Starting Batteries (Engine only!)

[KB9BG]

Pete:

Thanks for the reply and I feel
you got this all worked out! What brand did you end up going with on your
house batteries and how old are your Deka brand type 31 AGMs for the engine
batteries???? I am think the not having to water the batteries program might
be the route to take and go with the original design as the factory set up….

Regards

Gregg W. Kizer

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

Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 10:22 PM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

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

Gregg,

I think another answer may have crossed this one. The
previous owner installed Deka brand type 31 AGMs for the engine batteries and
type 4D (8A4DM is a type 4D) Deka AGMs (probably the same model you list) for
the house batteries. Due to a probably too-deep discharge while in various
dealer's hands, my house batteries were not holding a reasonable charge. I
replaced them with a different brand (best price) but otherwise similar type 4D
AGM batteries and now I have no problem with the house batteries.

The original type 31s are still in use and seem to be doing
the job. Once or twice, in the winter in Denver, I had to use the switch to
join the house and engine batteries to get the DD to start up. (I've since
learned to use the engine pre-heat more effectively.)

The key is the total CCA needed. 3 type 31 provide
approximately 1000 CCA _each_ so 3 batteries together deliver a total of 3000
CCA. The Type 4D batteries offer about 1100 CCA (each) so it would still take 3
batteries to replace the 3 type 31s. And that's not practical as they won't
fit.

I think the AGMs are probably likely to handle the long
sitting period better than regular wet cells, but wet cells, if properly
maintained will last a very long time as well.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 26, 2008, at 7:00 PM, KB9BG wrote:

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.