Battery size

TomC · July 12, 2009, 08:23:05 AM

I specifically asked Lifeline if they had worked out the problems with their 300amp 6v, and got a blank stare (persay). They stated they didn't know of any problems with that battery (just what they said). Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · July 12, 2009, 08:35:41 AM

TomC, I can tell you they refunded my money and if you like I can give you a # of a guy in Phoenix that will not sell the Lifeline 300 amp batteries good luck

WEC4104 · July 12, 2009, 10:45:02 AM

If I were on a trip somewhere and a Group 31 developed a problem, I would have lots of options. I could pick up a Group 31 battery lots of different places and even at some pretty strange hours. Depending on where I bought the original, and if it was still under warranty, I'd stand a reasonable chance of finding a place to get one for free or prorated discount.

Even if I was forced to buy an $80 Group 31 out of pocket, until I could get home and make the warranty exchange, it is not a huge investment. I'd get home on the "temporary" battery and then get the warranty replacement. It would not be difficult for be to find some other use for the temporary Group 31 back home.

Plus, with Group 31s run in parallel, I might be able to even operate off just one side.

I think with the 8Ds, finding a replacement, invoking a warranty, swapping batteries around, gets a whole lot more involved.

gus · July 12, 2009, 06:25:19 PM

Nick,

If you lose your prime, cranking the starter is not the best way to solve the problem. Not only is it hard on batteries but the starter probably gets the worst end of the deal.

The best way is to use one of the many other methods posted numerous times here. I use an electric auto fuel pump, but there are a bunch of other ideas as good or better.

Tenor · July 12, 2009, 06:57:07 PM

I use 2 group 31's for start. On my MCI 7 they drop right into the rails that used to hold the bus AC compressor. I use the old trays for the house batteries. If you are worried about cold starts, just use a block heater. The 31's will do fine.

Glenn

travelingfools · July 12, 2009, 07:46:31 PM

I replaced my 8D's with group 31's..when and if they go bad, Ill be going back to 8D's. The 31's start the DD alright if everything is alright, but die fast if there is any problems.

John316 · July 12, 2009, 08:00:38 PM

We have stuck with the 8D's, for starting. We want to wire our six 8D house batteries, so we can jump start the bus, but we haven't done that yet.

I think that our decision to stick with the 8D's would be different if I couldn't take them in and back out to the ground by myself. If I couldn't do that, then I would probably go with group 31's.

YMMV

God bless,

John

jjrbus · July 13, 2009, 06:55:58 AM

8D's or group 31

? I dont know about your situation, but here is what I did after looking at many conversions. I changed to 31's and moved them to the engin compartment 3 feet of starter cable vs 25 feet! In an MCI the old battery cable can be used to tie to the new house bank! This is with the original bus air removed. The original battery compartment on a 5C is the perfect size for 2 30lb LP tanks.
I installed a 24 volt inverter and house battery bank with a selector switch. I used a selector switch a solenoid can also be used. This allows me to run 120V applications, roof air mainly and arrive at my destination with fully charged batteries. I can also use the house batteries for an added boost to the starter should it be needed.
Should I run both battery banks down (never did) I still have a generator to recharge them. With the generator I did something most would not care for, I center tapped the generator off the house batteries. if the house batteries are dead I could not start the generator. You should never allow the batteries to get that low, so I saw it as a non issue. Also I have a toad and jumper cables, so I could get it started! If the toad battery is also dead, I have a cell phone and am having a worst case scenerio day.
If all batteries die I might have been able to use the generator to run bus?? I'm not sure on that only speculation.
Cold weather starting? I cant imagine why anyone would go into cold weather but I had a block heater and generator, problem solved! The block heater was there when I bought bus.
HTH Jim