Chassis Batteries Questions

Doc Mark · 06-21-2011, 06:47 PM

Is there a rule of thumb as to how long a chassis battery should last? And how does an owner know when there is a problem (assuming the batteries aren't dead altogether)?

I suppose I could take them out & lug them to a store with the wherewithal to test them under load, but can I leave them out of the coach while I am living in it? And if so, are there any precautions I need to be aware of before I start to tear down the battery bank?

Mine are 5 years old AGM's that I had Newmar install 5 months after I got the coach.

Mark

CHCam42 · 06-21-2011, 06:57 PM

Doc
My last coach had wet cells and lasted 8 yrs. Had them load tested in the coach at an Interstate Battery store.

bob109 · 06-21-2011, 07:22 PM

Just replaced my two chassis batteries on my 2001.5 Discovery. One Workaholic battery was manufactured in 04, the other in 05. Both showed good until placed under load and they hardly produced 9.5 volts. Replaced with two new, manufactured in 5/11, Interstates. If I receive 7/8 years service from the new ones, I'll jump for joy

AFChap · 06-22-2011, 03:23 PM

My original wet cells lasted 3 yrs from chassis mfg date ...2 yrs from coach purchase date. The replacements ...identical brand, etc to the originals ...are now 6 yrs old and going strong. I'm sure the originals were greatly abused by the dealership as they used the rig for a show coach... MUCH of how long batteries last depends on how they are treated.

Gary1965 · 06-24-2011, 10:07 PM

When you say that what matters is how they are treated, can you give me an example of how to treat them good, and how can they be treated poorly?

Mr_D · 06-25-2011, 12:47 AM

All our batteries (chassis and house) are the OEM that were in the rig when we took delivery June 26th 2002. So ours are just 9 years old and still doing OK. I wouldn't say "as good as new" but still good enough to do what we want.

FlyingDiver · 06-25-2011, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Mark

Mine are 5 years old AGM's that I had Newmar install 5 months after I got the coach.

You had Newmar install AGMs for the chassis bank? I've never heard of anyone using AGM for the engine/starting batteries.

joe

AFChap · 06-26-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

can you give me an example of how to treat them good, and how can they be treated poorly?

Treating deep-discharge chassis batteries good would be never over-charging (a good triple-stage charger is a huge help), never letting the water/acid get low enough to expose the plates, and not discharging too deeply (below 40%/12.0v). My charger also has an equalizing function that I run once or twice a year to restore their capability. And if/when you add water, use only distilled water ...NEVER use tap water.