Batteries

They are more likely just Sealed Valve Regulated, not AGM, Just maintenance free.
however you said you are getting ready to replace at 5 years. That argues for AGM (My Maintenance free nearly lasted twice as long, 9 years)

That said however nothing wrong with AGM's. They are decent starting batteries (Save for Optima, and in some cases Optima are best, otherwise they are just expensive).

the major disadvantage in this use is cost. .They cost more, and no benefits.

Interstate 31-MHD are wet cell "sealed" no battery caps. The guy who told you AGM most likely has it as a hot term and knows nothing of what is really installed. Sounds to me like they are the original reasonable batteries for the coach. At five years old they meet my thoughts on age to replace. I use the five year rule on start batteries " if they hic-up after five years service in any rig I replace"

Interstate 31-MHD Automotive Battery
BCI Group Size: Group Size 31T
Chemistry: Conventional (Wet Cell)
Rating: 12V 117Ah
Cold Cranking Amps: 950
Dimensions (LxWxH): 13 x 6.75 x 9.38 in.
Weight (lbs.): 60

And your $111 price is about normal

LEN

There are caps under the hard plastic cover of maintenance free batteries... Interstate 31's are not AGM. I put a small amount of water in my Interstate 31 engine batteries every two years. This also lets you check the specific gravity of each cell of the battery... the best test of the health of a battery.

Three years ago I had some fun with a Interstate rep at a rally by asking "I need some help deciding if I should go back with Interstate engine batteries?" He bit and asked what the problem was? I said they were only 10 years old and each one would still start my ISL 400 by itself... yes, just one battery. Ended up buying new ones for $100 each and no sales tax in OR as they let me keep my old ones which are still in a 24V machine I own... 13 years old.

Do not turn in the one that is not gassing and find another use for it.

I agree with MM that AGM house batteries are worth the money as like him it was repainting and trying to keep the battery tray slides working every other year. I have not even looked at my AGMs in two years... guess I should at least look at them.

'54F100, 4 or 5 yrs. for chassis batteries is good. On our previous coach ('08 Dynasty), I got about 3 yrs. out of my 2 starting batteries which were maintenance free.

One thing that I hated, were the 8 wet-cell house batteries that I had to check the water in regularly. They would sulfate and I would clean them with baking soda, etc. I had to have the metal sliding trays painted twice in 7.5 yrs.

Finally, I bit the bullet and replaced the 8 wet-cell house batteries with 8 AGM's..... oh my gosh, pure heaven! No watering, no sulfating, no repainting the trays (after new batteries). As I recall, when getting the new AGM's, repairing the trays, installation and purchase of the batteries, tax, etc. was about $3,500. Worth every penny.

Good luck,
MM.

I said I was going to change out my batteries. Didn't ask whether I needed to. And I do agree. New Interstate batteries are $111 each. Not much cheaper at Sams. I'm of the opinion that AGM would cost more than that. But again the tech said AGM. And this dealer sells Tiffin new. Thought he would know. They are maintenance free. So I guess 4 or 5 years life isn't bad.

Fifty4F100 wrote:
It was stinking very much. And when I opened the door the outside battery had steam pouring out of the vent. It was pretty hot as well. The door had a good bit of crud at that point. It continued for some time. And it won't hold a charge. It will jump after some time as well as keeping the RV plugged in and the AUX START button held down.

LOL. well if you had simply posted that to begin with then its really a no brainer. you need two new 31 series starter batterys for sure.Again though there not agm and no one buys them for starting way way too expensive.well maybe not nobody but tiffin is not putting them in their entry level diesels i,am sure of that.I don't think Interstate even make a 31 series agm starting battery
Go to a high volume truck supply as there usually the best deal.every transport truck made uses these . should get decent ones for around 90$ each

It was stinking very much. And when I opened the door the outside battery had steam pouring out of the vent. It was pretty hot as well. The door had a good bit of crud at that point. It continued for some time. And it won't hold a charge. It will jump after some time as well as keeping the RV plugged in and the AUX START button held down.

Fifty4F100 wrote:
The tech that took us around our coach when we bought it last spring said they were AGM. I can't find anything on our batteries or online that tells either way.

But the last time we had it out, the outside battery was letting off gas. Others have told me that one of them are bad. And I need to replace both one time.

Why would you say there's nothing wrong with my starting batteries?

Never said there was nothing wrong. I said I as in me don't think there should be anything wrong. how do u know it was letting off gas?
was it stinking bad or ?
I seriously doubt Tiffin uses AGM for starting batterys

The tech that took us around our coach when we bought it last spring said they were AGM. I can't find anything on our batteries or online that tells either way.

But the last time we had it out, the outside battery was letting off gas. Others have told me that one of them are bad. And I need to replace both one time.

Why would you say there's nothing wrong with my starting batteries?

Fifty4F100 wrote:
I'm about to change out the chassis batteries in our Allegro. It has Interstate 31-MHD batteries now. They are original to our 2012 model so I'm thinking they were installed in 2011 making them 5 years old. If my searching has been correct they are AGM sealed batteries. And I'm finding AGM isn't the best suited for a MH that will sit most of the time. I think I read they won't last much past 2 years. Is that assumption correct?

I also assume that Tiffin puts correct parts on their coaches. Is that assumption correct?

I doubt there,s anything wrong with your starting batterys and I seriously doubt there AGM