House Batteries

[bandit2014]

Hello All

I know this topic has been discussed many times, but none are recent so I thought I would ask again.

We just purchased a 2013 Anthem 44DLQ about a month ago. We have found now that our house batteries are needing replacing. We have what appears to be the original Eight (8) Discover EVGC6A-B 220AH batteries in the coach. I have to start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before I can start the Generator, which we need or shore power to run the ODS main slide out and in. The other 3 slides will move on just the batteries, but very slowly.
I found (online) the direct replacement Discover batteries, but will have to have them shipped to me and with the cost of the batteries ($354 each) and freight it will hurt my wallet a little to much.
What I'm asking is what are others using to replace their house batteries? I talking brands that you went with and would be easily purchased.
I would like to go to Lithium, but will stay with AGM due to the changes I would have to do and the associated cost.
I'm just north of Austin, TX so I would think that there is a battery outlet that I could go too pick these up. We certainly don't have a good service center here in this area for DP coaches so I don't have that option to help.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

[SJ-Chris]

If they fit, going with CostCo GC 6v batteries are probably your best value and (without knowing anything else about your power needs) should work great. The last ones I purchased, they were ~$120 each (not AGM). Install them, and then go camping! Check the water level 2-3 times per year (takes 10 minutes).


Good luck!
Chris

[Winemaker2]

I have very good service from East Penn AGMs.
For MH I installed 8 6V GC2 AGM that are Duracell made by East Penn) that I got from local Sams Club. Not sure whether they are available in your area but Sams is about the best price for us.
East Penn makes NAPA, Duracell, Alliance (Freightliner) and many others under different brand names as well as their own.
You might check a local golf cart dealer for prices & brands.

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[RayandWendy]

Personally I'd go with the Lifelines from Batteryguys.com. right now they are 419 each with free shipping. But they will last way longer than Discovery batteries. Did that on my 2014 Anthem is 2021.
Later...
Ray

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Sam and Cindy-

Here's a current thread on a similar topic:

Best 6V house batteries

[SouthTX]

I've never met anyone with lithium batteries who would ever consider going back to lead acid. And now that there are some secondary brands at reasonable costs, they are very competitive with AGM. Check the prices on Amazon then call some of the direct suppliers and you very well may find that they will discount the prices a bit if you're buying several batteries.

Remember that essentially a 100 amp lithium replaces 200 amps of lead acid battery. Plug in the intangible cost of no maintenance and longer life and they are hard to beat.

The only downside is your converter/inverter. Even if it is not designed for lithium, it will work although you won't get a full charge. It may also be possible to add a simple lithium capable converter and continue to use the existing inverter, but this is something I haven't looked into.

Do the math on lithiums and you may be amazed.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

I have very good service from East Penn AGMs.
For MH I installed 8 6V GC2 AGM that are Duracell made by East Penn) that I got from local Sams Club. Not sure whether they are available in your area but Sams is about the best price for us.
East Penn makes NAPA, Duracell, Alliance (Freightliner) and many others under different brand names as well as their own.
You might check a local golf cart dealer for prices & brands.

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I echo your experience with East Penn. Sam's prices are hard to beat. If there are a lot of golf course communities in the area, Sam's seems to have them in stock. Some stores can order them from the warehouse, definitely worth checking for the savings. Here the link to see if they are available close to you. https://www.samsclub.com/p/duracell-...=plp_product_2

[Mwoodofd]

X2 on Lifeline batteries, and getting them from the Battery Guys - seems like the best AGM out there.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Mwoodofd

X2 on Lifeline batteries, and getting them from the Battery Guys - seems like the best AGM out there.

The "Best" depends on your definition.
MynEast Penn AGMs on our boat are going on season 9 with no charging possible for 6 month winter storage. At 1.5X - 2X $ premium for Lifeline I don't think I could ever break even nomless come out ahead...anybody getting 15-18 years out of Lifeline AGMs?
I won't even consider LiFePO as I won't be in boating or MHing long enough to come close to break even. Heck I may not live long enough to come out ahead and no kids to leave a boat / MH to.

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[bandit2014]

Ok, I just spoke with Sam's club and they have discontinued the Duracell AGM Golf Cart Battery.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by bandit2014

Ok, I just spoke with Sam's club and they have discontinued the Duracell AGM Golf Cart Battery.

I checked the website again. My local store is showing them in stock, with stores in FT Myers and Naples also in stock. All of these areas a golf course areas. Maybe another Sam's person on the phone, or check the website with the link above and see if any are in your area. You can click on "check other Clubs" on the right hand side.
Let us know if you are able to find them at Sam's, they are showing "in stock" at the SW FL stores.

[Gary.Jones]

Sams AGMs were good. Lifelines were the best but often not available. I bought FullRivers which in my opinion are just as good as Lifelines (American), cheaper, and more available (Philippine??)

A LOT of coach owners have replaced with FullRiver AGMs. I'm very satisfied with mine!!

Gary

[Mark_K5LXP]

Originally Posted by bandit2014

We have what appears to be the original Eight (8) Discover EVGC6A-B 220AH batteries in the coach.

A point to ponder is if you need all eight batteries. If you're on shore power most of the time you might be able to pare that back to 6 or just 4 batteries.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[brobox]

Gary,
I also have the FullRiver, but the OP is replacing Classic batteries. Much easier to get the Duracell (East Penn) 8 AGM's off the shelf at Sam's. Sam's at $217 each is hard to beat for USA made batteries. The carry in guaranty at any Sam's is another plus.