Need new start batteries

chessie4905 · May 18, 2016, 07:06:45 AM

While we are at it, wasn't there some recent posts concerning AGM meltdowns? Lost my interest on using them, plus too damn expensive. At least since you have to frequently add water to lead acid types, it gives you the opportunity to observe everything in the battery compartment. Btw, ever try to charge a dead agm? Makes more sense if you are full timing though. But 4 or 6 large batts to purchase? Wow! Spend it on the tires.

TomC · May 18, 2016, 07:38:05 AM

Because of where my deep cycle batteries are, they were very hard to water. I changed to 2-8D Lifeline AGM's. They lasted 7 years and in that 7 years did virtually nothing to them, nothing-not even clean the terminals once. It was like they weren't even there. The money difference between AGM's and wet batteries is way worth it to me. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · May 18, 2016, 07:42:37 AM

LOL I can tell you Trojan AGM's melt down I just replaced 6 of the 8D's like in the photo Luckychow posted it sucks one battery takes out 5 more

Oonrahnjay · May 18, 2016, 09:01:25 AM

Quote from: LuckyChow on May 18, 2016, 05:52:10 AMThe ones with the sealed tops (but not AGM or gel) are what they normally market as "maintenance fee". As mentioned, they are not much different than the regular battery that has watering holes. One manufacturer claims they put a catalyst in the vapor path to reclaim some electrolyte. I've never seen one dismantled so I don't know if it's true or not. I haven't kept up with this for the last 10 years or so, but a few years back there were only 3 or 4 battery manufacturers nationwide. All the various battery names were just rebadged marketing schemes.

...

Yeah, a "catalyst in the vapor path". Right. I see you've been around this monkey business and have figgered it out, too. Esp. you're right about the very limited number of batt. manufacturers and the rebadging nonsense.

Boomer · May 18, 2016, 09:01:48 AM

Why didn't you just eliminate the bad one and go with a smaller bank until the next one failed? Just wondering in case it happens to me. I have 8 AGM Trojans.

luvrbus · May 18, 2016, 09:24:06 AM

Quote from: Boomer on May 18, 2016, 09:01:48 AM
Why didn't you just eliminate the bad one and go with a smaller bank until the next one failed? Just wondering in case it happens to me. I have 8 AGM Trojans.

It took out all 6 of mine out Boomer not just one and Trojan told me it usually does when they have a thermal runaway

gg04 · May 18, 2016, 02:47:42 PM

Wish you'll would stop this crap.. Talk about rooftop airs and one of mine dies.. Talk about batteries and both of my 8ds die . And I'm not even able to drive again yet. But they are 14 year old Interstate 's. rdw

Dave5Cs · May 18, 2016, 03:18:25 PM

Clifford here is the number for Hawker Batteries. For 500.00 you also get a sticker!...Wow

Proper labeling of authentic Hawker® 6TAGM Batteries:
Since March 2011, Hawker® added a US Government directed "Recoverable Item" maintenance sticker on the top of the Hawker® Armasafe™ Plus Battery.
To ensure you have received the original Hawker® battery, make sure your AGM batteries have the Hawker® label and the yellow "Recoverable Item "sticker (as shown below).

If you have any questions, please contact our Field Support Representatives at (877) 485-1472.

chessie4905 · May 18, 2016, 05:43:14 PM

Yeah, you've got a point. Lets instead talk about refrigerators and transmissions going bad.

opus · May 18, 2016, 06:35:37 PM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on May 17, 2016, 08:35:55 AM
They seem to only last about three years and you have to watch the water levels, but they do have a lot more reserve.

I'm on 7+ yrs with my 2 8D's.

DoubleEagle · May 18, 2016, 07:14:37 PM

Quote from: opus on May 18, 2016, 06:35:37 PM
I'm on 7+ yrs with my 2 8D's.

That's great, but what brand and model? There seems to be several levels with many brands.

opus · May 18, 2016, 07:19:27 PM

Napa....not sure what model.

chessie4905 · May 18, 2016, 07:27:13 PM

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.interstatedealers.com/ibcatalog/common/commercial_spec.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwi2n-mRiuXMAhWHHR4KHewGD1YQFggrMAU&usg=AFQjCNG-BiO45TRmC7e5MN4G4z2moqeKNQ

DoubleEagle · May 18, 2016, 07:35:26 PM

Quote from: opus on May 18, 2016, 07:19:27 PM
Napa....not sure what model.

Thanks, now I wonder who made it for NAPA. It might be Johnson Controls, if I heard right.

TomC · May 19, 2016, 10:06:51 AM

When my 2-8D AGM Lifelines were nearing the end, I noticed the inverter/charger was constantly charging. I went and inspected the batteries and one of the batteries was running warm. So I disconnected that battery and ran with just one deep cycle for a few more weeks until I could buy two new ones.
The worst battery I ever bought was the Caterpillar 8D. Was sealed, and didn't work worth s---. The best wet battery is any wet battery with the addition of Thermoil. Good Luck, TomC