Starting Batteries (Engine only!)

[KB9BG]

Pete:

Thanks for the reply and you might
view my reply to Greg on this issue…

I mentioned in my reply all the
findings on the Deka SeaMate & RV batteries that I have for the “House”
use. They have a part number of 8A4DM / 1420MCA as listed on each battery
with a 1110 CCA and 198AH @ 20HR. They list on the side of the battery
that it is “Good for Engine Starting” and I agree with you of not
having to mess with the watch of watering the batteries, etc. this would be the
preferred route as an end user….Thus the reason for my poll of GROUP thoughts…..

I might have to do more research
on the CCA issues, etc. on batteries in this application, but I was thinking in
regards to the coach setting with storage, high fuel issues for all of us.

Regards

Gregg W. Kizer

From:
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Pete Masterson

Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 9:28 PM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Starting Batteries (Engine only!)

The engine batteries require maximum CCA when starting. The rest of the
time, they don't provide much juice to the system. You should get regular type
with high CCA rating batteries for the three type 31A 12v engine batteries. If
you want the convenience of minimum maintenance, then AGM batteries would be
preferred. If you don't mind doing regular battery water checks, then the Sam's
CLub commercial type battery ought to work OK. At the moment, I can't tell you
exactly what I have as the previous owner purchased them -- but they're Deka
brand AGM, with 1000 CCA (more or less). They are not specifically a deep cycle
battery. Deep cycle design reduces the relative CCA and what you need to start
the Series 60 is plenty of CCA.

Personally, I prefer the easy (no) maintenance of AGM design
batteries. I'd be inclined to get Sam's Club or Costco batteries for the
reasonable price. Costco sells compatible batteries in both AGM and regular wet
cells.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 26, 2008, at 3:24 PM, Gregg Kizer wrote:

GROUP Question:

What batteries ("Deep Cycle" or "Regular
Type/ with high CCA rating")

are best for "Start Engine/ assignment duty" would
one go with when

replacing all three (3)battery units.<snip>

Would the Sam's Club "COMMERCIAL" type battery (@
$87.24 per battery

cost)= "31A 12V @ 950 CCA" work just as well and
replace them often

as needed or would one invest into the "AGM type Deep
Cycle" type

batteries for the over all perforamce and longivity due to
the

various storage assignments of the coach and various
charging issues

(cyles, engine charging, shore power/inverter-charger,
etc.)?????

<Snip>

WHAT WOULD YOU GO WITH when needing replacements? I am sure

the "ThermOil Battery Technology" was applied to
the batteries to

keep the corrision issue down in the battery compartment
area vs. the

AGM type batteries as used in "House battery
Service"...

Gregg Kizer

`96 WBSD `42

KB9BG (ham call)

New Castle, IN