|
08-31-2011, 10:59 AM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 396
|
4D AGM Batteries in my MH???
Ok folks.. what is a good educated position here? My son has access to frequently changed out batteries in his business. He just emailed me and to told me he would have 8 4D batteries available in 1.5-2 years.. They will be like new and are AGM batteries that need no water and won't outgas or spill.
These batteries are huge and HEAVY.. like 135# or so each. I haven't measured my battery compartment yet.. but, currently have 2 12V batts and 4 (or 6, can't remember) Brown 6V batts.
I believe the 4D are typically used for starting and have something like 220AH. I'm sure 220 AH will last a long time. Not sure how they would last if they are drawn down too far and recharged.. but, what the hey.. if they are free.. and I have access to a bunch of them.. ??
So, not being a battery expert.. I can use some guidance.
__________________
Bill Splaine, Meridian, ID WA7WS
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE, 2023 MB Sprinter 144" 3500 aka BlauMax (aka GreatWhite), Amateur Radio, Woodcarving and more
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
08-31-2011, 12:11 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 632
|
There is a reason the business cycles them out and that should not be minimized. They may well serve your needs and be a good deal as your needs are different from that of a business but do know what the deal really is.
AGM's are maintenance free but the cost for that is proper charging and maintenance equipment. You don't want to overcharge them.
If you can make the fit and wire the batteries to get the proper house voltage, you should be OK on that front. Check battery sizes and terminal types and locations very very carefully.
The weight is indeed an issue. One website I saw said there were a couple thousand injuries from batteries every year and something like 40% of those injuries were from improper lifting strains or dropping on sensitive parts.
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 12:58 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Surprise Arizona
Posts: 1,994
|
4D AGMs are marine deep cycle batteries and are a good choice for rv use. Paired they will give 400AH. They can be installed in almost any position and will accept a charge rate up to 25 amps. I would say go for it if there is room. They would retail for around $600-$700 each depending on brand.
__________________
Harold & Linda
2009 CT coachworks siena 35V
W22 Workhorse 8.1L. Explorer Sport toad,
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 02:18 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
|
The 8D is roughly equal to a pair of GC2's.. If you can fit 'em, wear 'em in good health.
If you can't fit 'em.. I'll take them off your hands.. I could use one just about now. and I can Make ROOM!!
__________________
Home is where I park it!
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 02:37 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tavares, FL
Posts: 1,652
|
I have 2 Lifeline 110 AM AGM batteries and love them. We booddock a lot and they are a great choice. They can even be used on their side or upside down and do not need any maintenance except cleaning terminals. I have two under my entrance steps and it was all I could do to lift then into position. They are heavy. The extra height caused me to have to wiggle them in.
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 06:08 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club American Coach Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,768
|
I have two 4Ds in a sailboat. The reason for the big batteries is (in addition to the 12V lights, water pump, starting the engine, etc) to run the refrigerator which is 12v only and stays on 24/7. In my MH, 4Ds would be an over kill.
__________________
2014 American Eagle 45T
DD 13, 500 HP
Pulling a Honda CRV
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 06:27 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
|
I do not think a 4D or two would be overkill, I mis-typed in my earlier post.a 4D is about 200 amp hours at the 20 hour rate (alas, Interstate tries to confuse me) so that is an "about".
That is just bit less than the standard GC-2 pair that many motor homes carry.
Watts per pound is... identical for all batteires
__________________
Home is where I park it!
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 08:10 PM
|
#8
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: West Palm Beach, FL. USA
Posts: 27,704
|
A single 4D is about the size of two GC2 6v's and has no real advantage over the GC2's. Actually has a bit less amp hours (200 vs 220). But if somebody were giving them to me and I needed to replace my GC2's anyway, it's a heck of a deal. Especially since they are AGMs.
The only question would be why are they getting rid of them. There can be various reasons and they may not be a problem in an RV application, but I would want to know.
__________________
Gary Brinck
Former owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVs
Home is West Palm Beach, FL
|
|
|
08-31-2011, 08:37 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 396
|
Thanks for the replies folks.. The reason they become available is.. my son works as a chief in a large San Francisco building. They need very reliable power for their computer equipment as well as other uses. They have some large diesel generators that get fired up weekly. After 1.5-2 years they trade out the batteries. It's all about 100% up time. The bat's I've received from him while running a prior building were Gp 27's They were always great.. lasted a long time and were also.. FREE. They are anything but abused...
__________________
Bill Splaine, Meridian, ID WA7WS
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE, 2023 MB Sprinter 144" 3500 aka BlauMax (aka GreatWhite), Amateur Radio, Woodcarving and more
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|