutal on batteries, our car batteries usually don't last more than 3 years. So, I don't know why for sure, but apparently yes, we need new batteries.

Don, I know this is probably a stupid question... but what are AGM's... and what is the average cost of them?

Thanks again...

Brenda, of...

MCDDY · 05-08-2008, 08:18 AM

We got our replacement batteries last year @ Sam's. Energiser brand, all 4 for $260. When we checked the original Interstates 3of the 4 were still in great shape and 1 was failing. That was at 6.5yrs. We do check the batteries often and add distilled water as needed but never overfill. Are the AGMs lifetimes?
Dave

bsavage · 05-08-2008, 09:46 AM

Also, forgot to say thanks for the link to the previous thread, MM... that is very helpful. After reading our manual, I now understand that the AGM batteries are "Absorbed Glass Mat", and after calling a few places, it seems that those AGM batteries are about $280 each, whereas the acid batteries are around $90 each. So, we're going to go with the acid batteries, I think... but now that I have called around, apparently none of our local Sam's clubs have any, the Interstate Store does have them, and the Batteries Plus store has their own brand for $94 each or another brand for $120 each. They say there is no difference in the quality between their brand and the other brand (no, I can't remember the name of the other brand, but I don't think it was any of the ones mentioned here or on the other thread). So, any further opinions? Interstate or Batteries Plus' own brand? Or something else?

Thanks again,

Brenda, of...

MonacoMama · 05-08-2008, 07:52 PM

Sorry that it looks like we wonn't see you this year...

If you go to this link...you can learn about AGM batteries

Hope this helps...

bsavage · 05-09-2008, 06:48 AM

Thanks again, MM. The info on the AGM batteries is very helpful... the Lifelines are the ones currently in the coach, so we're going to call the manufacturer as they say there is a 60 month warranty, and obviously, they are not 5 years old! Good job!

Brenda, of...

bsavage · 05-09-2008, 03:08 PM

Okay, here's the update. First, MM, THANK YOU!!! If I hadn't looked at that website, Tony wouldn't have said "hey, those are the batteries we have now, is there a warranty?"! And yes, a 5 year warranty. So I called Lifeline, they directed us to a local distributor, he checked the batteries... 3 good, one not. Of course you apparently have to replace all four, or the new one will kill the old ones (don't ask me... that's what the guy said), but we did get a prorated discount because of the warranty of $100 off each one, so instead of $283 each, they are $183 each... and it's probably a better idea to keep the AGM batteries as that is what came with the bus. Also, many, many thanks to everyone that provided great insight here... you just saved us $400!! I love you guys (and girls)!

Brenda, of...

Eaglesview · 05-09-2008, 07:06 PM

For my 2005 Dynasty I switched to AGM batteries and will never buy a wet lead acid battery again. Origina house batteries failed after two years and were a house keeping mess.

bsavage · 05-09-2008, 07:32 PM

Thanks, Eaglesview... we're feeling like the better batteries are the better choice. Anyone know if the "you gotta replace them all if one has gone bad" thing is true?

Forest Grump · 05-11-2008, 06:37 PM

You can buy Trojan batteries directly from their distributors, as I did. You will get an excellent price and a very well made battery. They will deliver even.

I bought 3 J185H's which gives me 645 AH. All batteries in a battery bank should be replaced at the same time.