Replacing OEM Batteries

[pmoroney]

I have the original batteries that came with the coach, just wondering if I should replace them with the new AGM?
I don't want to wait until they start causing problems.

Thoughts ?


Thanks,
Patrick

2018 32sa

[Arch Hoagland]

Take pictures BEFORE you do anything....

I replaced my flooded cell batteries with AGM 6 volt Golf Cart batteries from Sam's Club for $179 each a couple years ago.

It's nice not having to check then water levels.

[Winemaker2]

You will get a variety of answers depending on members favorite. FLA least expensive, but require not only batty maint but MH batty bay will need maintbat some point.
I rebuilt my batty bay & tray once and decide it would be the last so went AGM.
Proponents of LiFePo feel strongly but a switch needs considerations as so called "drop ins" are a misnomer IMO.
So much depends on your style and art of boondocking and your budget

[pmoroney]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Take pictures BEFORE you do anything....

I replaced my flooded cell batteries with AGM 6 volt Golf Cart batteries from Sam's Club for $179 each a couple years ago.

It's nice not having to check then water levels.

Why take pictures?

[8.3Oilbuner]

Hi Patrick; You would be surprised how many posts happen here in this forum with problems after someone changes their batteries. A missed wire that slipped down behind the battery box, a wrong connection of where a wire went. Its easy to do unless their are only 2 connections. I mark all cables and wires and draw a diagram of where things go so there are no mistakes. Better safe than sorry!!!!

[ArtJoyce]

Have you started running low on battery? Well maintained battries you should expect a 7 to 9 year life. If they have not been a problem? My take is why change them?

[Arch Hoagland]

I say take pictures first so in case you forget how they were hooked up you'll have a guide.

There's been lot's of posts over the past years where people forgot which way they were hooked up and connected them incorrectly destroying a lot of electrical items.

Also be sure you DISCONNECT FROM SHORE POWER first.

[dssl]

Originally Posted by pmoroney

I have the original batteries that came with the coach, just wondering if I should replace them with the new AGM?
I don't want to wait until they start causing problems.

Thoughts ?


Thanks,
Patrick

2018 32sa

If you have been taking care of them, keeping them charged. Keeping the plates covered and not going bellow 50% too often they could be good for a few more years.

They won't die suddenly, instead they won't hold the charge as long.

Besides money no harm in changing them too early.

[RandomDV8]

Anyone know why 6-volt batteries are used instead of 12-volt? 12-volt seems ro be easier to find.

[Mark_K5LXP]

6V batteries have better performance and longevity for the dollar than 12V. You can get similarly performing 12V batteries but they cost more per Ah, so you don't normally pick 12V unless 6V won't physically fit. I, and many others buy them at box stores like costco and sam's club pretty much anywhere in the country. Premium brands may need to be ordered through specialty shops but if you're going down that road you know what you're after anyway.

Agree with dssl, batteries don't "suddenly" fail unless conditions change to cause that. Properly cared for batteries are pretty reliable and have a pretty slow rate of decline as they age. At 4 or 5 years I would keep an eye on their capacity but I wouldn't arbitrarily replace them. Knowing your capacity and power usage you'll have plenty of advance notice when it will be time to replace.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[pmoroney]

Thanks to all for replying to my question on batteries, I think I will hang in for another year or so then look at the AGM for replacement.

Thanks Again,

Patrick

[RandomDV8]

Does anyone know where to find 6-volt AGM batteries?

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by RandomDV8

Does anyone know where to find 6-volt AGM batteries?

Sam's Club has them for $189.

[RandomDV8]

Does Costco have 6-volt AGM?