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Fifty4F100's avatar
Fifty4F100
Explorer
Oct 18, 2016

Batteries

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?
Class A

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  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Oct 18, 2016
    Use what ever has the greatest number of cold cranking amps. Maintain between trips with a modest solar system.

    My starter battery is a Walmart Marine which I purchased in 2009.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Oct 18, 2016
    The best "bang for the buck" are flooded cell (wet) golf cart batteries. Yes, they do require maintenance. Checking the water level at least once a month when in use. Less often when in storage.

    Applying a generous gob of grease on the posts and terminal will cut down on the fluffy stuff. Cleaning with baking soda and water about once a year is a good idea.

    Like any lead acid battery, do not let them fully discharge.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 18, 2016
    AGM actually is superior (compared to flooded) for just sitting with very low self discharge. Also charges faster when you do roll the RV. Still need to take precaution against any parasite drain while in storage.
  • Fifty4F100's avatar
    Fifty4F100
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2016
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    Unless the battery says AGM they likely are not. AGM's are good but I like a simple gel cell (no maintenance) with lots of cranking amps as a starting battery. I won't put wet cells anywhere (personal choice) but use AGM for the house batteries and gel cell for starting and generator batteries.
    Sam's Club has well priced batteries which are an exact size replacement for your existing batteries.

    I've seen some batteries on the Sam's Club site. They do have some AGM batteries but for more than the Interstates in my coach now.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Oct 18, 2016
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    Unless the battery says AGM they likely are not. AGM's are good but I like a simple gel cell (no maintenance) with lots of cranking amps as a starting battery. I won't put wet cells anywhere (personal choice) but use AGM for the house batteries and gel cell for starting and generator batteries.
    Sam's Club has well priced batteries which are an exact size replacement for your existing batteries.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Oct 18, 2016
    Unless the battery says AGM they likely are not. AGM's are good but I like a simple gel cell (no maintenance) with lots of cranking amps as a starting battery. I won't put wet cells anywhere (personal choice) but use AGM for the house batteries and gel cell for starting and generator batteries.

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