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Do you have AGM/gel or wet cell batteries in your house bank? I think most converters installed AGMs. My coach has wet cells, which I'm considering changing out. The battery enclosure doesn't appear vented for the use of wet cells.
Just curious how many others are using wet cell batteries in their house bank,
I think AGM's are the most common. Be sure to reprogram your Inverters to AGM if you change over.
AGM's are generally considered to do a better job and are safer and easier to maintain due to their sealed construction. I recently replaced my AGM's after 6 years of excellent service.
Truk4you, one of our members, is a Lifeline Battery dealer who offers a substantial discount on Lifelines. http://www.trans-specialists.net/. Batteries ordered from Tom will be drop shipped directly from Lifeline.
I think almost everyone is on AGM or Advanced Glass Mat batteries. These are also called maintenance free (as if there were such a thing) gel batteries.
I've had excellent results with hundreds and hundreds of Lifeline AGMs over the years.
As noted here talk to both the invertor guys and the battery guys first to set the proper charge parameters in the invertors. Sometimes this can be done manually or sometimes you can get an E-Prom or chip installed. All of these settings are changeable, but it is important that they match a given battery type or manufacturer.
I would also double check dimensions to make sure the new batteries will fit.
One question would be a post type anode, like a car battery, or a flag type anode with a hole for a through bolt. Lifeline makes both. If going from post anodes to flag anodes, the cable ends will have to be changed accordingly. I prefer the flag type since it's easier to "stack" more than one cable end, and there's nothing better than a good old nut and bolt.
Justin at Life batteries is your guy. 626-969-6886. Tell him I sent you.
The wet cell batteries are not only a mess to handle and to care for....they are very dangerous.
The fumes emitted from the system are very serious. They are toxic and I would not think twice about what to use. When I purchased our coach, I literally drove it directly to National Indoor in Lewisville, Tx and had eight new glass batteries installed.
When you do make the change, have then remove the old batteries, spray the entire cage with an anti-acid, wire brush the entire cage, blast it again with high pressure water and blow it dry. Thereafter, I would absolutely and completely cover all parts of the cage with Rust'oleum...two or three coats... we used simple spray cans of the stuff... The batteries and the inverters need to be balanced at that time. It has been one of the best things I have done on the coach.
Any questions call me at 713 725 9486. I will tell you what I know which is less than many on this thread know but at least I have had the experience with a similar coach.
Pres