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Jul-20-2023 12:52 PM
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
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Jul-24-2023 01:33 AM
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.
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Jul-23-2023 06:13 PM
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.
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Jul-23-2023 05:06 PM
Don't beat yourself up over mistakes--at least not the first time ones!
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Jul-21-2023 10:11 AM
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?
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Jul-21-2023 10:02 AM
2019 F150 4x4 SCrew SB STX 5.0 3.55 factory tow package, 7000#GVWR, 1990 CC Tow mirrors, ITBC, SumoSprings,
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Jul-21-2023 09:45 AM
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Jul-21-2023 06:16 AM
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.
2015 GMC Terrain AWD
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Jul-21-2023 05:57 AM
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Jul-21-2023 05:34 AM
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.
2016 Cougar 330RBK
1991 Slumber Queen WS100
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Jul-20-2023 08:49 PM
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.
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Jul-20-2023 06:08 PM
Alot of great information here as always Thanks!
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Jul-20-2023 05:41 PM
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.
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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Jul-20-2023 04:38 PM
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.
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Jul-20-2023 03:18 PM
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.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
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Jul-20-2023 02:57 PM