I'm looking for opinions on new batteries for my 2013 Arctic Fox 990. I bought it used and it came with a couple of group 24 12V batteries that are mismatched. One is a cheap automotive battery and one is an Interstate marine deep-cycle. Both wet cell. I haven't had any trouble yet, but running the furnace at night sparingly results in a morning voltage as low as 12.1v, which is 50%. That makes me think I have less than 40ah of capacity discharging to 50%. I'm going to need more this winter.So group 31 AGM's would more than double my capacity but are 75 lbs EACH. That slide-out tray may just fit them, but that's 150 lbs on the tray. Not sure if that is safe or not. I'm not opposed to wet-cell in theory, but didn't have good luck with 2 Costco group 27 golf cart 6V batteries I had on our TT so wouldn't do that again, and they wouldn't fit anyway.So what you other Arctic Fox TC owners with the slide-out trays using?

Take the measurements of your battery box and see what your limitations are. It takes KY jelly to get 2, group 27's in my battery compartment. But an absolute must is for you to have matched batteries.

I can't directly answer your question as to which batteries with the slide out tray, but do have some thoughts on your battery choice. My research says a battery's AH, size and weight are pretty standard in the industry. Some batteries of the same AH may weigh a little more than others, but not a lot.I previously had a Lifeline 100 AH AGM for years. Great battery. When it gave up, I replaced it with a Universal 100 AH AGM. It has proven itself, and cost a lot less.This link will give you the data and cost of the Universal batteries.Universal AGM Batteries

Im using (2) Group 31 AGMs and never had a problem, I never weighed mine but Im sure those battery trays are made to take the weight. I would not worry about it.

I have two Lifeline Grp 27 AGMs in mine. I transferred them over from my Northstar 8.5 Arrow. They are coming up on seven years old and are still working perfectly. They have never been discharged below 50 % and we have done a lot of dry camping.I have a friend with a 2005 AF990 who does run two Grp 31s. So they will fit.

I agree they should be matched otherwise one defeats the other.Any new matched set of deep cycle batts will run the furnace all night . Keep the temp moderate and try to limit all other electrical things that draw from the batteries. Some dept store deep cycle batts are really hybrids. Starting/deep cycle batts that have thinner plates . Ex...Walmart Marine grp 29's are hybrids and they are getting lighter as the years go by. They were 67# and now weigh 62# , just be careful what you buy. I use DEKA AGM 12v. deep cycle RV 8A31DTMthis link also offers some general battery info. Bob

Batteries for AF990 | Good Sam Community

sky_free
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
Thanks everyone. I was not aware of the Universal AGM's which are a great price. Looks like it may be possible to get 2X UB121000 (group 27) for about $400 for 100AH of capacity down to 50% discharge.

The only missing piece of info is the CCA, but I trust 2 of these in parallel would be able to start the generator.
RICKIM
Explorer III
Sep 16, 2014
I have 2 Lifeline GPL-31T's and the battery compartment space is maxed out.

Good Luck,

Rick
Bedlam
Moderator
Sep 16, 2014
I have two group 29 wet cell batteries in my 811 with room to spare.
bobndot
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2014
I agree they should be matched otherwise one defeats the other.

Any new matched set of deep cycle batts will run the furnace all night . Keep the temp moderate and try to limit all other electrical things that draw from the batteries.

Some dept store deep cycle batts are really hybrids. Starting/deep cycle batts that have thinner plates .
Ex...Walmart Marine grp 29's are hybrids and they are getting lighter as the years go by. They were 67# and now weigh 62# , just be careful what you buy.

I use DEKA AGM 12v. deep cycle RV 8A31DTM

this link also offers some general battery info.

Bob
jmckelvy
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
I have two Lifeline Grp 27 AGMs in mine. I transferred them over from my Northstar 8.5 Arrow. They are coming up on seven years old and are still working perfectly. They have never been discharged below 50 % and we have done a lot of dry camping.

I have a friend with a 2005 AF990 who does run two Grp 31s. So they will fit.
kerry4951
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
Im using (2) Group 31 AGMs and never had a problem, I never weighed mine but Im sure those battery trays are made to take the weight. I would not worry about it.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2014
I can't directly answer your question as to which batteries with the slide out tray, but do have some thoughts on your battery choice. My research says a battery's AH, size and weight are pretty standard in the industry. Some batteries of the same AH may weigh a little more than others, but not a lot.

I previously had a Lifeline 100 AH AGM for years. Great battery. When it gave up, I replaced it with a Universal 100 AH AGM. It has proven itself, and cost a lot less.

This link will give you the data and cost of the Universal batteries.

Universal AGM Batteries
Super_Dave
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
Take the measurements of your battery box and see what your limitations are. It takes KY jelly to get 2, group 27's in my battery compartment. But an absolute must is for you to have matched batteries.

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