Battery Replacement 3208cat

[colitatx]

I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried.
Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two
banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking
amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Bill Of Huntsville (TX.)
83FC

[HANK]

BUY TWO TROJAN T-105'S....THAT'S ALL YOU WILL EVER NEED. I HAVE TWO OF THEM
FOR HOUSE BATTERIES ON MY 90SP36 AND I AM HAPPY WITH THEM. SHOULD LAST SIX
YEARS OR MORE WITH A LITTLE TLC.

REGARDS,
HANK HANNIGAN still in OZ
90SP36

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "colitatx" wrote:
>
> I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried.
Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two
banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking
amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup?
> Thanks for your thoughts.
> Bill Of Huntsville (TX.)
> 83FC
>

[HANK]

I should add, get rid of the old chargers also.

Regards,
Hank Hannigan
90SP36

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "colitatx" wrote:
>
> I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried.
Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two
banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking
amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup?
> Thanks for your thoughts.
> Bill Of Huntsville (TX.)
> 83FC
>

[Markus Meyer]

Bill,

I think batteries are like oil and tires and politics, everyone has their
preference, and there are many good choices.

I'm going through this right now on my PT. Multiple people gave me strong
recommendations on tires, but nobody recommended what the tire guy did, and I'm
going with him and his experience, since he does this 24/7 for truckers, RVs,
big rigs, etc.

On batteries, I think the reason for using double the six volt batteries versus
half the 12 volt batteries is for deep cycling ability. If you read up on this,
you'll find that deep cycle batteries are able to withstand more "abuse" and can
cycle from low to high more often and take it than 12 volt batteries. I
researched all the big names, such as Trojan, Interstate, Rolls, Deka etc. At
the end of the day, again, you will get multiple opinions on preferences and
experiences. Johnson Controls makes most of the batteries for many of these
companies. I found that Interstate and Trojan were almost exactly matched in
price, features and specs. Interstate has dealers/distributors all over and I
can go get them myself, Trojan I couldn't find close by. Deka was higher priced
and similar to these two so I ruled them out. Rolls recommends AGM batteries
and they are twice the price of these other 3, I can't justify that cost, even
if they do last twice as long. Finally, there are the golf cart batteries sold
by Sam's club for about $75 each, which is about 3/4 the cost of the comparable
Interstate/Trojans. I am going to be trying these out as others who have them
are going on 4+ years strong with no issues. Guess I'll have to see what
happens!

Good luck in your search and decision. You will probably get as many opinions
as you do responses!

Markus
86 PT40
>
> I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried.
Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two
banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking
amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts.
>
> Bill Of Huntsville (TX.)
>
> 83FC
_________________________________________________________________
The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox.
http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/then...WL:en\
-US:WM_HMP:042010_3

[Bill Mills]

Thank you Markus, Bill --- On Wed, 5/19/10, Markus Meyer wrote: From: Markus Meyer Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 7:53 AM Bill, I think batteries are like oil and tires and politics, everyone has their preference, and there are many good choices. I'm going through this right now on my PT. Multiple people gave me strong recommendations on tires, but nobody recommended what the tire guy did, and I'm going with him and his experience, since he does this 24/7 for truckers, RVs, big rigs, etc. On batteries, I think the reason for using double the six volt batteries versus half the 12 volt batteries is for deep cycling ability. If you read up on this, you'll find that deep cycle batteries are able to withstand more "abuse" and can cycle from low to high more often and take it than 12 volt batteries. I researched all the big names, such as Trojan, Interstate, Rolls, Deka etc. At the end of the day, again, you will get multiple opinions on preferences and experiences. Johnson Controls makes most of the batteries for many of these companies. I found that Interstate and Trojan were almost exactly matched in price, features and specs. Interstate has dealers/distributors all over and I can go get them myself, Trojan I couldn't find close by. Deka was higher priced and similar to these two so I ruled them out. Rolls recommends AGM batteries and they are twice the price of these other 3, I can't justify that cost, even if they do last twice as long. Finally, there are the golf cart batteries sold by Sam's club for about $75 each, which is about 3/4 the cost of the comparable Interstate/Trojans. I am going to be trying these out as others who have them are going on 4+ years strong with no issues. Guess I'll have to see what happens! Good luck in your search and decision. You will probably get as many opinions as you do responses! Markus 86 PT40 > > I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried. Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup? > > Thanks for your thoughts. > > Bill Of Huntsville (TX.) > > 83FC __________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/then...P:042010_3

[dan]

The cost savings in AGM's is in the recharging time. An AGM will accept a higher rate of charge so the generator runs less. For example, the generator runs three hours instead of six to recharge the bank. There is the savings.

