| Power source Battery? [message #72510] |
Mon, 01 February 2010 16:57  |
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gmcdude76
Messages: 102
Registered: December 2009
Location: Northern Ca
Karma: 1
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Gmcers,
I know theres a formula to figure draw against amp hour
rate etc.for just standard use would group 24 or group 29s
be workable?i had or the previous owner had two 6volt golf cart
jobs.what a job to pull them out.i allmost pulled my hip out lol.i got them out of there.i hate to have to replace them every 8 years or so.
Would a group 29 series give me as close or far big differnce in dry camping use or boondocking?my theroy there is as long as i can start the generator then i should be able to recharge the house battey.or batterys if i run them down.ive heard all kinds of storys if you kill them 3 times then there conditioned and last longer.
I have also researched agm gell cell and no lead cell.Which would be the easyest to service and the longest use if used propery?
Thanks in advance
Gmc76Birchaven 23'94947
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| Re: Power source Battery? [message #72530 is a reply to message #72510] |
Mon, 01 February 2010 19:22  |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| gmcdude76 wrote on Mon, 01 February 2010 14:57 |
... i had or the previous owner had two 6volt golf cart jobs.what a job to pull them out.i allmost pulled my hip out lol.i got them out of there.i hate to have to replace them every 8 years or so.
Would a group 29 series give me as close or far big differnce in dry camping use or boondocking? ...
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Dollar for dollar and pretty much pound for pound, it is hard to beat the two 6volt golf cart batteries. As you have a 23 foot with the batteries up front, pull the grille or the wheel-well liner to change batteries.
No matter what type of battery you install you'll need to have something that will not overcharge them or you'll be changing the batteries A LOT more often than every eight years. (I.E. have you dumped the buzz box yet?)
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: Power source Battery? [message #72538 is a reply to message #72510] |
Mon, 01 February 2010 20:44 |
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gmcdude76
Messages: 102
Registered: December 2009
Location: Northern Ca
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Gmcers,
Never thought of pulling the grill or slide out trays?but i dont think that would work.i have headlights blocking that.i allmost broke off the pins for the plug that connects my headlights to the electrical system.ill tell yeah they might be good.but wholy moly i had to improvise a hoist to get them out.i had to move the engine battery away.just to get at the house batterys.if i have to ever change them.i aint a gonna bust a gut to do so.
Nope havent done anything with the buz box except to see if its working.mine is hard wired in instead of have a outlet.there are some nice upgrades the transmodes had that others dident.or the PO had orded them as options when they bought it.it seemed in the production days the transmode was a cheaper less exp gmc.
I was wanting to see if i could get the same output or days of use by useing a 12 volt deep cycle such as the ones you get from a dealer when there new.you usually get a group 24 12 volt batt.i also have a 12 volt group 29 which is a big battery as well. thease are just deep cycle marine batterys.it takes two 6 volts to get 12 to the coach i beleive?
Thanks
Gmc76Birchaven 23'94947
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| Re: Power source Battery? [message #72627 is a reply to message #72510] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 16:44 |
Erv Troyer
Messages: 125
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lagrange, IN
Karma: 0
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gmcdude wrote;
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have also researched agm gell cell and no lead cell.Which would be the easyest to service and the longest use if used propery?
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Don, if cost is not an object then I would recommend the AGM type battery.
I installed a Lifeline AGM battery soon after we got our GMC in May 2000. It is the 8D size (I can't lift it by myself). I installed it under the refrigerator cabinet, as they are approved for use in living quarters. It is still performing very well at this time. I have dry-camped up to 6 days, but I do have a solar panel which keeps the charge up (kinda).
This is a 255 amp-hour battery, which is about the same capacity as three type 24 batteries. At the time I bought this I worked for a company that was selling these for $540; I was able to get mine for $300. Yes, they are expensive, but if properly cared for they will pay for themselves, due to the much longer life-cycles they offer. Other advantages are listed on their web site:
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com
Like many products which cost more, you should compare lifetime usage vs cost when comparing it lower cost products. We would all still be riding on bias-ply tires if we only looked at initial cost, but we soon learned that the higher price for radial tires was worth it due to the many more miles of use we got from them.
Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
74 Sequoia
reo43@aol.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power source Battery? [message #72634 is a reply to message #72627] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 17:05 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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I agree with Erv on AGM batteries. I have 2 x 125 amp for the house and the
same for the engine. They have been in there going on 5 years. No corrosion,
no smell and perform well. I do have a couple of 75 watt solar panels on the
roof for charging.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Erv Troyer" <reo43@aol.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:44 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power source Battery?
>
>
> gmcdude wrote;
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> I have also researched agm gell cell and no lead cell.Which would be the
> easyest to service and the longest use if used propery?
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
> Don, if cost is not an object then I would recommend the AGM type battery.
>
> I installed a Lifeline AGM battery soon after we got our GMC in May 2000.
> It is the 8D size (I can't lift it by myself). I installed it under the
> refrigerator cabinet, as they are approved for use in living quarters. It
> is still performing very well at this time. I have dry-camped up to 6
> days, but I do have a solar panel which keeps the charge up (kinda).
>
> This is a 255 amp-hour battery, which is about the same capacity as three
> type 24 batteries. At the time I bought this I worked for a company that
> was selling these for $540; I was able to get mine for $300. Yes, they are
> expensive, but if properly cared for they will pay for themselves, due to
> the much longer life-cycles they offer. Other advantages are listed on
> their web site:
> http://www.lifelinebatteries.com
>
> Like many products which cost more, you should compare lifetime usage vs
> cost when comparing it lower cost products. We would all still be riding
> on bias-ply tires if we only looked at initial cost, but we soon learned
> that the higher price for radial tires was worth it due to the many more
> miles of use we got from them.
