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Old 02-28-2018, 09:01 AM   #1
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Battery Replacement Time!

So its time to replace the 8 AGM Harris/Discover batteries in our Anthem. I have read a number of posts, but I still am having problems making a choice to which brand to go with.

I have found Lifeline GPL-4CT for about $275 each. The battery vendor offered a Precision brand AGM battery for $200 each. They are 200ah vs 220ah for the Lifelines, but at a $600 savings, does it make sense? I have also found Trojan (217ah) and East Penn batteries (190ah) for anywhere between $250-$285 each.

Could you share any experiences you may have with the various battery manufacturers and longevity? With a $2k+ investment, I want to ensure I won't need to do this again in the next few years. Although one could say I got a little over 6 years on the current batteries (production date of 11/11), they should've been replaced years ago. When we bought the coach (used) they killed the batteries (<8.0v) a few times. Don helped me with proper inverter settings and its helped, but I cannot go through the night without the inverters kicking out with just the fridge on.

Thank you in advanced!
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Old 02-28-2018, 09:52 AM   #2
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Battery Replacement

Jeff,
Lifelines are the top of the line. We had them on our sailboat and were more than pleased with the service. They are sealed and maintenance free. When it comes time to replace ours in the bus, we will do the same.
Over 6 years the 600 dollar difference is 100 per year or 8.33 a month.
Really a small difference for peace of mind.
As as wise man said once, "you get what you pay for".

Safe travels.
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Old 02-28-2018, 09:53 AM   #3
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Jeff, when it comes to deep-cycle AGM batteries, Lifeline batteries are pretty much the class of the field. Not surprisingly they’re priced accordingly, but I’ve purchased more than a few of them over years (for my own use and assisting others with their needs) and have always been very satisfied.

Also worth mentioning is that Lifeline is headquartered in southern California and all their products are made there. If you have a problem or a question, you can call and talk to a real person. You might even end up speaking with Justin Godber, who is the grandson of the gentleman who founded the company years ago.

If you don’t want to spend the money for Lifelines, my next choice would be the East Penn “Intimidator” AGM batteries. East Penn is also a U.S. based company (Lyon Station, Pennsylvania) and their products are made there. As you noted, the rated capacity of the East Penn GC2 AGM’s is less than the Lifeline GPL-4CT’s. That’s not an issue if you don’t do a lot of dry camping, but if you’re an avid boondocker you’ll want to go for as much capacity as you can afford.

Regarding the prices you quoted for the East Penn AGM batteries, I believe you can do better if you check Sam’s Club. They sell the same East Penn batteries under the “Duracell” brand name, usually for less than $200 per battery. Also of interest, a flyer I just received from Camping World includes a page proclaiming “Save up to 20% on Flooded & AGM Batteries” and shows a photo of East Penn Intimidator AGM batteries. Under the photo it reads “AGM BATTERIES STARTING AT CLUB SALE $128 / Regularly $160.99.” Not sure if that price is for the 6 volt GC2 AGM batteries you need, but probably worth checking if you decide to go with the East Penn batteries.
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Old 02-28-2018, 10:07 AM   #4
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Might seriously consider lithium, as they will likely be the last batteries you buy. Might not have any money left for camping, but, hey!
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Old 02-28-2018, 11:12 AM   #5
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A previous poster recommended the Battery Guys (internet) free shipping an no tax. I used them and was very satisfied. Shipped 4 lifelines to my campsite within 4 days

Herb
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Old 02-28-2018, 11:30 AM   #6
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I have the East Penn's also Duracell and one other brand name made my the same company. Here in Ft Myers we have a battery wholesale company that handles batteries for all of the golf carts here in FL. They do a large business with all the golf courses and have prices much lower than the retail outlets. Might be worth checking if there is a company like that in your area.

Not much of a web site, but great prices and they deliver. https://www.discountbatteryofswfl.com/services
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Old 02-28-2018, 11:38 AM   #7
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I use Lifeline for House and Chassis. As I was not replacing them by myself, I went with L16's, because I had the head room (X's 4, but I could have fit X's 6). Single 8D for engine duty, knowing I always have the Boost switch to augment the 8D if ever needed.

Give fellow RV'er Tom a chance to quote you for a set of Lifeline's. Good people he be, with solid support. You could measure your bay, and talk over Lifeline batteries options for your unit, if you want to consider not just putting in the same size of battery.

Trans-Specialist - Your Source for Lifeline Batteries

Now, that being, other manufactures have come into the AGM market since I bought my batteries. Trojan, with their great Wet Cell reputation, now also offer an AGM. Many people I respect are pleased with the performance of the Fullriver, though the prices do not seem to be as much of a discount below Lifeline then they used to be! I was interested in how the Crown AGM wold perform, as I'd read good reviews from the Off Grid Home user's of their Wet Batteries. But if you search the RV.Net Tech Forum, you will see an opinion on X's 2 of their GRP 31 AGM's - that is not favorable.

All that being said, I believe Lifeline is what I would go with for AGM's today!

Best,
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Old 02-28-2018, 11:40 AM   #8
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I just replaced mine with Lifelines. If you plan to keep the coach it is well worth the extra cost. High likelihood that they will last many years.

If you plan to sell in a year or two, get the cheaper ones and let the next guy worry about it.

By the way, I bought mine in Delaware while passing through there, as they have no sales tax. Other states with no sales tax include New Hampshire, Montana, Oregon and Alaska. If you are traveling through any of these states you can save half a tank of fuel cost by avoiding the sales tax.
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Old 02-28-2018, 01:32 PM   #9
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I don't have first-hand experience, but when I was on the Tiffin forum, a couple of the guys swore by "Fullriver" batteries (their L16 is DC1150-2).

The specs on their site are very strong - I plan to at least consider Fullriver when the time comes... Thanks,

BG
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Old 02-28-2018, 03:03 PM   #10
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Thank you all for the info! East Penn is right up the road from me, so I’m going to check their prices too.

The lifeline dealer is in DE, so yes a big thumbs up on saving tax!

I would go lithium, but I already have two mortgages on the house, lol. Just too expensive right now and I only plan on keeping the unit about another 3-4 years.

I didn’t see any batteries on camping world, except for lithium. The only AGM battery was a 4ah and that isn’t going to work.
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Old 02-28-2018, 04:34 PM   #11
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I have been told that Lifeline or Full River are the only two ways to go.
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Old 02-28-2018, 04:47 PM   #12
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If only keeping the coach for 3-4 years, then do decide if you feel the price difference between Lifeline and Fullriver is worth the possibility that a potential buyer recognizes/understands the Lifeline name. If you think you'll trade the coach in, then install the Fullriver's!

Best,
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Old 02-28-2018, 05:00 PM   #13
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The full river agm battery is boasting a 250 ah which is sweet @ $2,700
For 8 on google at some battery store in Vegas The height and width seem to fit the tray.. it did look like the post were opposite of the stock discovery battery.. not sure if any one has experience with these but if I was up for batteries I think I’d look real hard at these...
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Old 02-28-2018, 06:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbreault View Post
Thank you all for the info! East Penn is right up the road from me, so I’m going to check their prices too.

The lifeline dealer is in DE, so yes a big thumbs up on saving tax!

I would go lithium, but I already have two mortgages on the house, lol. Just too expensive right now and I only plan on keeping the unit about another 3-4 years.

I didn’t see any batteries on camping world, except for lithium. The only AGM battery was a 4ah and that isn’t going to work.
Camping World doesn't typically show batteries on their web site, but they do carry them in their stores.

I'm guessing the reason they don't show them on the web site is that they don't want to deal with shipping batteries.
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