Battery question,opinions?

[nycsteve]

In a nutshell, havent used the TC this season recently. I have 2 AGM batteries installed at the start of the 2009 season. Also a 128 watt solar panel. Looks like I might need to make an emergency trip to Florida after Irma passes and am thinking the TC will be a huge help if the mobile home is unlivable. Everything in the TC is up to snuff, even , as far as I can tell , the batteries dispite their age. To test I unplugged 2 days ago ,and had the fridge running. After 2 cloudy days they showed 12.5 in the dark. I ran the Fantastic Fan and lights for 25 minutes and showed 12.3 which bumped up to 12.4 after killing the fan and lights. Think they're OK for at least this trip? Im trying to minimize expense due to uncertainty of Irma's cost , but if it turns out I need batteries Im not going to be able to buy anything in most of Florida and likely anywhere South.
Just looking for input, the rational side of my brain is overloaded watching weather models on the TV. Im thinking they might be OK but then I've been really working at positive thinking this week and may be mistaken. So, thumbs up or down on battery replacement?

[GeoBoy]

Lifeline's all the way.

[tattoobob]

time2roll wrote:
http://lifelinebatteries.com/products/marine-batteries/gpl-31xt/

Just make sure it fits.

This is the one I have, So far so good

[time2roll]

http://lifelinebatteries.com/products/marine-batteries/gpl-31xt/

Just make sure it fits.

[tattoobob]

MCA=Marine Cranking Amps

You don't want a battery defined by cranking amps
You want a Battery defined by Amp. Hours

If you have to money go for a AGM battery or better

[nycsteve]

Looks like I need new batteries, unplugged I dropped to 11.4 . Do I have this right?..... I want Deep Cycle Marine? Or any Deep Cycle? The comparison # Im interested in is amp hours? Whats MCA?
West Marine has 105 amp hour in AGM and regular , Deep Cycle group 31 at 310 for AGM and 250 for regular. Costco has them cheaper ,have to visit to get #s.
The final outcome was the worst scenario possible. Direct hit with at least 5' storm surge and 130mph winds. This on Bg Pine Key. Doesn't sound good at all.

[Photomike]

With a built in generator and solar and being that you really won't have much of a draw on the batteries for hogs like heat you should be fine. A test before is a good thing but even if they are not 100% I would not worry.

From my emergency training side of things....
- Toss in some extra fuel as if power is down you will need it and if it is not down chances are the prices will be up.
- Take a good extension cord with you as if it is as bad as they say you will be the power company in your neighborhood maybe for a long while!
- Another thing to toss in is a can of flat repair, going into a disaster area you will not believe the nails and sharp objects and just when all the shops are closed!
- Top up your water and maybe carry extra with you. Those stupid collapsible water jugs (the ones that leak if the are not upright) are great as you can fill up before you hit the bad area and if not needed they fold down and take up very little space!

Drive safe and all the best!!

[SidecarFlip]

Looking at the most accurate model (European Model) and it's usually right, it appears the storm will straddle the middle of the state with a direct hit on the keys. My old boss has his 52 foot offshore boat docked in Marathon. I bet they took it out in the gulf, way out.... Storm diameter is 400 miles and the state is 150 miles wide so looks to be all hands in on this one... with 2 more following. Talk about a 1-2 punch...

[Ste7of1]

And check gas availability before you head down. Gas is in short supply at best. Gas Buddy app or website.

[SidecarFlip]

nycsteve wrote:
Thanks guys. I didn't think of a load test, which I will do. The batteries are primarly charged by the 128 watt solar panel. I have an onboard lp Onan genny. I might bring a gas genny but space is a consideration. I will be bringing a load of tools, weight and space hogs. Not sure I would want to allocate space for the extra batts though I could sell like suggested. Or no tools if a direct hit. Im on Big Pine Key, in the middle of that **** big red cone. At least I'll be one of the first in Florida to know how my stuff made out. Fingers and toes crossed for luck 🙂

On edit , the *ed out word was not a curse , to me anyway. Its pronounced dam. Just don't want anyone thinking I was being profane 🙂

I would check to make sure you can go across the Florida State line going south, they may not allow you in....just a thought.

[nycsteve]

Thanks guys. I didn't think of a load test, which I will do. The batteries are primarly charged by the 128 watt solar panel. I have an onboard lp Onan genny. I might bring a gas genny but space is a consideration. I will be bringing a load of tools, weight and space hogs. Not sure I would want to allocate space for the extra batts though I could sell like suggested. Or no tools if a direct hit. Im on Big Pine Key, in the middle of that **** big red cone. At least I'll be one of the first in Florida to know how my stuff made out. Fingers and toes crossed for luck 🙂

On edit , the *ed out word was not a curse , to me anyway. Its pronounced dam. Just don't want anyone thinking I was being profane 🙂

[SidecarFlip]

pianotuna wrote:
Have the batteries load tested. 2009 is a long time ago, even for AGM jars that have been maintained by solar.

I'd have to agree, 2009 is a pretty good haul on any battery. Most any auto place can put on a carbon pile resistance tester and most do it for free.

[time2roll]

I would go with existing batteries. If they really fail I have faith that you could find replacements or have them shipped in. You will know more how they perform as you travel down and certainly there are batteries on the way.

[pianotuna]

Have the batteries load tested. 2009 is a long time ago, even for AGM jars that have been maintained by solar.

[SidecarFlip]

darsben1 wrote:
How are you recharging? By running truck? If you have a genny be VERY VERY Cautious because that will be on the top ten stolen items list

Agree 110% on the genny. I'd invest in a Master Cable Motorcycle lock and lock it to one of your truck wheels (through the spoke holes). I cable lock mine to my truck wherever I camp, always.

Also agree on the batteries, take a set with you in case and if you don't need them, someone will. Just don't gouge on price, that is not the American way.

I think your batteries are just fine as well but a set on the floor in the backseat take up very little room but weigh a bit so take that into account.