Lifeline February 01, 2018, 08:29:48 pm Hello, What size Lifeline battery is the factory installing in the new Lazy Daze? I have my original Trojans in our 2008 and am wondering if the Lifelines fit a 2008 without major rack changes. The Trojans are still going strong but I know the day is coming. Thanks, Bill
Re: Lifeline Reply #1 – February 01, 2018, 08:36:12 pm Upgrading to AGMs requires a better converter and solar charge controller than was standard on '08 models. Improperly maintained AGMs will go to an early grave, wasting your money - an issue LD had when first switching batteries. However, upgrading those devices will improve performance and reliability with your flooded-cell batteries too.Steve 1 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #2 – February 02, 2018, 09:59:03 am Bill-I can't tell you what LD is installing in the new coaches, but their GPL-4CTs (220 Ah) are a standard 6V battery size, similar to the Trojan T105s. If you have the space for taller batteries, the GPL-6CT has more capacity (300 Ah) in the same footprint.I know you didn't ask about prices, but for an idea of how much each would cost, see this Web page from bestconverter.com.I have replaced flooded-cell batteries with GPL-4CTs on two coaches now, a 1997 LD and a Class A. In the LD I installed a Progressive Dynamics (PD) 3-stage converter and the current coach came with one. I have no idea what LD installs in the 2008-and-up coaches, but believe (hope, perhaps) that the PD converters are suitable for AGM batteries.Mark 1 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #3 – February 02, 2018, 10:40:59 am "I have no idea what LD installs in the 2008-and-up coaches, but believe (hope, perhaps) that the PD converters are suitable for AGM batteries."----The spec sheet for 2017 LDs lists this description for the converter:"High output 75 amp electronic solid state converter/charger with temperature compensation."From past discussions, this converter (Parallax? PD? Magnatek? Other?) is the one where the fan runs constantly, a source of 'annoyance' for some people. (The always on fan condition would be a dealbreaker for me; that noisy sucker would be out of the hole very quickly, but YMMV.)Again, AFAIK, LD still installs the Blue Sky 3000i charge controller, and, like the above converter, likely will continue to install those products until their stock runs out. I have no complaints about the 3000i; my rig has 300W of solar, 2 GPL-4CT AGMs, a PD multi-stage converter, and the 3000i; all play well together. If I had a new LD, or were having a new system designed and installed, I might choose other components, but for my purposes, what I currently have works well for me.There have been multiple past posts on the need for 'product compatibility' among the batteries, charge controller, and converter; the original AGMs in my rig failed because the HPV-22B charge controller allowed consistent overcharging, certain death for AGMs! One can't just plug AGMs into an inadequate 'partner' system of controller and converter and expect everything to work. Steve's comments in this thread are a good reminder:"Upgrading to AGMs requires a better converter and solar charge controller than was standard on '08 models. Improperly maintained AGMs will go to an early grave, wasting your money - an issue LD had when first switching batteries. However, upgrading those devices will improve performance and reliability with your flooded-cell batteries too." 1 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #4 – February 02, 2018, 12:31:13 pm Hey Guys,Thanks for the education on the AGMs. The AGMs are so attractive since I am so tired of the checking and maintaining water level-especially with that rack setup on the '08. I have no solar-and no plans to add. I guess if I want to go the AGM route I need to check on a converter change. Back to the drawing board.Thanks again, Guys.Bill
Re: Lifeline Reply #5 – February 02, 2018, 12:40:01 pm "The AGMs are so attractive since I am so tired of the checking and maintaining water level..."----Have you considered using a Profill or Hydrolink watering system to save time and make checking and filling a lot easier and more convenient?Pro-Fill RV | Flow-RiteHydroLink Watering System | Trojan Battery Company