Dan

88WB38

Jackson, MS

----- Original Message -----

From: "markusfmeyer@hotmail.com"

To: "wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 7:53 AM

Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat

Bill,

I think batteries are like oil and tires and politics, everyone has their preference, and there are many good choices.

I'm going through this right now on my PT. Multiple people gave me strong recommendations on tires, but nobody recommended what the tire guy did, and I'm going with him and his experience, since he does this 24/7 for truckers, RVs, big rigs, etc.

On batteries, I think the reason for using double the six volt batteries versus half the 12 volt batteries is for deep cycling ability. If you read up on this, you'll find that deep cycle batteries are able to withstand more "abuse" and can cycle from low to high more often and take it than 12 volt batteries. I researched all the big names, such as Trojan, Interstate, Rolls, Deka etc. At the end of the day, again, you will get multiple opinions on preferences and experiences. Johnson Controls makes most of the batteries for many of these companies. I found that Interstate and Trojan were almost exactly matched in price, features and specs. Interstate has dealers/distributors all over and I can go get them myself, Trojan I couldn't find close by. Deka was higher priced and similar to these two so I ruled them out. Rolls recommends AGM batteries and they are twice the price of these other 3, I can't justify that cost, even if they do last twice as long. Finally, there are the golf cart batteries sold by Sam's club for about $75 each, which is about 3/4 the cost of the comparable Interstate/Trojans. I am going to be trying these out as others who have them are going on 4+ years strong with no issues. Guess I'll have to see what happens!

Good luck in your search and decision. You will probably get as many opinions as you do responses!

Markus
86 PT40
>
> I have the old four six volt battery set up and the batteries are fried. Anyone have any thoughts on replacement batteries? Is there any need for two banks of batteries or would one "cat" type battery work, and if so what cranking amperage. Also is there any advantage to the four six volt setup?
>
> Thanks for your thoughts.
>
> Bill Of Huntsville (TX.)
>
> 83FC
__________________________________________________________
The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox.
http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/then...P:042010_3

[Markus Meyer]

If you are dry camping only, right? Otherwise, the alternator is recharging the
batteries while you are on the road, so that shouldn't be an issue. My logic
was I don't plan to do a ton of dry camping, so the additional expense versus
savings didn't work out. Usually I am driving, or hooked up to shore power.

Markus

________________________________
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> From: dangw@...
> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:12:45 -0500
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat
>
>
>
> The cost savings in AGM's is in the recharging
> time. An AGM will accept a higher rate of charge so the generator runs
> less. For example, the generator runs three hours instead of six to
> recharge the bank. There is the savings.
>
>
>
> Dan
>
> 88WB38
>
> Jackson, MS
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your
inbox.
http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/then...WL:en\
-US:WM_HMP:042010_2

[Chuck Wheeler]

Bill,

As you can see, and some one else said,
you can get as many opinions as folks you ask. If you do little or no dry
camping it probably does not make a lot of difference. We dry camp a lot and
I have used both interstate and Trojan batteries. If I get them from the
local distributor there is about $15 a battery difference. Our Wanderlodge
is about 6 years into the set of Trojans and they are starting to gas excessively
so I will probably replace them this fall before we make our winter trips
north. I usually get about 6-7 years on Trojan and about 4 years on Interstate
batteries. Lead acid batteries are the most tolerant of charger and
discharge abuse so I stick with them. We dry camp quite a bit in the
winter, but do not run inverters. When I store the Wanderlodge it is not
on shore power unless we are expecting a severe freeze. The four six volt
batteries are golf cart batteries that can handle deep discharge and the high
starting current that the CAT needs. They have a lot of lead in them to
provide this capacity. You can also get the high starting current by
using less lead and a different mix of electrolyte and this makes the battery
less expensive but you lose the deep discharge capacity. This is common
in automobile batteries that have to hit a price point.

