Extra AGM Batteries

[RDMoore]

The wife and I are looking to order a new Aspire 44D. We don't do any boondocking but would like to have plenty of power for the fridge and small appliances while traveling. Anyone have experience with having 2 AGM batteries vs 4 batteries The Aspire comes with 2 and it is extra to add 2 more. Just not sure it is worth the extra money.

[KenZ71]

2 extra batteries should not be a big difference in the overall package.

2 extra would give your fridge more runtime if the Coach is at a service facility so frozen stuff don't thaw out.

[Mwoodofd]

Really just a choice for you - while traveling (driving from spot to spot, and plugging into shore power) not much battery is required as the coach will most like be able to keep the batteries charged enough, not to mention you have a generator if stopped and you want to microwave something. Unless you leave the coach for more than a few hours with no shore power or generator while running the refrigerator, you should be fine with 2 (for a while).

Not sure what batteries (brand) will go in your coach from the factory, they will probably need to be replaced after a few years, then you can decide to stay with 2 better batteries, or put 4 in?

[jbhobbs54]

We have 4 AGM in our Aspire (I upgrade to bigger ones when I replaced them). You will probably be running the generator when you are travelling to run the AC's so your batteries will be probably be topped off with a full charge when you stop. You can also set the auto gen to start the generator if the batteries should happen to go low while you are travelling or stopped. There is a lot of power being consumed by these coaches to keep all the systems alive, not alone the required ones like the fridge.

If we boondock which we do if travelling long distance, the batteries will last all night and the generator will start in the morning.

Enjoy your Aspire, I know we do!

If you put them in to start with the wiring will be done and you won't have to add it later.

[brobox]

JMO The factory installed batteries are of the lowest quality of the food chain for battery life. Mark made a good point, wait until it is time to change the batteries, then if more are desired, add the other 2 but with the upgraded battery choice.

[Angie Morell]

Originally Posted by RDMoore

The wife and I are looking to order a new Aspire 44D. We don't do any boondocking but would like to have plenty of power for the fridge and small appliances while traveling. Anyone have experience with having 2 AGM batteries vs 4 batteries The Aspire comes with 2 and it is extra to add 2 more. Just not sure it is worth the extra money.

Hi RDMoore,

I tend to agree with JBHobbs54. We order all of our Aspires at NIRVC with the extra batteries. They don’t take up that much extra space and they are all wired and ready for use!

[Kid Gloves]

Originally Posted by brobox

JMO The factory installed batteries are of the lowest quality of the food chain for battery life. Mark made a good point, wait until it is time to change the batteries, then if more are desired, add the other 2 but with the upgraded battery choice.

I’ve followed enough of these Entegra AGM calamity threads to agree with the recommendation above. Ideally, a buyer should have the option to jettison certain OEM equipment and select an upgrade that is actually an upgrade.

[LWBAZ]

Interesting to note that when Tiffin decided to offer AGM batteries as an option some years ago, the brand they chose was Lifeline. For anyone not aware, Lifeline batteries are made in the USA, specifically in southern California. I'm not aware of any of Tiffin's direct competitors who offer made-in-the-USA AGM batteries, even as an option.

Now if you want to step up to a Newell, you'll get Lifelines as standard equipment...

[Gary.Jones]

Lifelines are first rate, top shelf.... in the past year or two, the problem with Lifelines is that they have been scarce and often not available. Now, further, they were historically a good deal more expensive than their competitors, but the prices seem to be getting more competitive.

When I replaced my AGMs about a year ago, the wait for Lifelines was 6 to 8 weeks so went with Full Rivers, which I think is second best.

Gary

[MRUSA14]

I have installed Lifelines on two coaches with outstanding results. Lifelines are roughly 20% more expensive, but give 50 to 100% longer life. Well worth the difference.

[HarleySG]

I just installed 4 lifeline batteries in my 2012 Aspire. Can't wait to test them out on a upcoming trip.

Cheers!

[GeezerViz]

When I purchased my Insignia it also came with only 2 batteries. I chose to add 2 more before I took delivery because I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to travel. I have boondocked very few times but during those times I'm glad I have the extra batteries. Power problems truly suck and the extra batteries give me a little piece of mind (I sleep with a CPAP and would hate to lose power when overnighting at wallys or a truckstop).

[hdgoldie]

We have the extra batteries in our Aspire. We don’t boondock often but we have no issue with going through the night without the generator as long as we don’t need A/C. We make it all night and through making coffee in the morning before the generator kicks on. And, at the risk of jinxing myself, we are still able to do that after four years on the original batteries. I will point out that our coach was one of the first ‘19’s off the line, shipped quickly to the dealer and was in our hands a week later. I doubt that the batteries were drained often, if at all, during the process. I know they have not been drained down since we have owned it. When it’s time, we’ll upgrade the batteries but we would definitely reorder them if we were doing it again.

[Tigerfred]

Any thoughts on Rolls batteries? Ordered 4 to replace the EO Relion L16's.