Battery size

[steve5B]

I need to replace the bus batteries, what I was wondering do you have to use the standard 8-D's' if you don't have the factory

air, and what amps would you use?


  Steve 5B....  Thanks!

[WEC4104]

Definitely do not have to use the 8Ds.  As far as capacity is concerned, it depends on several factors.  (12 or 24 volt system, anticipated cold weather starts, engine, etc.)

[Airbag]

I am not an electrical engineer and that is exactly why I replaced mine with 8D's. They are not that expensive.

I drove buses for two years professionally and the bean counters decided to switch to car batts in the 180 buses. What a disaster. The bus I drove would just quit when you least expected. When they made the switch in my bus I was lucky to build enough air pressure to get the air throttle on line so I could rev it to get the alternator on line before it would quit.

It was fun watching the mechanics zoom around the yard at 5:00 am in the winter jumping buses 

The decission to switch to the cheaper batteries was not made by the mechanics, they were pissed.

My personal bus starts every time

[belfert]

There is a difference between car batteries and truck batteries.  A group 31 battery is a truck battery, yet smaller than an 8D.  Plenty of folks here running with two group 31 batteries instead of 8Ds, but most also stay away from freezing if they can help it.

[gus]

Rick,

Those 8D monsters are ok for you young bucks, but us old farts can't lift them. They also have a lousy warranty compared to others.

As belfert says, I run two Gp31s as starters and two deep cycle 32s for house with absolutely no problems. Of course I don't use it much in cold weather, which we have very little of here in the south.

I consider two 31s as the equivalent of one 8D or maybe a slight bit more. In my 4104 there is absolutely no need for two 8Ds as starters, way overkill. In my opinion they were only necessary to keep the huge passenger AC operating because of the very large fan motor for the air system.

Once in a pinch, when my alternator failed, I used my two house batteries to boost my starters, worked fine. I have started the bus with only one 31 more than once.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Steve,

No, you don't need 8D's but,,,,, you'll wish you had them next time you lose your prime and need to crank the engine more then usual.

8D's are not that expencive and you have the tray to fit them so, why not.

Good Luck
Nick-

[steve5B]

   Hey Guys,

  Thanks for the info. I live here in Indiana and we do have some cold winters every now and then so I can see why the

  large ones would work better for cranking as Nick stated if you loose the prime.  As for the physical size I understand the

  weight  being an issue for some. Me too, they are heavy.  I don't use my bus like others, (wish I had more time). As for the

  31's would that be ok? 

  Thanks again!!!!!!

   Steve 5B....

[Melbo]

I bought FOUR group thirty ones instead of the 8D's because of the warranty

the 31 is five year and the 8D is one year

I can handle the four little batteries easier and they have the same reserve

Just my way of better warranty and easier to handle

Melbo

[luvrbus]

You guys get away from Sam's or Costco and buy the Calcium constructed sealed 8D and they have a 5 year warranty Mine lasted 8 years here in AZ and the new ones didn't cost anymore than 4 group 31.  good luck

[Ed Hackenbruch]

 Several years ago I was putting an 8D back in the upper tray when it hung up on me. When i got it to get loose it dropped down and caught 4 fingers on each hand between it and the edge of the frame of the tray. Thought at first i had cut them all off, then i figured they were broken. My wife was standing right there and it took both of us 2 tries to lift the end of the battery up enough to get my hands out. They were swollen and cut up some but not broken.  They were old batteries and i had been reading about using group 31's and when it came time to replace them i never even thought twice about getting rid of them and using the 31's.  I wouldn't use 8D's again even if they were free! In cold weather i use a block heater and the 31's won't even hesitate turning over my 8V71. Even forgot to turn the heater on one time and they still fired off the engine in about 5-10 seconds of cranking.

[Gary '79 5C]

Well it sounds like you can not go wrong either way, But, I have the 8D config. I replaced one in 5 years. I have needed the extra battery 2X. Once with a wiring problem, since corrected, and another when my stock belt driven alternator blew the belts (sheeve failure) and I needed to get home from Va.NC state line. I was glad I had the extra battery that evening. I had candles upon arrival.

They are heavy, I am getting older, but with maintenace, cleaning my 8D's have provided great service. I have gone to a 24V J180 mount alternator, and have no coach A/C. The extra battery capacity is like runway in front not behind, altitude below not above, and fuel on board not left behind, It is there if I need it.... If I needed a replacement I would replace in kind.
Ed my fingers feel the experience you had thru your write up, Oh My. I used to work in a steel mill years ago, and one job stacking 4" channel 40' lengths, four up, four down, my welding glove caught between the stack. I really thought I had left my fingers in that glove... Did not however.

My 2 cents.

[Jerry32]

I have to agree that the 8D's are the best bet as keeping them maintained I put a platform next to the bus and drag them out . wash them down and clean terminals  fill with distilled water and shove em back in. They were old batteries when I got the coach 2 years ago and work well in cold weather too.

I priced them at NAPA for 200 apiece and a  Gr 27 at Wally World is 80 bucks so don't think that is too bad.Another bus here had one of those sealed 8D's and it went bad while the regular one stayed good so I dont think I want any of the sealed type. Jerry

[BUR]

I have 8 group 31's AGM's in 24 volt configuration and have "yet" to have a problem. I don't have start batteries, I start the engine off of these. The engine will start with a couple of revolutions. Some will say this is not the way to go, but it is working very well for me. The first question I get is what happens if the batteries go down, how do you start the bus? You start the generator grab a cold one out of the frig and let the inverter (24v) do it's job, while you enjoy what you're out there for in the first place.    BUR

[TomC]

While I do have 2-8D Lifeline AGM's for my house batteries, I also use two Interstate 950cca batteries to start the bus.  If I do need to crank it more, I can hit my jumper solenoid and get the aide of the house batteries since the 8D's can be used for cranking.  Next time I need house batteries, they will be changed to the 300amp 6V Lifeline AGM's- and no- they haven't been having problems with that battery.  Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

TomC, I know that remark was for me saying I have had problems with 2 sets of the 300 amp Life Line but come see for yourself. 
I am not that far from Vegas and will be glad to give you a couple to get them out of my way or ask the guys on the board here that have seen my battery bay and the batteries before you make a statement like that.
They are a piece of junk for over 300 bucks each         
good luck