- Chuck
Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Markus Meyer

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
11:20 AM

To:
wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat

If you are dry camping only, right? Otherwise, the alternator is recharging the
batteries while you are on the road, so that shouldn't be an issue. My logic
was I don't plan to do a ton of dry camping, so the additional expense versus
savings didn't work out. Usually I am driving, or hooked up to shore power.



Markus



________________________________

> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"

> From: "dangw%40att.net"

> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:12:45 -0500

> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery
Replacement 3208cat

>

>

>

> The cost savings in AGM's is in the recharging

> time. An AGM will accept a higher rate of charge so the generator runs

> less. For example, the generator runs three hours instead of six to

> recharge the bank. There is the savings.

>

>

>

> Dan

>

> 88WB38

>

> Jackson, MS

__________________________________________________________

Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your
inbox.

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[Don Bradner]

True, but you have to have the charge capability. I have 6 6-volt AGMs that
combine to a 12V 660AH bank. Since AGMs can theoretically handle 50% charge
rates that means up to 330Amp charging.

My ProSine 2.0 is only capable of outputting 105A, which wouldn't hurt regular
batteries in that bank size.

I went with 6-volt not because of their deeper cycle but rather because they are
taller than the original Group 24 on only slightly smaller footprint, so there
is more total battery - 6 Group 24s would typically be 480AH.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

On 5/19/2010 at 11:12 AM dan wrote:

>The cost savings in AGM's is in the recharging time. An AGM will accept
>a higher rate of charge so the generator runs less. For example, the
>generator runs three hours instead of six to recharge the bank. There is
>the savings.
>
>Dan
>88WB38
>Jackson, MS

[Chet Geist]

Bill,

I agree with Chuck. I have 4 Deka 6 volt golf cart batteries in my coach. I bought them in Oct 2002. They are still working good, but I know their life is about up. I do not leave my coach on shore power when not in use and have installed a separate battery switch to shut off all ghost circuits.

Chet Geist

1981 FC33 / 3208 NA Cat

Austin, Texas

-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Chuck Wheeler
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:07 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat

Bill,

As you can see, and some one else said, you can get as many opinions as folks you ask. If you do little or no dry camping it probably does not make a lot of difference. We dry camp a lot and I have used both interstate and Trojan batteries. If I get them from the local distributor there is about $15 a battery difference. Our Wanderlodge is about 6 years into the set of Trojans and they are starting to gas excessively so I will probably replace them this fall before we make our winter trips north. I usually get about 6-7 years on Trojan and about 4 years on Interstate batteries. Lead acid batteries are the most tolerant of charger and discharge abuse so I stick with them. We dry camp quite a bit in the winter, but do not run inverters. When I store the Wanderlodge it is not on shore power unless we are expecting a severe freeze. The four six volt batteries are golf cart batteries that can handle deep discharge and the high starting current that the CAT needs. They have a lot of lead in them to provide this capacity. You can also get the high starting current by using less lead and a different mix of electrolyte and this makes the battery less expensive but you lose the deep discharge capacity. This is common in automobile batteries that have to hit a price point.

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Markus Meyer
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 11:20 AM
To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat

If you are dry camping only, right? Otherwise, the alternator is recharging the batteries while you are on the road, so that shouldn't be an issue. My logic was I don't plan to do a ton of dry camping, so the additional expense versus savings didn't work out. Usually I am driving, or hooked up to shore power.

Markus

________________________________
> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> From: "dangw%40att.net"
> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 11:12:45 -0500
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Battery Replacement 3208cat
>
>
>
> The cost savings in AGM's is in the recharging
> time. An AGM will accept a higher rate of charge so the generator runs
> less. For example, the generator runs three hours instead of six to
> recharge the bank. There is the savings.
>
>
>
> Dan
>
> 88WB38
>
> Jackson, MS
__________________________________________________________
Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox.
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