>
> --
> Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
> 74 Sequoia
> On the Digest
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Power source Battery? [message #72644 is a reply to message #72510] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 19:12 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| gmcdude76 wrote on Mon, 01 February 2010 17:57 |
Gmcers,
I know theres a formula to figure draw against amp hour rate etc. for just standard use would group 24 or group 29s be workable? i had or the previous owner had two 6volt golf cart jobs. what a job to pull them out.i allmost pulled my hip out lol. i got them out of there. i hate to have to replace them every 8 years or so.
Would a group 29 series give me as close or far big differnce in dry camping use or boondocking? my theroy there is as long as i can start the generator then i should be able to recharge the house battey.or batterys if i run them down. ive heard all kinds of storys if you kill them 3 times then there conditioned and last longer.
I have also researched agm gell cell and no lead cell. Which would be the easyest to service and the longest use if used propery?
Thanks in advance
|
Don,
You have raised a few points here that I will try to respond to effectively, but first things first.....
A severe discharge will damage any - ANY - lead acid based battery. AGM and Gel are still lead acid chemistry.
Your golf cart batteries aren't heavy. At 70+# I can install and remove them from the front (23') through the front access port. The 4D (weight 140) that used to be there required that I jack the coach, remove the fender liner and the engine battery and then slide that babe onto the top of the front tire and pick it out from there with half stretched arms and put it the new one back by reversing the process.
Irv's AGM 8D probably weights in at ~170#. When I have to move any 8D for any reason, I bid the job with rigging the tackle and shoring to do it safely.
If you are worried about starting the APU (genset), do what was done with all the early coaches. Have any little garden tractors (selected for low cost and easy availability) in an isolated circuit just to start it. Mine is still this way and I can't think of a good reason to change it.
I happen to like AGMs a whole lot (good thing, I'm sitting next to the 100AH that is the UPS for the house com/net). Unless there is a special circumstance (like you can get a 8D for !300$!) they are rarely cost effective. The same is true of Gels.
If I had my choice, I would have a Nicad house bank
A little data:
Grp 24 ~ 80AH
Grp 27 ~ 100AH
Grp 29/31 ~ 115AH
GC2/T105 ~ 225AH
If you are hoping to get much drycamp time out of your grp 29, you better have a gas refrigerator, and not want heat or fans or much fresh water and plan to go to bed with the sun. (Of course, no TV or computer and only a little radio.)
Before you can calculate how long you can run on the capacity of any battery bank, you have to know how much power you are planing to use, that means actually measuring the demand of everything on board.
If your choice it two 12V batteries in parallel or two big honkin' 6V in series, pick the 6V. I don't feel like writing that whole thing out again just now, just believe me.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Power source Battery? [message #72663 is a reply to message #72644] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 22:34 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have 2 of the Trojan T-105 6 volt batts wired in series.
How many Amp Hours do I have?
Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: Power source Battery? [message #72668 is a reply to message #72510] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 22:54 |
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gmcdude76
Messages: 102
Registered: December 2009
Location: Northern Ca
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Hmn,
A lot of info and help on this subject,
I had allready removed my house batterys.they were the trojans
125s.they were bone dry when i bought the coach.i had 3 shops and
no one thought to check the water level(go figure)my parts came in for my eyebrow and gasket.i worked on that installation today.but in the course even if i removed my grill it doesent look possible to take it thru the front grill.the oil filler line goes right past the batterys.i had to make ahoist so i could lift them and then do a 180 degree turn.i allmost broke off the connections for my ligts.and allmost destroyed my battery misor in the process.
So this is an operation i only wish to do if one is against the wall infront of a fireing squad ie wife/girl friend hehe.but i havent decided which to put in.i am looking for the 2 6volts golf carts.if you shop around you might get them at a reasonalble price.
But i have two 12 volt deepcycles avail and a group 29.my basic idea if i am dry camping is to use the generator to recharge them if i run them down.i may do eitherway in an rv park with a shore line or boondocking anyplace i want to stop.thats really the idea when one has an rv one can stop anywhere and avoid renting exp hotel rooms.
i appeaciate all the help on this.money is an object of less and less.i have close to 6000 invested and its sill not fully ready to travel in.i found several leaks in the recent heavy rains.i hope my new gasket and eyebrow from applied does the trick.
Gmc76Birchaven 23'94947
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power source Battery? [message #72672 is a reply to message #72663] |
Tue, 02 February 2010 23:03 |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Richard, I believe you'll find that the amp hours you get from 2 six volt
batteries in series is no greater than the amp hours of either one alone.
What you do gain is increased voltage from 6 to 12. If you were to connect
two identical 12 volt batteries in parallel you'd get twice the amp hours of
either one.
Glenn Giere
On Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 8:34 PM, Richard <bukzin@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have 2 of the Trojan T-105 6 volt batts wired in series.
>
> How many Amp Hours do I have?
> --
> Bukzin
> 1977 Palm Beach
> Chico California
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
_______________________________________________
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Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power source Battery? [message #72677 is a reply to message #72673] |
Wed, 03 February 2010 00:48 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Senior Member |
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Bukzin, about 225.
I run 4 6 volts, all up front. Great for extended dry camping. We just did over 2 weeks in Quartzsite. Solar kept us not needing the generator.
A good meter will tell you lots of things about your batteries. A Link 10 or Trimetric 2020 are two good ones with shunt feeds. You can see how much charge is going in and out of the batteries and what is left before you get too low. I rarely run our's below 80%. All of our draw is at night with two laptops and two satellite tv systems. We run our refer on lp gas and use the propane on demand hot water heater for showers. With a macerator waste is easy to get rid of without moving the coach. A couple of collapsable water jugs will keep you in fresh water.
For overnighting in Walmart, one 12 volt Marine battery will suffice.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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