Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackcjr
Hello,
I need to replace my two 8D AGM House Batteries. I am an engineer and may be over-researching this.
Some say replace the 8D's AGMS with 6V golf cart AGM's, flooded batteries, etc.
As mentioned previously we currently have two 8D AGMs 245AH. I would prefer flooded if possible, however leary to change without someone who has experience with flooded house batteries. I had a 40' Bertram with two flooded 8D batteries and experienced zero problems and they lasted for years.
Here is some info on our use:
1.) We rarely boondock
2.) We are hooked to shore power 90% when camoping
3.) We have an Onan 8.5KW Genset
4.) Maintenance on flooded batteies is not an issue with me. I wouold rather not use AGMs or Lithiums
5.) I do not want to modify the battery tray to fit batteries.
Would appreciate any input from those who have replaced 8D's with something else and the best place to purchase the batteries?
Jack C
2001 Coountry Coach Magna
40' w/Tag
8.5 KW Onan Genset
Located in McKinney (Dallas) Texas
|
Hi Jack,
Nothing wrong with changing your AGM's our for Wet Cells - though I admit, most go the other way!!
If you don't want to bother changing cabling around to get lighter per unit weight batteries, then going with 8D Wet Cells from (In no particular order.) Crown, Trojan, Rolls would be my recommendation. Sure, you can find less expensive wet cells, but I never recommend anything but what I feel are the best built options when it comes to batteries.
Frankly, with your usage, the suggestions for the Walmart of Sams Club Duracell is an economical way to go. And also frankly, though not a true deep cycle battery, a Marine 8D battery would probably support your limited house battery duty needs well too.
But I'll also share an opinion. "Stuf' happens from time to time, where we need to be off of shore power for unexpected reasons. Having a bit better quality house batteries, can really make a difference at such times. Plus, still on the opinion front. I'm in the school of thought that I'd rather pay a bit more money now, to get a few years more life out of batteries - just to avoid having to locate and swap out the battery bank again!! (Those 8D's are heavy suckers
!)
If you don't mind investing in two jumper cables, then going to X's 2 Grp 31's for each 8D as replacements - is another way to go. Much easier lifting in/out Grp 31's then 8D's
!
You're in Florida, so I don't have any recommendations for local battery places in that area. Factor in shipping, if ordering in from the internet.
Me? I'd go with the wet cells that I had outstanding service with - Trojan's... They'll probably be on the upper end of the price spectrum for wet cells. But they've an earned reputation for good quality and longer lasting...
As an engineer, consider/research the viability of adding a dash of Mineral Oil to reduce water loss... (Like many things with RV'ing - differing opinions on the viability of doing so
! I had a Bounder that had no slide and very limited access to service the two house batteries. I wanted more AH's for contingency and added safety. And could height wise slide in X's 2 T-125's, vs T-105's. Due to the PITA factor of checking and topping off fluid levels, I did put a dash of Mineral Oil in, and it allowed me to go quite a bit longer between waterings... Doubt I hurt the batteries. When I sold the Bounder, that pair was just turning 7 years old, and the new owner replaced them 3 years later. Not because they were complete gone yet, but because he felt he was pushing his luck with 10yrs old batteries.
And if you're not real concerned with budget, and do not want AGM's. Also check out the Trojan T-1275's. You'd need X's 2 to replace Each 8D. But they're 12V, and would give you 600AH's of house bank for added contingency - for 'if' 'STUF' happens
!
No right or wrong, just choices of where and how to spend your money
!
Best of luck to you,
Smitty
Linear Mode
