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| New batteries [message #183112] |
Tue, 04 September 2012 18:49  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
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Well, I am back again. After family issues detoured our RV maintenance, I am working on getting it back up and running.
I went out to the lot today and discovered that my batteries are dead. They are not new batteries, so I am going to replace them. The question is, does anyone have recommendations for replacement batteries?
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183114 is a reply to message #183112] |
Tue, 04 September 2012 18:56  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
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I would go to your local Costco. Buy the battery for the chassis and if they have 6-volt golf cart batteries buy 2 of those for the house. If you don't currently have 2 batteries for the house then you'll have some expense in battery cables, but I'm very happy with my set-up.
And just to save Gene a trip to the web - take a look at <http://gmcmotorhome.info/chassis.html#batteries>
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Peesel" <thorndike@pldsllc.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 4:49:49 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] New batteries
Well, I am back again. After family issues detoured our RV maintenance, I am working on getting it back up and running.
I went out to the lot today and discovered that my batteries are dead. They are not new batteries, so I am going to replace them. The question is, does anyone have recommendations for replacement batteries?
Bob
--
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Sterling, Va
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: New batteries [message #183115 is a reply to message #183112] |
Tue, 04 September 2012 19:16 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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No specific battery recommendation as to brand or even type, but a big recommendation - think about your driving range and who will provide battery warranty service. One of my batteries failed and the replacement was over 200 miles away. I recommend; Wal-Mart,SAMs, Costco because of the warranty issue.
Use an normal automotive battery for engine starting and deep cycle for house. Use two six volt deep cycle wired in series for greater capacity.
I had an AGM type as an engine battery, but I went back to lead-acid.
I also recommend one of the little solar cell chargers to keep the batteries up without any further action.
I am currently using 12v marine deep/starting batteries for house, because here in Vicksburg, if Wal-Mart does carry it, you cannot buy it. No golf cart 6v specials from SAMs here.
Tom Phipps, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183144 is a reply to message #183114] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 01:58 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| ljdavick wrote on Tue, 04 September 2012 18:56 |
I would go to your local Costco. Buy the battery for the chassis and if they have 6-volt golf cart batteries buy 2 of those for the house. If you don't currently have 2 batteries for the house then you'll have some expense in battery cables, but I'm very happy with my set-up.
And just to save Gene a trip to the web - take a look at <http://gmcmotorhome.info/chassis.html#batteries>
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Peesel" <thorndike@pldsllc.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 4:49:49 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] New batteries
Well, I am back again. After family issues detoured our RV maintenance, I am working on getting it back up and running.
I went out to the lot today and discovered that my batteries are dead. They are not new batteries, so I am going to replace them. The question is, does anyone have recommendations for replacement batteries?
Bob
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Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Sterling, Va
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Same recommendation except at Sam's Club. It is really the wrong time of year for golf cart batteries but they still should have them. In the spring they will have several pallets of fresh golf cart batteries at Sam's.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: New batteries [message #183147 is a reply to message #183112] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 05:47 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| thorndike wrote on Tue, 04 September 2012 16:49 |
Well, I am back again. After family issues detoured our RV maintenance, I am working on getting it back up and running.
I went out to the lot today and discovered that my batteries are dead. They are not new batteries, so I am going to replace them. The question is, does anyone have recommendations for replacement batteries?
Bob
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Robert Peesel 1976 Royale 26' Side Dry Bath Sterling, Va
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Bob,
I agree with the others here about a pair of 6v golf cart batteries for the house 12v bank. But it might not be as easy as it could be... I notice that you have a Royale.
IIRC: Most Royales came with three 12v batteries. One Engine starting battery with a "house" battery next to it up front. They also had a full sized 12v battery in the rear next to the Onan. This is alright for battery longevity so far, but some bright person at Coachman figured why not use the extra capacity of the rear battery and paralleled it through a long cable with the house battery in the front. (Look and see if your system is still this way.)
