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My coach originally came with four 6 volt batteries that provide cat diesel
starting and
coach d.c. power. When they failed I replaced them with four 12 volt Interstate
SRM 24
deep cycle batteries wired in parallel per Blue Bird tech service suggestion.
Awhile later, I
installed a new Stat Power charger. This set up has worked reasonably well but
I find I'm
replacing 1-2 batteries per year due to internal shorts at about $75/battery.
Most likely
cause of the short life is difficulty keeping the electrolyte level up while in
storage. Later, I
added a battery filling system that makes it easier to maintain the levels but
I'm still losing
about 1-2 batteries per year.

I've been looking at AGM batteries and Optima D34M deep cycles are now selling
for
about $150 each. Cold crank amps of the Optimas are 750 vs 550 for the
Interstates I'm
using. I think lifespan of the AGMs should be much better since loss of
electrolyte is
virtually eliminated. I could come out ahead even if they cost twice as much.

I've also considered just installing two AGMs versus the four lead/acid
batteries because
we generally run the generator on the road or when dry camping. We don't use an
inverter. Rest of the time we're hooked up at a campground or on float in
storage so not
sure we need all the battery capacity we've been buying.

Anyone have experience with AGM's in their coach? Has anyone tried reducing the
number
of batteries to see if it causes a problem?

Eric Johnson
84FC35SB in San Antonio

I bought 4 Concord AGMs when I installed the inverter a while back. Worked
good. Problem was soon after the bus went into the body shop for 6 months soon
after and they went dead a couple of times. I told the guys to keep it plugged
in but of course they dropped the ball a couple of times. They are shot now,
bought 6 new ones from Batteries plus, made in freeking China, $150 ea. Half of
a new Concord. If you have the OEM battery set up, I'd stay with the god old
golf cart units, cheap and they work good.
Just keep a trickel charger on them in the winter.
Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, WI
83FC35
----- Original Message -----
From: Eric Johnson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2005 10:12 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] AGM Batteries


My coach originally came with four 6 volt batteries that provide cat diesel
starting and
coach d.c. power. When they failed I replaced them with four 12 volt
Interstate SRM 24
deep cycle batteries wired in parallel per Blue Bird tech service suggestion.
Awhile later, I
installed a new Stat Power charger. This set up has worked reasonably well
but I find I'm
replacing 1-2 batteries per year due to internal shorts at about $75/battery.
Most likely
cause of the short life is difficulty keeping the electrolyte level up while
in storage. Later, I
added a battery filling system that makes it easier to maintain the levels but
I'm still losing
about 1-2 batteries per year.

I've been looking at AGM batteries and Optima D34M deep cycles are now
selling for
about $150 each. Cold crank amps of the Optimas are 750 vs 550 for the
Interstates I'm
using. I think lifespan of the AGMs should be much better since loss of
electrolyte is
virtually eliminated. I could come out ahead even if they cost twice as much.

I've also considered just installing two AGMs versus the four lead/acid
batteries because
we generally run the generator on the road or when dry camping. We don't use
an
inverter. Rest of the time we're hooked up at a campground or on float in
storage so not
sure we need all the battery capacity we've been buying.

Anyone have experience with AGM's in their coach? Has anyone tried reducing
the number
of batteries to see if it causes a problem?

Eric Johnson
84FC35SB in San Antonio





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
> Eric:
In my 86 PT40 I repalced the six conventional 6 volt batteries with
six AGM batteries. Also replaced the generator battery with a 12 volt
AGM. going AGM was probably the single most beneficial thing I did to
that coach.
There was never a twitch out of the electrical system after that.

I used two truecharge 40's to keep them on the step. Usually one would
do the trick when plugged in. I did have an additional 80 amp PDI that
I could bring on line if i needed higher charge rates when boon docking.

Were I you I would put in four six volt AGM wired in series of two.
That is, two sets wired so as to make two sets of 12 volt that are
then wired to the common terminals. Put them back in as you were
probably originally wired.
Give me a yell if you need clarification.

Some times we BB people make it difficult for the shop guys. Then
again, sometimes we deal with Opie and Festus. I wired those True
charge 40's so they were just plugged in to an outlet in the bay..
were not hard wired. It was then easy to hook a conventional
electrical cord to one of the chargers. Thus, it was easier for the
shop guys rather than dealing with the coach's power cord. Also, a
conventional 10 amp automatic charger clipped on to the terminals will
keep batteries charged up fine as long as it is just sitting at a shop.

I have AGM batteries in my current coach and I would never go back.
Don't have to keep filling them, no corrosion, great warranty.

All that being said, it seems you were having unusually bad luck with
your batteries. Wired correctly? Corrosion free? Distilled water only?
Was you charger set correctly?

By the way, check if your current charger is compatable for AGM
batteries. I would presume so since most modern chargers are.

Regards,
Jim Scoggins
04 M380

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim"
>
> By the way, check if your current charger is compatable for AGM
> batteries. I would presume so since most modern chargers are.
>

One of the "hidden" benefits of AGM batteries, is they are compatible
with old and new chargers as they are a "lead acid" battery to the
charger.