Re: Lifeline Reply #6 – February 02, 2018, 12:41:12 pm Quote from: coho17 - February 02, 2018, 12:31:13 pmHey Guys,Thanks for the education on the AGMs. The AGMs are so attractive since I am so tired of the checking and maintaining water level-especially with that rack setup on the '08. I have no solar-and no plans to add. I guess if I want to go the AGM route I need to check on a converter change. Back to the drawing board.Adding water can be a pain unless you have a remote watering system.Amazon.com: Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit: AutomotiveDrop the pump's hose into a bottle of distilled water, pump the hand bulb a few times and that's it.This can save you a bunch of money, being able to use regular T-105s instead of AGMs. Not having to add water is main useful feature of using AGMs in our LDs, unless you have added extra batteries inside the coach.Larry 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Lifeline Reply #7 – February 02, 2018, 02:22:01 pm Just amazed that your batteries still function after 10 years. That's double the normal life. Well, the life I am comfortable with when they are slow to charge, I replace them. 1 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #8 – February 02, 2018, 05:25:55 pm There is one aspect of the AGM battery that I find comforting. It does not “outgas”.This fact alone means that if a LD owner would like to add more battery capacity then the additional batteries, if AGM’s, could reside near the battery compartment. Perhaps fitting them in an outside compartment/bay would be feasible. LD compartments below the RB couches are not sealed from the interior coach 100%. Typical batteries placed there would allow toxic gases to enter the “house”. Not a good idea. Of course, not everyone is going to require a larger battery bank so the above scenario would be a moot point. And of course budget conscience owners may want a less expensive battery as well as the desire to avoid upgrading the charge controller. On the other hand, AGM’s charge more rapidly and have a longer usable life than typical flooded batteries.https://youtu.be/cK4fAzUBmSMJust sayin’Kent 1 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #9 – February 02, 2018, 05:52:40 pm Some might find this link informative, comprehensive, and very useful:Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ 2018, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names... 2 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #10 – February 02, 2018, 07:49:47 pm When it was time to replace the batteries on our 07 made bath, I was originally going to go with AGM‘s. I got concerned about the charge controller (this may not be the correct term) from the solar. It’s very easy to overcook AGM batteries. So not wanting to change a bunch of stuff, I stayed with the white cell batteries and purchased a filler kit. I’m very happy with the choice. We are not energy hogs. The second owner put a 100watt collector on the roof and that has worked well for us. My wife and I like the lights on so we have replaced all the Incandescent lights with LED lights. If I were for timing, I might reconsider my electrical set up. But this works well for us. I do not have the know-how to make a very nice set up, and also don’t want to spend the money to replace something that works well. John
Re: Lifeline Reply #11 – February 02, 2018, 08:28:16 pm John, I don’t know what a ‘white cell battery’ is, but I did have a good time running all the possibilities through my head! 😉 2 Likes
Re: Lifeline Reply #12 – February 02, 2018, 10:43:59 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - February 02, 2018, 05:25:55 pmThere is one aspect of the AGM battery that I find comforting. It does not “outgas”. On the other hand, AGM’s charge more rapidly and have a longer usable life than typical flooded batteries.The lack of outgassing, useful when adding batteries to the interior, is the main reason why I would use AGMs.In real world RV usage, AGMs do not seem to last longer, they are much easier to damage.AGM do have an ability to safely absorb much higher charge rates but our LDs do not have large chargers (converters) so the advantage is unused.AGMs biggest benefit, for most LD owners, is not having periodically add water.Are AGMs worth twice the price as a lead-acid battery for this ? It's your choice.Larry
Re: Lifeline Reply #13 – February 03, 2018, 03:26:56 pm Joan asked, “John, I don't know what a 'white cell battery' is, but I did have a good time running all the possibilities through my head! 😉“I was posting from my iPhone and using the microphone instead of typing. I thought doing this would cut down on errors. That should of read “wet cell” not white cell. And yes, that is a typo that can take you down a path or two. John
Re: Lifeline Reply #14 – February 03, 2018, 04:45:07 pm I'm pretty sure GPL-4CTs are what came from the factory with our 2015. I'd have definitely installed a PD unit with the Charge Wizard had we not upgraded to lithium.Steve
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