This system "works" but sets up a situation where the house batteries draw down each other. This is very hard on batteries making them only last a few years. Even "matched" batteries with a long cable between then will "eat" each other and not allow the capacity of both batteries to be full utilized.
I recommend removing the 12 volt house batteries and replacing them with a pair of 6v golf cart batteries... but mounting them next to each other. Either up front or in the back, where is up to you and your use for the coach.
Up front gives you more storage in back, more weight on the front axles. In the rear puts the weight in the back, keeps the front area less cluttered, but will cost a bit more to keep the "boost" system usable.
If you put them in the rear, I would use the wiring diagram for the later GM upfitted coaches, as a guide. If you mount them up front, the last Birchavens have a good set up to copy. (With either you put the two 6v batteries in series in place of the single 12v house battery shown on the diagram.)
Both methods will, most likely, require a new battery tray. Plus, if you do not already have them, I would also add a modern converter (with smart charge capability) and a combiner. Someone else has mentioned a solar panel to maintain the batteries while in storage. (I keep mine plugged in.)
Due to the increased longevity of the batteries, the swap should pay for itself in a few years. The increased house battery capacity is a bonus.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183148 is a reply to message #183147] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 06:33 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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If you don't already have a full tray at the right front, here's the rough
template to start with for building one:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4280-battery-tray-pattern.html
or
http://goo.gl/saerV
One made from treated 3/4" plywood will last a long time. An aluminum one
from Ragusa will last much longer.
Ken H.
On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 6:47 AM, Mike Miller wrote:
>
> ...
Up front gives you more storage in back, more weight on the front axles.
> In the rear puts the weight in the back, keeps the front area less
> cluttered, but will cost a bit more to keep the "boost" system usable.
> ...
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: New batteries [message #183156 is a reply to message #183112] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 07:54 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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A fresh group 78 is all you need up front. For house the largest capacity deep cycle or 2 6 v Trojan type in series. At Costco they seem to have to know the "car" or can't figure it out. A 96 Impalla SS takes a 78 or a Cad SLS like 99 as well. Kirkland batteries have a long life IMHO. I run Delco as my friend is a dealer and I buy at cost. 3 companies make all the batteries sold in USA Buy 5 year batteries and replace at 5 years. You'll never be stranded ...save the money of 7 years batteries and go buy dinner for the two of you
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: New batteries [message #183161 is a reply to message #183112] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 08:16 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Bob: I know it is not recomended but I have had good luck with 2 of these. I have a 23' with both batteries up front.
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/ptd/3210298873.html
| thorndike wrote on Tue, 04 September 2012 19:49 |
Well, I am back again. After family issues detoured our RV maintenance, I am working on getting it back up and running.
I went out to the lot today and discovered that my batteries are dead. They are not new batteries, so I am going to replace them. The question is, does anyone have recommendations for replacement batteries?
Bob
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: New batteries [message #183245 is a reply to message #183112] |
Wed, 05 September 2012 21:09 |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Thanks for all the replies. My Royale does have two batteries up front and one in the rear.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183379 is a reply to message #183147] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 14:46 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 4:47 AM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
> IIRC: Most Royales came with three 12v batteries. One Engine starting battery with a "house" battery next to it up front. They also had a full sized 12v battery in the rear next to the Onan. This is alright for battery longevity so far, but some bright person at Coachman figured why not use the extra capacity of the rear battery and paralleled it through a long cable with the house battery in the front. (Look and see if your system is still this way.)
>
> This system "works" but sets up a situation where the house batteries draw down each other. This is very hard on batteries making them only last a few years. Even "matched" batteries with a long cable between then will "eat" each other and not allow the capacity of both batteries to be full utilized.
My 73 Painted Desert has a third battery in the rear next to the Onan.
I don't know if it's paralleled with the front house battery.
What's the intended function of the read battery, assuming its not
paralleled with the front?
