Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: House Batteries (Read 265 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
House Batteries
The two Lifeline AGM house batteries in our LD are original so they are 10 years old.  There are no problems with them that I am aware of, but I assume they are nearing the end of their life.  Would it be wise to have them replaced relatively soon so as not to have problems when on the road?  Also, does the generator start off the house batteries in which case the generator could not be started if the house batteries fail?
Thanks,
Paul H.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: House Batteries
Reply #1 –
Paul, if your AGMs are 10 years old and still functioning, you have definitely gotten your money's worth!  Yes, I would replace them.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: House Batteries
Reply #2 –
Hello Paul.   When the house batteries are weak or even failing, start the truck and you’ll be able to start the generator since the alternator is pushing amps to the house batteries.  This is how I had to start our generator after 10 days of dry camping and poor solar because of shade.  Hope this helps. 

Btw, I found that Dyers RV had the best price for those AGM and free shipping. 
Re: House Batteries
Reply #3 –
Paul, my battery bank was changed at 9 years.  I asked that the old batteries be tested.  I was told they were like new.  So why did I change them?  I knew they were old, as am I.  I could no longer wrestle the batteries out and new ones in if they went bad while I was far from help.  I spend most of my days far from help.  So, thinking like you, I replaced them when convenient rather than waiting until they gave me trouble.

Here's the deal.  If you have treated your batteries gently, they will last a long time.  If you treat them harshly, then they won't, and 5 years is what you should expect.  My battery bank is almost never drained below 78%, and most of the time they are at 80% in the morning.  I vary my generator use charging them depending on the weather, time of year, and location.  In Wyoming in June and July I do not need to run the generator unless it is a rare cloudy day.  The solar panels will bring the bank up to 100% by late afternoon.  In the winter in New Mexico, with shorter days, I tend to run the generator for an hour in the morning.

So, is 10 years time to change?  As Joan said, you have gotten your money's worth.  If you are a fulltimer in remote areas, like I am, I would say it is time.  If you are a weekender with occasional longer trips, if the batteries are holding up well with no sign of problems, you can probably comfortably go another year or two or three.  Like Ed said, if the bank does go bad on you and you are traveling, you can still start the generator, and replacing two batteries should not be too big a deal.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: House Batteries
Reply #4 –

Paul,

One thing to remember about failing house batteries is that the fridge draws it’s power from those batteries and this could present problems with 24/7 operation of the fridge.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s advisable to have a jump start battery such as the Antigravity Jump Starter

Amazon.com: Antigravity XP-10-HD Heavy Duty Micro start Jump Starter Power...

Or similar Lithium Starter: DBPOWER 2000A 20800mAh Portable Car Jump Starter: Amazon.com: DBPOWER 2000A 20800mAh Portable Car Jump Starter (up to 8.0L...

Just in case the chassis battery fails you. I have had chassis battery issues and found the generator does not charge the chassis battery. The lithium jumper gets the engine started in a heart beat.

Good luck,

Kent

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: House Batteries
Reply #5 –
Thanks for the preceding information.

I went to the Dyers RV web site per Ed's suggestion.

Is this the correct replacement battery?

LifeLine 6V RV Deep Cycle 220ah AGM Battery

Of course two batteries would be needed.

Paul H.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: House Batteries
Reply #7 –
GPL-4CT - Lifeline Batteries

The GPL-4ct AGMs do vary in price; not a lot, of course, but I think it's worth shopping around, both online and from a distributor.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: House Batteries
Reply #9 –
Several of my RV friends and I have had exceptional customer service from Dyers when we were looking for odd or difficult to find parts.  Their prices seem to be competitive and their telephone service is friendly and especially helpful.   That’s why Dyers gets my business.   
 
Re: House Batteries
Reply #10 –
I have also had very good service from Dyer's in the past, and they may offer the best overall deal on two GPL-4CT Lifelines. I would still calculate the total costs, shipping times, and any other add-ons or restrictions between Dyer's and Best Converter.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home