Starting Batteries (Engine only!)

[Pete Masterson]

The Deka type 31s are about 4+ years old, now. 

My house batteries are now about 2 years old. They're Fullriver brand, part number FR4D2. I ordered them from DC Battery Specialists. I believe they were shipped from Florida -- but their delivered cost was less than the quotes I got from some other battery dealers.

<http://www.dcbattery.com/>

The downside of the Fullriver battery is that the type 4D model is _slightly_ larger in physical size than the standard type 4D. I had to cut the rear of the battery tray and weld a piece of angle iron to make the battery trays about 1-1/2 inches deeper to hold the batteries. The two that go in the engine compartment just barely fit, but one of the hold-downs had to be modified to work (as did all the top brackets of the hold-downs). Also, I had to modify one of my battery cables, though the others all fit ok.

So, in the end, they proved to be more trouble than the competitive price suggested. Nonetheless, I'm happy with them, but had I known about the slight size difference, I wouldn't have gotten them.

I believe these batteries are most commonly used in home solar installations, so the physical size isn't as critical.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 26, 2008, at 7:28 PM, KB9BG wrote:

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 ["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.