Dead...

[ocexpress]

On our last trip we discovered the house batteries had gone dry during storage. They were on charge (coach plugged in)
After we filled the batteries with fluid they still did not allow us to go to battery at all. We were successful in limping it home by running the generator for refrigerator etc.
These batteries are located under the step and are interstate deep cell gc2-ecl-uti 6v.

What do you recommend for replacements? Hate trying to fill these things up under the steps (real PITA) lol

Is there a good alternative to the flooded cells?

Hope the inverter isnt damaged or anything...shoot!

2014 Itasca Sunstar 35

[wnjj]

Water batteries weekly? That seems crazy unless the charger is over charging the batteries and boiling it out. A Progressive Dynamics (PD) charger will not harm the batteries plugged in full time. In fact it cycles as needed to keep them healthy.

I never added a drop of water in 17 years (with new battery about every 6 years).

If the OP has a cheap converter it would be money well spent to swap it out and continue using standard inexpensive batteries.

[theoldwizard1]

ocexpress wrote:
On our last trip we discovered the house batteries had gone dry during storage. They were on charge (coach plugged in)
After we filled the batteries with fluid they still did not allow us to go to battery at all.

These batteries are located under the step and are interstate deep cell gc2-ecl-uti 6v.

What do you recommend for replacements? Hate trying to fill these things up under the steps (real PITA) lol

First, the simplest replacement is standard GC2 batteries. Both Costco and Sam's have them at reasonable prices.

Second, probably just me, but I NEVER leave any battery of any type in storage, charging 24/7. The simple solution for you when you put your coach in storage is 1) disconnect the positive lead from the batteries, 2) connect a small charger (Battery Tender), 3) plug the charger into an old fashioned mechanical lamp timer set to charge about 4 hours per day.

You will still need to "water" your batteries at least weekly when you are using your coach. They do make "automatic" battery water systems, but I don't think they are a universal fit.

AGM batteries are much more expensive. Also GC2 AGM batteries are not common. You might have to special order them. Same comment aboy charging applies.

[pianotuna]

ocexpress,

Don't beat yourself up over mistakes--at least not the first time ones!

[ocexpress]

Would love to but spending 4k on batteries and then having to upgrade charging system too is not in my retirement budget. Looks really nice though. I'm going to make a maintenance spreadsheet and keep it on my calendar of things to check while parked, plugged in, in my rvport.
1. check house batteries once every 3 months
2. unplug and run generator
3. drive motorhome and exercise it for at least 1/2 hour a quarter.

Any other things I should add to my calendar?

[Boomerweps]

I’d still recommend going with LiFePO4. The longevity defrays the initial cost difference. No liquids, no venting required, can be mounted anywhere in any orientation. Less than half the weight compared to a lead acid comparable Amp Hour model. You can get a 200AH Li that’s smaller than two 100AH Li end to end that would likely fit in your step storage. Many other advantages.

[ocexpress]

Nope, never thought to look at them. I'm a idiot because my last motorhome had flooded cells too and I watched my husband fill them and maintain them. He passed quite a few years ago and I just didn't.... expensive mistake but all mine.

[AJR]

ocespress,

Have you ever added water to the batteries before? I ask because I keep my camper plugged in 24/7 whenever it is not in use. I check the 6V batteries in the spring and fall. They need about half a cup of water total at each inspection.

I have a three-stage charger. It sounds like your charger may be defective if you have been topping off the batteries yearly.

[ken56]

My AGM battery is still going strong after 7 years. I keep my rig in my side yard plugged in all the time BUT....I also changed out my WFCO charger for a Progressive industries smart charger with the charge wizard controller. Works wonderfully. I think there are automatic waterers available too to keep the water levels up in batteries. The only other option is for you to not keep it plugged in and disconnect the battery when in storage.

[StirCrazy]

ocexpress wrote:
On our last trip we discovered the house batteries had gone dry during storage. They were on charge (coach plugged in)
After we filled the batteries with fluid they still did not allow us to go to battery at all. We were successful in limping it home by running the generator for refrigerator etc.
These batteries are located under the step and are interstate deep cell gc2-ecl-uti 6v.

What do you recommend for replacements? Hate trying to fill these things up under the steps (real PITA) lol

Is there a good alternative to the flooded cells?

Hope the inverter isnt damaged or anything...shoot!

2014 Itasca Sunstar 35

how many of those batteries did you have?

A couple have mentioned it when you start looking at agm he price starts to go up to about the same price as more budget friendly LFP batteries. if you have two of your batteries that would give you about 110AH to use while maintaining a reasonable life expectancy on the flooded batteries. so, one 100 ah LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery would do the same job as two. but I would recommend getting an extra one or as many as you can fit/afford. for example, there are some lower cost ones selling for about 300 US right now for a 100AH battery.

[pianotuna]

ocexpress wrote:
These batteries are in the steps and very tight fit. Probably will just replace them with the same and be done with it so I don't have to dig into anything else. We are part timers so doesn't make sense to spend thousands for batteries and new inverters lol.
Alot of great information here as always Thanks!

ocespress,

I've had great service from used telcom batteries. Cost $1 per amp-hour from the local interstate store. They are an agm sub type. Six years of service including one excursion to less than 8 volts.

If you go 12 volt, wire in a balanced manner.

[ocexpress]

These batteries are in the steps and very tight fit. Probably will just replace them with the same and be done with it so I don't have to dig into anything else. We are part timers so doesn't make sense to spend thousands for batteries and new inverters lol.
Alot of great information here as always Thanks!

[valhalla360]

ocexpress wrote:
No way I'm going to be able to lift these pups out of the steps. HOLY SMOKES! I'm going to have to pay someone to come and do it or take it somewhere. Everything I'm reading says the AGM batteries don't last as long as flooded cells. These have lasted at least 5 years which is how long I've owned the rig. Any feedback from the AGM users? Much appreciated
ps there's 4 of these monsters in there.

If you buy from an auto parts store, good chance, they will be happy to swap them for you...assuming it's just the weight and not major surgery to get them out.

As far as watering the batteries, you should be able to get a watering system for not a lot and then use that to keep them topped up much easier.

[wnjj]

What converter/charger model do you have? It matters.

I've used a generic Walmart EverLast (Interstate) battery, replaced about every 6 years since 2006. It's never needed any water. PD9245 converter plugged in 24/7/365 when not camping.

[wa8yxm]

That is an excellent battery but once you run any lead acid battery dry.. Well like toast that has not been buttered... (Dry) THEY ARE TOAST.

Now is a good time to consider upgradeto LiFePO4 You need about 300 AH worth to replace those batteries so go with 400 AH worth and upgrade... Oh yes you will need to upgrade the converter as well to do that.

Battle Born had (if they do not still have) A deal with progressive Dynamics for a special converter.

[ocexpress]

I know if I change to GEL batteries I need to adjust the converter charging but didn't know it would matter with AGM since they are "liquid" ie acid filled.