Battery question

JiminDenver wrote:
We started using a 8-D a few seasons ago and the power is addictive as long as you can get past the hassles of size, weight and charging regime. The one thing that concerns me about the Deka 8A8D is that it has auto style post and I would think that it is a starting battery, not a deep cycle.

Our first 8-D was a FLA 8-D deka and while a capacity test proved the Ah's were in it, it didn't last long with us using the microwave, A/C and other heavy loads even if the solar brought it right back up. The power was there, the cycles were not. Then again it would cost a third of what a good AGM deep cycle like the Lifelines 8-Ds we use now do.

Curious. You speak of the charging regimen. Do you mean how long it took to charge it? Or how often. My understanding was that you'd need to charge less frequently, but longer each time. That right?

lawrosa wrote:
For over $500 bucks for a 8A8D 150 lbs AGM @ 245 AH is ridiculous IMO..

Get two 6V from wally world or the cost saving centers and get the same amp hours..

The first GC2 6 volt here in this duracell link is 230 aH and are $89 bucks at sams club for example..

Weight may be similar but 1/3 the price...

At least you can move these individually and not need two guys to move them. And they fit in most battery boxes as they are only a little taller then a grp 24...

GC2 duracell

First, the price you quoted is typical MSRP, but you can get them for $269 if you look around.

Second, that GC you linked to is the first one I've seen with that many AHs. So thank you, because that just became a big contender. It would make more sense at that point. Most I've seen were between 190 and 205. Wonder why so much variation? But no matter, if it's 255, it's better. Speaking of the next larger one than you referenced. But it's not AGM. Am I overly concerned with that?

For other posters, yes, I have already figured how I would mount the 8 series. And yes, I'd like to get solar. Only issue I have with solar is my typical boondocking place is surrounded by trees. So it would work, just not as efficiently as it could.

Thank you all for responding.

One final question. And this would apply to either option really. Am I correct that 12v is 12v and the big difference would be how long it would take to charge? In other words, a converter or charger just sees that it's 12vs, and when wired in parallel, it just sees one bigger 12v. Or in the case of the 8 series, one battery, but simply bigger? Am I correct that if a system will charge 12vs, it'll charge any 12v system of battery?

We started using a 8-D a few seasons ago and the power is addictive as long as you can get past the hassles of size, weight and charging regime. The one thing that concerns me about the Deka 8A8D is that it has auto style post and I would think that it is a starting battery, not a deep cycle.

Our first 8-D was a FLA 8-D deka and while a capacity test proved the Ah's were in it, it didn't last long with us using the microwave, A/C and other heavy loads even if the solar brought it right back up. The power was there, the cycles were not. Then again it would cost a third of what a good AGM deep cycle like the Lifelines 8-Ds we use now do.

Do you have solar panels yet? If not, plan to get some.

For over $500 bucks for a 8A8D 150 lbs AGM @ 245 AH is ridiculous IMO..

Get two 6V from wally world or the cost saving centers and get the same amp hours..

The first GC2 6 volt here in this duracell link is 230 aH and are $89 bucks at sams club for example..

Weight may be similar but 1/3 the price...

At least you can move these individually and not need two guys to move them. And they fit in most battery boxes as they are only a little taller then a grp 24...

GC2 duracell

That battery is about 3 or 4 inches wider than the GP31 it is replacing (11 inches vs 6.75 inches). Have you figured out how to mount it? The length is fine because it would be smaller than two GP31's paralleled together, as is commonly done, but the width is quite a bit more. I would have a hard time fitting it on my trailer.
Barney

Mine has brackets on top of the frame. Intended to prevent the battery box from sliding really. No actual battery tray. The brackets would be useless to me as the 8A8D is too long to fit that way. But the box made for the 8s will sit right on top. I'd be using a couple ratchet straps to secure it.

I have noticed that many TT's use a battery tray that is attached under the frame .
Wouldn't it be a stronger tray if it was on top of the frame ?
Personally, if I was adding 2 grp 31's or a "solo beast" like the 8A8D , I would build one on top and use the OEM tray as a support by running vertical supports.

I think people shy away from the solo battery idea due to the weight and the strain on your back to lift it . Its very difficult to lift using your leg muscles at such an angle behind the propane tanks.

I carry extra batteries of the same size,type and age , in the trucks bed and wire them up when boondocking. Most of the time a smaller battery in the TT tray can do the job without worrying about the weight of the battery or added trailer tongue weight.

Forgot the link

http://www.dcbattery.com/deka_agm.html

Here's a link to a chart that shows group size and AHs. The one I want is 245. The group 31 is 105. And the GC 6V is 190.

Two 31s, are almost as heavy, more expensive, and a bit less AHs. Two GCs, way less AHs, but a tad cheaper.

The 8D, I thought, offered me more AHs, similar weight and space, slightly cheaper. So, except for lifting the beast on and off the trailer, I don't see a downside. But, that's why I'm here. I don't know what I don't know yet.