Needing new batteries December 08, 2023, 05:55:46 pm Hi Everyone,The House Batteries are not holding a charge. In August of 2015 we bought 2 Lifeline GPL-4ct batteries. So since 2019, wehaven't used the Lazy Daze due to my husband having major health issues. He passed in April, 2022 and I am now trying to get things back to ready to use. I am not sure I want to travel solo but I can't start the generator to run it without the batteries working? It just clicks when I push the starter button. My question is should I replace with the same batteries or is there something better? Other options? I don't really want another thing to baby sit, refilling water. I just had the smog certified and all is good, she is a 1999 Mid-bath. I guess I just need some input. Trying to keep everything thing in good working order and to move forward....Thanks for your Help,Tammy
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #1 – December 08, 2023, 09:33:31 pm Here's a short answer, Tammy, and I'm sure others can add more details.Yes, the generator's starter motor is powered by the house batteries, so if they're nearly dead, it won't start. Sounds as if that's the case with your rig. At eight years old, they'd be getting close to the end of their lifespan even if recharged regularly, and from what you said, they may not have been charged in four years or so. So yes, it's time to replace them.The simplest solution would be to buy a new pair of Lifeline GPL-4CT batteries like the ones you have. An alternative would be a pair of 100 amp-hour lithium (LiFePO4) batteries such as those made by Battle Born or SOK. The cost would be somewhat higher, but you'd get a lot more usable storage capacity in the same space, with about half the weight.A number of us have switched to LiFePO4 batteries because of their advantages. But in an older rig like yours, doing so will require an updated converter and (if you have solar panels) solar charging controller. None of these alternatives are cheap, but LiFePO4 is probably a better investment for the future.(By the way, all of the batteries mentioned above are maintenance-free, so no need to refill water.) 3 Likes
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #2 – December 08, 2023, 09:42:38 pm "At eight years old, they'd be getting close to the end of their lifespan..."Well, you once again beat me to the punch Andy! I was about to say the same thing. And while I'm at it I'd best check the date on my own LifeLine AGMs. 3 Likes
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #3 – December 10, 2023, 08:11:37 pm I like this idea of upgrading to two 100 amp-hour lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.I already have the 3000i blue sky solar charger. A couple of simple basic questions.1. Would those two batteries fit in the existing battery compartment on my mid bath?2. Is there a progressive dynamics charger I could upgrade two, or do I need to get something better?3. Is it really this simple?I feel like there’s a gotcha and I might be missing it.Any of you people have any thoughts?
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #4 – December 10, 2023, 08:18:33 pm A further question regarding this upgrade. I forgot about the charging of the house batteries from the engine.I have a 2006 mid Bath. Is there a concern going to lithium regarding this issue? Thanks so much.
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #5 – December 10, 2023, 08:19:46 pm these will fit:100Ah 12V GC2 LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery | Battle Born Batteries... as will any others if in the GC2 format. I do not know if any brands make this format. In any event, as they are 12V, you will need to rewire.
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #6 – December 10, 2023, 08:28:52 pm Quote from: Jackhiett - December 10, 2023, 08:18:33 pmA further question regarding this upgrade. I forgot about the charging of the house batteries from the engine.I have a 2006 Mid Bath. Is there a concern going to lithium regarding this issue? Thanks so much.Our 2003 LD has been switched to lithium coach batteries without any negative effect on the starting battery. I have retained the diode isolator for the time being. The Blue Sky 3000i controller can be adjusted to work with lithium batteries.Switching to a converter designed for lithium will provide faster charging.PD9160AL 60 Amp, 12 volt, Lithium Converter/Charger-PD9160ALLarry
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #7 – December 10, 2023, 08:39:00 pm Thanks Larry. Does the charger you’re showing to slide right in where the parallax existed?
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #8 – December 10, 2023, 08:43:03 pm To Steve. Good input because I forgot about having to rewire when I go from 6 V batteries to two 12 V batteries.That shouldn’t be too difficult to do all things considering.I’m thinking I might want to consider opening up some air holes into the battery compartment from the coach so it doesn’t get too hot or cold in there.
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #9 – December 11, 2023, 08:38:30 pm I did just that, and used a high value insulation board and other measures to insulate the battery compartment from the outside. I also removed the battery tray to gain more room above the batteries for access to the rear compartment wall. Removing that was a major operation.Steve
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #10 – December 11, 2023, 10:02:22 pm Quote from: Steve - December 11, 2023, 08:38:30 pmI did just that, and used a high value insulation board and other measures to insulate the battery compartment from the outside. I also removed the battery tray to gain more room above the batteries for access to the rear compartment wall. Removing that was a major operation.SteveI really appreciate your feedback. I hadn’t considered removing the battery tray. I’m particularly worried about room and accessing that compartment.I’m considering getting one SOK 200 amp 12 V battery.I keep thinking I should have two 100 amp batteries, but I think the idea of one larger battery might be better.How many batteries did you put in and what size?
