Community Forums

mrrusty21 · 11-02-2011, 05:08 AM

I recently purchased 6 new LIFELIFE GPL-6CT batteries. The GPL-4CT batteries appear to be exact replacements for the original size, but when I was ordering the new batteries I went with the larger batteries since I didn't have any clearance problems. When it comes to my house batteries I felt like the more power the better. The problem I am having is that the new batteries are 3 inches taller than the original batteries and I cant find any battery hold down kits that will handle the 13" tall new batteries. Has anyone seen any taller hold downs or have any suggestions. Its a new coach and I want it to be as neat looking as possible. Thanks Rusty

Shadowcatche · 11-02-2011, 05:43 AM

Have you talked with the folks at Lifeline? They might well be able to steer you to a source. You could probably use a nylon strap tie down. If all else fails they can be custom made.

OSP1268 · 11-02-2011, 05:56 AM

The nylon strap will work until battery acid eats through it. In Wal-Mart, back in the automotive section, they sell a rubber tie down that is adjustable. Don't know how else to explain it, but it has holes in it and you can loop it around the battery and make it as tight as you want. The ones I got are bright green. And the battery acid won't eat through them.

TechWriter · 11-02-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSP1268

The nylon strap will work until battery acid eats through it.

These are AGM batteries -- they're sealed, so no acid worries.

wa8yxm · 11-02-2011, 04:01 PM

IF your hold downs use bolts and nuts then there is a very simple solution.

The most common hold down is either a frame or a crossover bracket, with a long bolt with a "J" hook on the end... What you need is longer bolts... I mean, your magic bolt stretcher does not work... or does it.

Get a length of threaded rod the same size as the bolt, A pair of "Joiner" Nuts, and some locktite

Locktite on the joiner nuts Add enough threaded rod to fit, Wait 4 hours and then put the hold down nut on.

Shadowcatche · 11-03-2011, 04:59 AM

One of the main advantages of the AGM batteries is that they are recombinant and with the exception of out-gassing a bit of hydrogen, sealed, and can be used on their side or upside down. A nylon strap should work just fine. Yes you should be able to extend the existing J rod assuming there is enough space vertically.

mrrusty21 · 01-31-2012, 11:59 PM

Finnally got my batteries installed. Ended up putting eye bolts in the existing holes that the j-bolts were in and then used small ratcheting straps from Walmart to strap them in place. I used 1 strap for every 2 batteries. Looks neat and the batteries are defiantly not going to bounce around. Thanks for all the ideas!! Rusty

Mr_D · 02-01-2012, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSP1268

The nylon strap will work until battery acid eats through it. In Wal-Mart, back in the automotive section, they sell a rubber tie down that is adjustable. Don't know how else to explain it, but it has holes in it and you can loop it around the battery and make it as tight as you want. The ones I got are bright green. And the battery acid won't eat through them.

My fabric tie downs are the OEM units that the rig came with on June 26th 2002 and they're still in good shape as is my whole battery tray and compartment.
The reason?
I put 4oz of mineral oil in each cell some years back (around 2004 I think). I just replaced both starting batteries and the four house batteries and, as I said, the fabric tie down straps look and function just fine.
In our 2000 DSDP that I didn't use mineral oil in I had to replace the straps and battery tray release after a year or so, but less than two years.