Battery question

[pira114]

Thinking of switching out my normal 12v for a Deka 8A8D. This is for some serious boondocking with minimal charging.

They weigh 158lbs. Other than weight and initial cost, what's the downside? Is there anything else I'm not thinking of?

[lawrosa]

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

[BarneyS]

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

[pira114]

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.

[bobndot]

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.

[pira114]

Forgot the link

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

[pira114]

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.

[pira114]

westend wrote:
Price/AH is pretty high compared to other solutions like 2 x AGM 12 V or 2 x 6V. Is your converter up to the task of charging the battery?

These are the questions I need to figure.

Price seems ok compared to two AGM (the 8D8A is AGM also) given AH. If we're talking the same brand anyway. Haven't had time to compare several reputable brands.

Converter. Hmmmmmm. This is why I asked. I'd never have thought a converter would be able to charge a 12v group 31, but not an 8D. They're both 12v, only difference is size and time to charge right? Or wrong?

[pira114]

Yeah, that would suck. And it's a good point. Currently, it easily supports the 134lbs of battery when I put two "normal" 12v deep cycles. Mine are 67 lbs each. Is 24 lbs enough of a difference? I don't know, I hope not, but I'll have to figure that out. Or maybe reinforce for good measure. But I think most who have dual set ups, especially GC batteries, are probably fairly close to this weight already.

So if I discount the weight thing (by reinforcing and distribution of weight on the hitch), is there any downside to using this size battery? I guess I'm wondering if 12v is 12v, regardless of source. And if people don't use these types of batteries because of size and weight alone.

[westend]

Price/AH is pretty high compared to other solutions like 2 x AGM 12 V or 2 x 6V. Is your converter up to the task of charging the battery?

[gbopp]

I don't know about the electrical part but, will the brackets, or whatever it sits on, support the weight of the new battery?
Don't forget, it's 158 pounds of static weight. Once you start bouncing down the road, the stress on the battery supports will increase.

Check it now and reinforce it if needed. That's better than seeing your new battery, in your rear view mirror, bouncing down the road.