AGM Batteries as a Special

[Canuck53]

Has anyone asked for AGM batteries as a special and ask for Lifeline batteries? The normal Discover AGM are about 66#. The Lifeline GPL-6CT are 90# and 3 inches taller would you install in 2015 Dutchstar? Thanks for any help.

[GaryKD]

Hi Canuck53,
Go with the Lifeline batteries. Discover AGMs are junk. I have had both. I now have Lifeline and am very pleased. As to the weight, here are some thoughts.
1. When it comes to batteries size matters. The larger the battery the longer it provides power. Get the largest that will fit in the tray.
However,
2. If you are a DIY person, the 90 pounds must be taken into consideration. I have the same concern as you. My Lifeline purchase was based on the weight I can handle. I got the lighter batteries because there is no way I can remove/install a 90 pound battery. However, since I am almost always connected to shore power, the batteries must provide power only during travel.

The bottom line is how you will use the batteries. If you really need to maximize the power, the heavier batteries are the correct choice. If you are like me, the lighter batteries will do just fine. Lifeline has lighter batteries than the one mentioned in your post. I purchased the GPL-4CT. Go to http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvflyer.php?id=14 and take a look.

[Canuck53]

Hi Gary,

I like the whole idea of AGM and 1 less thing to worry about as a rookie RVer. I was hoping Newmar would install the Lifeline I stead of the Discover AGM's. Yes weight is a factor but if it fits and the coach/tray can handle it then maybe the larger size but the 4 would be fine.

[Algoma]

I don't know about other models but Newmar will only supply AGM's as a special order on "all electric" Ventana's.

[Canuck53]

Yes I'm sure they will supply AGM as a special order on the DS but I would like to specify the Lifeline brand not the Discover brand.

[wa8yxm]

Personally I would not go with AGM's unless access for maintenance is an issue, but then I have worked with flooded wet cells since I was in my teens, and I am now in my 60s. I do not feel they justify their cost.

HOWEVER,, Many disagree with me, and if you do go for it.

And by all means, go with LIFELINE.

Do be aware that most good battery companies make a few different "GC-2" class batteries,, Some are a bit shorter, and lighter, and hold less power (like 210 amp hours) some are taller, Heavy as blazes and hold 250,, Most are 220-230.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

However, since I am almost always connected to shore power, the batteries must provide power only during travel.

In that case flooded wet cells would work just as well and be far cheaper in the first place and at replacement time.
Our OEM Interstate U-2200's lasted one month short of 10 years and were good enough at that point for at least overnight at a Wal*Mart, let alone just between hookups!

[Canuck53]

Looks like I will be asking for Lifeline batteries as a special of a special. I'm 60 and never looked after batteries so I will look to simplify.

[andyh]

I don't think Newmar will upgrade the Discovery batteries to Lifeline. In my case they refused it. All battery interconnect cables had to be customized. You may want to negotiate with your dealer to trade your new batteries to the Lifeline series, as one of the IRV2 posters did in 2013.
By the way, my Discover AGMs lasted over 6 years.

[Canuck53]

Andy good to know thanks. I was hoping somebody had given it a shot. What did you do for hour 2015 DS? AGM or Stock batteries?

[andyh]

I went with the 8 AGMs. They are the Discovery batteries which are the same terminal configuration as the standard batteries. All the serial interconnects are solid copper bars, so changing them to Lifeline requires at least 4 custom cables to be fabricated.

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by Canuck53

Has anyone asked for AGM batteries as a special and ask for Lifeline batteries? The normal Discover AGM are about 66#. The Lifeline GPL-6CT are 90# and 3 inches taller would you install in 2015 Dutchstar? Thanks for any help.

We custom ordered AGM batteries with our 2015 Ventana 4037. I didn't specify a brand and assume that Newmar will use whatever they normally use.

I do have Lifeline's on my current coach and will probably consider changing to them 10 years from now when the Newmar AGM's wear out.

I'm with you and have no desire to maintain 8 flooded cell coach batteries. One less thing to NEVER have to worry about.

[Algoma]

I have ordered AGM for my Ventana as there is no way I am going to check the water level on 24 cells. Someone said they are not cost effective, which may be true, but if you are paying $300k+ for a motorhome I think you can afford the AGM's for peace of mind.

[Canuck53]

I plan to take factory delivery so maybe the service dept would replace the originals with AGM of my choices?