Need batteries

Dakzuki wrote:
You're running AGMs with a single stage converter?

Yes I am.

I did this with our first set of Interstate AGM batteries for the ~8 years that they were in our motorhome, and will probably do the same with these Fullrivers. Early-on I thought why not try it ... since our single stage Parallax 7345 converter was a solid and reliable performer (they cost about the same as good multi-stage chargers) ... so why spend more money on another charger just to get multi-stages after spending the $$$ for the AGM batteries. Both Interstate and Fullriver AGM batteris require only a two-stage charger anyway - not a three-stage charger. There are very few two-stage chargers out there (the Parallax Paramode is one, however).

Note that both our first set of Interstate deep cycle AGM batteries and this set of Fullriver deep cycle AGM batteries specify a float voltage of around 13.6 volts. This means that the stock fixed voltage converter would not "cook" them when on float from the stock single voltage converter.

Due to the low internal resistance of AGM batteries one can also fill them up fast enough - for some camping styles - by just using the same fixed voltage value. For our first set of AGM batteries with the 13.6 volt float voltage specification, the recommended higher boost charge voltage shown in their AGM spec sheet was for use in merely charging them faster than 13.6 volts would - it was not needed for any battery design reason other than to make sure users got them closer to full charge (which is good for longest battery life) with each charging session.

We are hit-and-run campers with frequent travel time between sites. This frequent travel delivers high alternator currents (due - again - to low internal AGM resistance) into our AGM batteries that brings them up to, or close to, full charge many times during camping trips.

I monitor the voltage on (from the alternator) and the current into (from the alternator) our coach AGM batteries while on the road using a voltmeter and ammeter mounted on the cab dash. These two instruments help ensure that the coach batteries are getting treated well by the alternator - which can get seriously compromised by aging inter-connect solenoid contacts. I'm on our 3rd coach battery/alternator inter-connect solenoid in the 10 years that we've owned our rig. The solenoids have never failed to engage - their contacts only become high resistance through surface corrosion such that the coach batteries were getting far less charge per driving session than they should have.

I wonder how many Class A/B/C RV'ers have this going on in their rigs and wonder why their batteries seem to never perform quite right immediately after setting up camp when they have been on the road many hours from home or from the last campsite?

pnichols wrote:
I have a couple of these deep cycle 12V Group 31 AGM batteries in parallel under the step (the stock location as provided by Winnebago) in our Itasca 24V Class C. They're 115 amp hours each, so they provide a total of 230 amp hours. Their specified float voltage is 13.6 volts, so stock single voltage converters don't dry them out over time. Also since they're AGM, they charge faster with any voltages in the charging range than wet cell batteries do. This means that they can both be floated and charged fairly quickly using just a stock 13.6 volt RV converter. That's what we do with our RV:

http://www.fullriverbattery.com/product/batteries/DC115-12

You're running AGMs with a single stage converter?

I bought two US brand 6-volt batteries equivalent to Trojan T-105. $99 apiece locally.

I have a couple of these deep cycle 12V Group 31 AGM batteries in parallel under the step (the stock location as provided by Winnebago) in our Itasca 24V Class C. They're 115 amp hours each, so they provide a total of 230 amp hours. Their specified float voltage is 13.6 volts, so stock single voltage converters don't dry them out over time. Also since they're AGM, they charge faster with any voltages in the charging range than wet cell batteries do. This means that they can both be floated and charged fairly quickly using just a stock 13.6 volt RV converter. That's what we do with our RV:

http://www.fullriverbattery.com/product/batteries/DC115-12

AGC wrote:
I've read several post about changing over to a multi-stage converter. This is my first RV, do you know where the converter is located.

Will definitely look into the Progressive unit, any particular model to focus on

Often the converter is a component of the electrical panel (or mounted in/underneath it on the same chassis). The PD 4600 series is intended to update many of these.

Sometimes the converter may be a standalone unit, and that can be mounted just about anywhere. PD 9200 series are standalone (deck-mount) converters. You could also replace one mounted on the electric panel with a standalone 9200 series if you found a convenient spot to stick it, though it's slightly less straightforward that way.

bestconverter.com ("Randy") is a great place to get advice and equipment; they have decent prices and good support.

I'm not familiar with the H model but I would look around floor level for the metal door that has fuses under it. The converter will likely be there.

I would highly recommend joining this group. It is the best single source of information on these RVs: LINK

There are a couple of associated groups that go with it: Here and here

I've read several post about changing over to a multi-stage converter. This is my first RV, do you know where the converter is located.

Will definitely look into the Progressive unit, any particular model to focus on

AGC wrote:
Dakzuki,
If I decide to change to 6V batteries, do I need to change any other components. Which 6V AGM batteries did you get

No other components to change although if you are still running the original single stage converter it would be a very wise decision to upgrade that to a multi stage unit (Progressive Dynamics makes one that replaces it). Your batteries will charge faster and last longer.

Most folks go with golf cart as they are the most economical.

I have Lifeline GPL-4CTs in mine but I know of at least one person that squeezed GPL-6CTs in theirs.

Lifeline also makes true deep cycle 12 volt batteries.Lifeline You may be able to fit them in without modifying anything.

But most of all....swap that converter for a good one.

Dakzuki,
If I decide to change to 6V batteries, do I need to change any other components. Which 6V AGM batteries did you get

Gonzo42 wrote:
Only room under the entry steps for 2 12V in parallel.

With minor modifications to the hold down you can get two 6 volt golf cart batteries in there easily. Lots of View/Navion owners have done it. Very common mod.

I have two 6 volt AGMs in mine.