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
GMCMH Search Engine: http://goo.gl/xd8PK
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183384 is a reply to message #183379] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 15:25 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
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On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 1:46 PM, Sean F <wsfulmer@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 4:47 AM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
>> IIRC: Most Royales came with three 12v batteries. One Engine starting battery with a "house" battery next to it up front. They also had a full sized 12v battery in the rear next to the Onan. This is alright for battery longevity so far, but some bright person at Coachman figured why not use the extra capacity of the rear battery and paralleled it through a long cable with the house battery in the front. (Look and see if your system is still this way.)
>>
>> This system "works" but sets up a situation where the house batteries draw down each other. This is very hard on batteries making them only last a few years. Even "matched" batteries with a long cable between then will "eat" each other and not allow the capacity of both batteries to be full utilized.
>
> My 73 Painted Desert has a third battery in the rear next to the Onan.
> I don't know if it's paralleled with the front house battery.
>
> What's the intended function of the read battery, assuming its not
> paralleled with the front?
Think I found my answer at http://goo.gl/HvQ2a: "The early coaches did
not have the solenoid at the rear because the third battery back there
was for generator starting only."
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183398 is a reply to message #183386] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 17:00 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Gene's suggestion of 2 combiners is the way to go, and his easy 10 minutes combiner install is perfect. I at least copied that much from his massive storehouse of GMC information.
I have considered a knife switch to totally disconnect the 3rd battery in the rear from the front battery, to help prevent the 2 batteries from eating each other up, while in storage. Or, an 3 battery isolator would also do the trick, with the additional combiner across the terminal for battery #2 and #3. Right now battery #1 and #2 are isolated/combiner, per Gene's great idea.
Knife switch cheap, 3 battery isolator/combiner not so much.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183418 is a reply to message #183384] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 18:25 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Sean wrote on Thu, 06 September 2012 13:25 |
On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 1:46 PM, Sean F <wsfulmer@gmail.com
>> IIRC: Most Royales came with three 12v batteries. One Engine
>> starting battery with a "house" battery next to it up front.
>> They also had a full sized 12v battery in the rear next to
>> the Onan. ...
>
> My 73 Painted Desert has a third battery in the rear next to
> the Onan.
> I don't know if it's paralleled with the front house battery.
>
> What's the intended function of the read battery, assuming its
> not paralleled with the front?
Think I found my answer at http://goo.gl/HvQ2a: "The early coaches did
not have the solenoid at the rear because the third battery back there
was for generator starting only."
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Keep in mind when comparing different coaches, the set ups might be different due to the Upfitter. If someone is talking about a Birchaven, Royale, Avion or other non-GM upfitted rig, some information may not transfer very well.
That said, normally the battery next to the generator is used to start the generator. The GM upfitted early coaches (1973/74), left the factory with a small separate battery in the rear that was only for starting the generator. As the Onan doesn't really draw a lot of amps, even when starting, the battery didn't need to be very big. The problem was that it was charged ONLY when the generator was running. (By the same fly-wheel alternator that provides the "generator running" signal to the control board.) Most GMC'ers didn't use the generator often enough to keep the battery charged.
Their solution was to move the house battery to the rear as it is kept charged by the converter. (And is more likely to be noticed when dead.) The problem with this was it couldn't be used to boost the main engine... so they added a large cable and an extra boost solenoid. They ended up with a good design.
Also... in over 30 years, many coaches might not be set-up even close to how they left the factory. 
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] New batteries [message #183419 is a reply to message #183418] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 18:34 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Mike Miller wrote on Thu, 06 September 2012 16:25 |
... a small separate battery in the rear that was only for starting the generator. As the Onan doesn't really draw a lot of amps, even when starting, the battery didn't need to be very big. The problem was that it was charged ONLY when the generator was running. ...
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OBTW: My solution was the smallest combiner connecting house battery (via the fuse panel in the hallway) to the generator battery. I think it is the simplest solution. I kept the separate battery because I like having a small amount of power in reserve.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: New batteries [message #183421 is a reply to message #183112] |
Thu, 06 September 2012 18:41 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Minor correction. I gave example of cars that use group 78 battery as 96 impala SS and 99 Cad SLS. Should read 1997 SLS. Sorry for any confusion
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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