boulderado
Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2004
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I think our two Interstate SRM-24 batteries have finally served their useful life even though the motorhome is only 2 1/2 years old. The old converter did a number on them and even though the new Xantrex Truecharge has done a good job keeping them sort of charged the last year I think it is time to spring for new ones this year.
All of our camping is with at least electrical hookups so we just need something that will keep us going in case of a power outage or give us enough juice for a night at Wal-Mart (worst case) to just run the basics (a few lights and the water pump). We don't need enough battery power to run the TV/DVD for eight hours on the inverter.
Questions:
1) Should I go with two smaller group 24s or one bigger one?
2) Which brand (Lifeline, Trojan, Optima, others) do you recommend?
3) Does anyone know if Campingworld sells AGMs?
4) What else should I keep in mind when going AGM?
Thanks.
Knut and Susan FMCA-351422
Currently looking for new rig, maybe a short bus
'08 Jeep Liberty 6-speed w/Blue Ox Aventa II
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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To #4 keep in mind you are going to pay a lot more money for a battery not really intended for that type service. My opinion only but two Interstate u2200 6v batteries more closely match the job you are asking them to do.
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
Trippe-Lite 1800w inverter 4-6v GC batteries
3- Kyocera 130w solar panels
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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boulderado
Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2004
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I know we will be paying top dollars for the AGMs instead of just replacing them with regular deep cycles, but I am tired of having to worry about topping off with water and making sure they don't freeze in the winter. I'd like to just have a new battery installed and not have to worry about it for the next few years.
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Empty Nest, Soon
Southeast Ohio
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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For one night running just the basics, one battery should be plenty.
I sprung for two Trojan T-105's, but 95% of our camping is boondocking and often in cold weather, so the extra capacity really helps. I would not need the extra capacity for camping with hookups or one night without the furnace.
Wayne
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Joined: 11/21/2001
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I installed Lifeline AGMs back in '04 and would not go back to lead acid. I did a lot of research and decided on the Lifeline brand over others.
One thing, before you order, have 911 dialed on the phone. The prices of all batteries have gone thru the roof. Those 8Ds that I bought in '04 for $290 each are now $675! 
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Considering how you camp a single larger would be my preference. Group 27 minimum but a group 29/31 might be better for a single night without utility power. 4D & 8D are good but just too heavy for me.
Lifeline would be my first choice and Optima my last. Anything else is in the middle.
I don't think CW is the best place to buy. Compare prices at www.bestconverter.com
Don't forget to use the battery now and then. I think they last longer if run down 50% at least a couple times a year and charge them back up right away.
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
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bigfootford
Fair Oaks, California
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Joined: 12/03/2002
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I've been using Flooded wet cell batteries in my campers and rv since the 70's. I have friends that have switched to AGM's and I have envied them because of the maintenance....They have none....and I do (did).
Here is what maintenance is required.
1. checking water levels
2. checking specific gravity
3. equalizing
4. de-suphation
5. corrosion
6. charge maintaining if you store your rig for over a couple of months. You loose capacity rapidly with Flooded wet cells just sitting without charge maintenance. If you let your batteries get too low they will actually decrease in usable capacity and eventually die even though you haven't even used the batteries.
I installed a Universal AGM group 30 with 110 AH. I am impressed with it's performance. Costly? Yes but, all those worries go away.
If your have the funds I would recommend either Lifeline or Universal AGM's.
Universal AGM's
Lifeline Batteries
Jim
* This post was
edited 03/26/08 11:15am by bigfootford *
94 F-250 ex cab,460, E40D tranny,airbags w/pump,bilstein shocks, 2000 Bigfoot 9.6 2500 camper, Progressive Dynamics 9260, Trimetric monitor and an eu2000i honda genny.
Wife and Molly- Ausie,Queensland healer
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wolfe10
Texas
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Joined: 10/08/2000
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Another happy Lifeline AGM battery owner-- in both boat and motorhome. And have been since 1991.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
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horton333
Newmarket (Ontario)
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Joined: 11/08/2006
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dons2346 wrote:I installed Lifeline AGMs back in '04 and would not go back to lead acid. I did a lot of research and decided on the Lifeline brand over others.
One thing, before you order, have 911 dialed on the phone. The prices of all batteries have gone thru the roof. Those 8Ds that I bought in '04 for $290 each are now $675!
Like a week ago I was quoted $837 plus tax for an 8D from lifeline dealer in Toronto. It would be an awsome battery and suit my use well but that is pretty rich even as the standard btteries are getting pricier.
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Empty Nest, Soon
Southeast Ohio
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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dons2346 wrote:. . . One thing, before you order, have 911 dialed on the phone. The prices of all batteries have gone thru the roof. Those 8Ds that I bought in '04 for $290 each are now $675!
I've heard that the price of lead has gone thru the roof. Batteries use a lot of lead.
Wayne
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