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #11 – December 11, 2023, 10:29:48 pm Quote from: Jackhiett - December 11, 2023, 10:02:22 pmI’m considering getting one SOK 200 amp 12 V battery.I keep thinking I should have two 100-amp/hour batteries, but I think the idea of one larger battery might be better.How many batteries did you put in and what size?A single 200-amp/hr battery should have similar characteristics to two 100-amp/hr batteries. Each manufacturer has its specifications that can vary between batteries. Read the specifications fine print.Pick the battery(ies) that fits the location best and your budget.Steve and I both have two 100-amp/hr Battleborn batteries.Larry
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #12 – December 11, 2023, 11:15:34 pm Quote from: Jackhiett - December 10, 2023, 08:39:00 pmThanks Larry. Does the charger you’re showing to slide right in where the parallax existed?I had to remove our LD's Power Center's cover to make sure it would fit. Your 2005 LD has the same Power Center as our 2003. A PD9270C converter resides in our LD's power Center, it is the same width and height as the PD9160AL except it is an inch shorter. The Power Center has enough room to accommodate an one-inch longer converter.New converter | FlickrBattleborn's list of approved converters included PD9270C and the Blue Sky 3000i solar controller, reducing the expense and complexity of converting to lithium. After 15 years, I have no complaints about the converter, it does the job and is usually very quiet.Larry
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #13 – December 11, 2023, 11:46:56 pm Quote from: Jackhiett - December 11, 2023, 10:02:22 pmI’m considering getting one SOK 200 amp 12 V battery.I keep thinking I should have two 100 amp batteries, but I think the idea of one larger battery might be better.The 206 Ah SOK battery is at an attractive price, but its BMS - which determines its performance - is not as robust as some others at this Ah rating, rated for 170 Amps continuous discharge and 70 Amps charge. If a whole house inverter to run microwave, hair dryer, etc are not of interest, these specs may be fine. If a future upgrade is a possibility, I would choose the battery now that will best fill those needs too.Steve
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #14 – December 12, 2023, 05:02:22 am Hi Jack Hiett; I have two SOK 206's for 400AH woth of battery at 14v. In parallel they can provide 200Amps into an inverter. I didn't plan to run my roof air conditioner. These two SOK do run my 1100 watt microwave well. They are also capable of starting my generator a two cylinder Onan Emerald 4kw. The batteries come in a thin wall steel case or a plastic thick wall for use in boats around water. I have the thin wall version which can be opened if needed by unscrewing Phillips head screws. (that does void the warranty) It is also smaller. I don't think the plastic walled batteries are needed or would fit in the battery box. Will Prowse has good things to say about the construction of the internal BMS controller boards. RonB
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #15 – December 12, 2023, 09:53:49 am Quote I also removed the battery tray to gain more room above the batteries for access to the rear compartment wall. Removing that was a major operation.You can say that again! I had to destroy mine to get the thing out of there. I removed the battery box too. What a job that was. If I could get hold of the guy at LD with the caulking gun, I'd wring his neck! I also removed the drawer above the battery compartment along with the horizontal wood piece below it. I ended up with a pretty good size compartment that easily holds three batteries and the necessary solar stuff. If I add an inverter, I plan to mount it on the forward wall of the compartment below the battery compartment. I closed off the compartment vent holes on the door with Reflectix. We try to avoid camping in cold weather but on this last trip it got into the high 20s. We were plugged in part of the time so I ran the Houghton A/C in heat mode @ 60 degrees at night. The battery compartment was in the 40s to 50s in the morning. If we were cold campers, I think I'd add a little 12v heater.jorjor
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #16 – December 12, 2023, 01:19:55 pm You guys are all so incredibly helpful and nice. I don’t even know how to say thank you to everyone for the information provided.I will say this… Before I start this project, I have a lot of decisions to make.Thanks again
Re: Needing new batteries Reply #17 – December 15, 2023, 11:59:39 am Thanks everyone!!!I decided to get the Lifeline batteries like I have already. We had a newer converter put in when we got the lifelines 8 years ago. Also have a single standard solar panel. I think 8 years is a good run for the batteries and my mechanic will install them for me. It is nice having this group to give ideas and suggestions. I am not sure if I will be camping on my own, so getting good batteries but not redoing everything seems a better idea. Thanks again! 3 Likes
Topic: Needing new batteries (Read 477 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: Needing new batteries (Read 477 times)
previous topic - next topic