New here, looking for help please.....starter + coach batteries

[gonzzo]

Hi all:

I'll make this short as I'm running out of time.

I am purchasing a 2000 Coachmen Catalina 334 mbs and it has dead batteries. I can provide a good 925cca starter battery but need suggestions on affordable coach batteries.

Want lithiums, but in reality, AGM is about what I'll be able to afford. Future plans are for 2 to 300w solar system and possibly a pair of lithiums.

For now, no solar, 2 AGM's for local 1 to 2 night outings on the weekends, until the wife feels comfortable with longer excursions.

Now taking suggestions on affordable AGM house batteries.....

This will truly show my noobines, will also consider a pair of 6v AGM's if that even exists and what loops do I need to clear to make that happen?....

Thank you all for your patience and knowledge.

Have a good day!.....

[Arch Hoagland]

I recently replaced my two flooded cell 6 volt golf cart batteries with AGM batteries.

I bought the Duracell 6 volt GC2 AGM batteries at Sam's club. $179 each plus $18 core charge on each.

Flooded cell GC2 batteries are about $89 each.

I suggest you take a picture of your existing setup before you do anything.

I also suggest measuring the physical size of the currently installed batteries and make sure any new ones will fit in the same space.

Have you tried to charge the existing batteries with the existing Coachman converter? In other words is the converter working?

[gonzzo]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I recently replaced my two flooded cell 6 volt golf cart batteries with AGM batteries.

I bought the Duracell 6 volt GC2 AGM batteries at Sam's club. $179 each plus $18 core charge on each.

Flooded cell GC2 batteries are about $89 each.

I suggest you take a picture of your existing setup before you do anything.

I also suggest measuring the physical size of the currently installed batteries and make sure any new ones will fit in the same space.

Have you tried to charge the existing batteries with the existing Coachman converter? In other words is the converter working?

Thanks for your reply.

My situation is weird and 100% my fault, I looked at the coach in the rain, looked at the interior for about 1hr, everything was in fantastic shape, the problem is that the man selling it is not familiar with the power/charging system works, he left the power on and ran the batteries down for about 1 week, now he has removed them and is trying to charge them. I am just far enough away that I can't get to it before or after work, so that's why I decide to just get new batteries and Dela with any other issues as they come up.

I know this idea is foolish and will likely bite me later, for lack of better words, I just have to have this RV!.

Thanks for your suggestions!....

[Arch Hoagland]

Never hurts to put new batteries in, then you know they are good.

I've run batteries down before...stuff happens.

[Smitty77]

Concur with the input that starting off fresh gives you a good baseline going forward. Many have been pleased with the performance of the Fullriver AGM line. You said a 'pair', so assume either space constraints(?). I've known a few that have used the Fullriver DC150-12 AGM's considered a GC2 12V, combined would yield 300AH's.

They will be more expensive then then the Duracell, but 300AH vs 190AH - so over 1/3 more capacity available.

Just another option, and of course, price point too!
Best to you,
Smitty

[Mark_K5LXP]

Make sure the converter in the camper can charge AGM's. On that note, not sure what the AGM's would offer you. If you're going to upgrade to solar and lithiums, then you'll be leaving money on the table replacing good AGM's. Better to beat up and trade out a couple FLA's than some nice SLA's.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I recently replaced my two flooded cell 6 volt golf cart batteries with AGM batteries.

I bought the Duracell 6 volt GC2 AGM batteries at Sam's club. $179 each plus $18 core charge on each.

Flooded cell GC2 batteries are about $89 each.

Excellent suggestion ! GC2 AGM batteries are not very common and likely will have to be special order regardless of brand.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

Excellent suggestion ! GC2 AGM batteries are not very common and likely will have to be special order regardless of brand.

Sam's Club stocks AGM, GC2, batteries.

[gonzzo]

Ok, seller just text me, he got it started and has all batteries charging, they a show good voltage, so I think that buys me some valuable time(a few days) for me to do some research and find out what these acronims mean.....lol.

I will do a proper search as well as keep an eye on this thread, thanks everyone!.....

[raparsons]

I am installing a 3000-6000 inverter to run my rv full time. Can someone tell me what size batteries to go with. I have the old 30amp system. I only need to run frig., small microwave and space heater.

[Redapple]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Sam's Club stocks AGM, GC2, batteries.

I concur. Two GC2 batts are a good starting point for an unfamiliar coach, good price point until you figure out a long term strategy.

Good Luck with your new to you coach!!!

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by raparsons

I am installing a 3000-6000 inverter to run my rv full time. Can someone tell me what size batteries to go with. I have the old 30amp system. I only need to run frig., small microwave and space heater.

First, I hope you are planning on using a pure sine wave (PSW) inverter. Microwaves and refrigerators work much better on PSW.

Second, forget the space heater. You can not practically have enough batteries to run one.

Third, how are you going to recharge them.

[Kodiakan]

Gonzzo
You might want to go with a cheap flooded batteries until you figure out your charging system, both 110 volt from shore and genny and 12 volt from alternator. Not all systems are compatible with all batteries. I put a pair of expensive blue tops in my boat and ruined them in a year due to alternator overcharging. Learn your system and then spend big dollars for your permanent set up. Just my humble opinion

[gonzzo]

Originally Posted by Kodiakan

Gonzzo

You might want to go with a cheap flooded batteries until you figure out your charging system, both 110 volt from shore and genny and 12 volt from alternator. Not all systems are compatible with all batteries. I put a pair of expensive blue tops in my boat and ruined them in a year due to alternator overcharging. Learn your system and then spend big dollars for your permanent set up. Just my humble opinion

Kodiakan, humble opinion noted and welcomed, I consider myself a logical man and your suggestion is very logical, common sense.

I will do as advised and report....

Thank you for your time!.....