I'd go with Nemo667 and get the Type 27 Lifeline AGMs. Even better woud be the Lifeline GPL-4DL which would give you a little higher amp hour capacity. I've done a lot of research on AGMs and I'm getting a pair this spring. Type 24s might not give you the power you need and 15 watts of solar will barely be noticeable. If you can't spring for the AGMs, at least look at the Trojans T-105 wet cells if you can fit them in. Trojan Battery
Good Luck
On edit, oops sorry about the 6 volt T-105s, just got caught up. Matt, I hope to have the AGMs installed in time for the Spring NE Rally if that's any help to you. See you there.
* This post was
edited 04/16/08 07:29pm by FarcticOx *
FarcticOx
Retiring soon. "I'm tired, but my portfolio is Bushed"
2003 F350 Diesel DRW with goodies.
2005 Arctic Fox B1150 solar powered dry camper.
2 Ghz Macbook (the sweetest little computer on the planet).
OK,I'll clear the confusion out there, I'm starting to get a little confused following this post also. I can't go larger on the Solar Panel as of right now, mainly because of the location of the panel and space up there is at a premium, probably because the roof is only 80"x138" with 2 roof vents, 1 roof vent/escape hatch, TV antenna, and vent pipe for the Black tank.
As for the batteries, I need one 12V type 31 Wet Flooded Deep Cycle for the TC when on for most of my trips, and a second Type 31 Wet Flooded Deep Cycle for the extended 3 and 4 night trips without hookups, which I only do twice a year. I figure dropping a battery would compensate for extra food and beverage when headed to the campgrounds.
So with that being said, Looks like a few guys go for the Trojans, and there is a Duralast. Any other ideas or manufacturers to stay away from?
Thanks for the info so far.
Matt
Life is short, Play harder.
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed 4.3L V6 Automatic 2WD
Go to Costco and pick up two group 27 for about $75 each and 115 amp/hrs each.
Three nights with the furnace low might be doable. But all day probably not unless you are driving around for several hours a day to charge.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
I have 2 Optima's bought in Jan 07 and I'm satisfied but will go with larger when these go (4-5 yr's?)I like the sizing line up that LifeLine carry. The Optima's (with heat wrap blankets) sometimes stuggle to make thru the night when temps go below 20', thats with the slide out and inside night temp's in the low 60'...As for charging while driving,I don't see much charge over a 12 gauge wire? IF you do go with AMG batterys, you'll need a better charging unit with a smart charger which should be your next upgrade no matter which ones you buy. Smart chargers will prevent battery boil-over on wet cell batterys too!
2006 GMC 4X4 CC DM/A 6spd DRW Timbren's on all 4 corners, Rancho's Torklift's,Fastguns 2004 BigFoot 30.11SL
First, as noted above, that 15 watt solar panel won't really help you much while using your TC...that's only about 1 amp into your batteries per HOUR, and probably only about 7-9 amps for a whole single day....that solar panel will be OK for keeping your batteries 'topped off' while the TC is in storage,however.
GP 31, deep cycle batteries are rated at about 140 Amp Hrs, so if you can fit them in your budget, they will give you the longest running time for your 12 volt stuff. They aren't cheap, probably in the neighborhood of $125 each.
Don't get Optima's...the standard version is only rated at 55 Amp hours for about $150 each! Their 31 version has more Amp Hours, but the price gets up over $200 each, the last time I checked.
AGM sealed types are good, as you don't have any routine maintenance to worry about...but they are really pricy...probably over $200 each, these days. The available Amp Hour ratings are usually about 10% less that 'flooded cell' type batteries, due to the immobile nature of the acid against the plates.
All battery prices have risen greatly in the last year due to the price of the lead. Also with fuel costs rising so high, it just plain costs more to truck those heavy batteries around, adding more to the costs...I don't think you will find any $60 6 volts batteries are the box stores these days...more like closer to $90 or more!
As far as 'Brands' go, you'll probably be OK with just about any HEAVY weight, Deep Cycle batteries you can find, box store or not...I've never had much good luck with the Exide brand, and won't use their stuff.
My suggestion is to look for 'Batteries' in your local yellow page directory to see if you have any Battery Specialists in your area...give them a call, they are the experts, and will usually give you the straight info, make suggestions, and advise of any options for your particular use...you will get to talk to someone in the business, and not just some 'associate' that spends his days filling shelves in a big box store!
I've had nothing but great luck from the Everstart brand available at Wal Mart. Have three of them in the boat, two in the truck, one in the jetta, one in the chrysler, and one in the camper.
I've had not so good luck with Trojans, but I think they were undersized for the tasks.
2002 Ford F-350 CC LB PSD
2007 Travel Lite 960rx Ultra
1998 Starcraft Superfisherman 170
Duralast from Auto Zone! I've used Walmart, Interstate, etc. in campers, vehicles, and my sawmill (which is electric over hydraulic and VERY power hungry). None will carry the load as well as the Duralast.
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