If you have an inverter charger, you just leave it set to lead acid.

Gel cell batteries are a different story all together. They require a
setting specifically for Gel batteries on the charger.

Paul
97wb43

Thanks Jim,
Appreciate getting your experience and advice. Think I'll go with four Lifeline
6 volts as
they fit perfectly in battery tray and will give me lots of juice. Charger has
an AGM mode.
Know of a good source (cheapest) of Lifeline batteries?
Regards, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SB


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim" <scoggins.j@a...> wrote:
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> > Eric:
> In my 86 PT40 I repalced the six conventional 6 volt batteries with
> six AGM batteries. Also replaced the generator battery with a 12 volt
> AGM. going AGM was probably the single most beneficial thing I did to
> that coach.
> There was never a twitch out of the electrical system after that.
>
> I used two truecharge 40's to keep them on the step. Usually one would
> do the trick when plugged in. I did have an additional 80 amp PDI that
> I could bring on line if i needed higher charge rates when boon docking.
>
> Were I you I would put in four six volt AGM wired in series of two.
> That is, two sets wired so as to make two sets of 12 volt that are
> then wired to the common terminals. Put them back in as you were
> probably originally wired.
> Give me a yell if you need clarification.
>
> Some times we BB people make it difficult for the shop guys. Then
> again, sometimes we deal with Opie and Festus. I wired those True
> charge 40's so they were just plugged in to an outlet in the bay..
> were not hard wired. It was then easy to hook a conventional
> electrical cord to one of the chargers. Thus, it was easier for the
> shop guys rather than dealing with the coach's power cord. Also, a
> conventional 10 amp automatic charger clipped on to the terminals will
> keep batteries charged up fine as long as it is just sitting at a shop.
>
> I have AGM batteries in my current coach and I would never go back.
> Don't have to keep filling them, no corrosion, great warranty.
>
> All that being said, it seems you were having unusually bad luck with
> your batteries. Wired correctly? Corrosion free? Distilled water only?
> Was you charger set correctly?
>
> By the way, check if your current charger is compatable for AGM
> batteries. I would presume so since most modern chargers are.
>
> Regards,
> Jim Scoggins
> 04 M380

Eric,

The Lifeline Batteries site says that the San Antonio distributor is
BATTERIES PLUS # 144, 6891 Bandera Rd., San Antonio,TX 210-647-0103.
Only other close choice is Texas Custom Coach in Pipe Creek, but I
doubt that they would be a stocking dealer.

Mike Bulriss
83 PT40 "Stagecoach" - Still FOR SALE
91 PT40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
> Thanks Jim,
> Appreciate getting your experience and advice. Think I'll go with
four Lifeline 6 volts as
> they fit perfectly in battery tray and will give me lots of juice.
Charger has an AGM mode.
> Know of a good source (cheapest) of Lifeline batteries?
> Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> 84FC35SB
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim"
<scoggins.j@a...> wrote:
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > > Eric:
> > In my 86 PT40 I repalced the six conventional 6 volt batteries with
> > six AGM batteries. Also replaced the generator battery with a 12 volt
> > AGM. going AGM was probably the single most beneficial thing I did to
> > that coach.
> > There was never a twitch out of the electrical system after that.
> >
> > I used two truecharge 40's to keep them on the step. Usually one would
> > do the trick when plugged in. I did have an additional 80 amp PDI that
> > I could bring on line if i needed higher charge rates when boon
docking.
> >
> > Were I you I would put in four six volt AGM wired in series of two.
> > That is, two sets wired so as to make two sets of 12 volt that are
> > then wired to the common terminals. Put them back in as you were
> > probably originally wired.
> > Give me a yell if you need clarification.
> >
> > Some times we BB people make it difficult for the shop guys. Then
> > again, sometimes we deal with Opie and Festus. I wired those True
> > charge 40's so they were just plugged in to an outlet in the bay..
> > were not hard wired. It was then easy to hook a conventional
> > electrical cord to one of the chargers. Thus, it was easier for the
> > shop guys rather than dealing with the coach's power cord. Also, a
> > conventional 10 amp automatic charger clipped on to the terminals will
> > keep batteries charged up fine as long as it is just sitting at a
shop.
> >
> > I have AGM batteries in my current coach and I would never go back.
> > Don't have to keep filling them, no corrosion, great warranty.
> >
> > All that being said, it seems you were having unusually bad luck with
> > your batteries. Wired correctly? Corrosion free? Distilled water only?
> > Was you charger set correctly?
> >
> > By the way, check if your current charger is compatable for AGM
> > batteries. I would presume so since most modern chargers are.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Jim Scoggins
> > 04 M380

I got my AGM made in China house brands from Batteries Plus in Stevens Point WI.
@ $150 ea. Time will tell, and I will be much more cautious of their state of
charge.
Mike Hohnstein
----- Original Message -----
From: mbulriss
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 10:21 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: AGM Batteries


Eric,

The Lifeline Batteries site says that the San Antonio distributor is
BATTERIES PLUS # 144, 6891 Bandera Rd., San Antonio,TX 210-647-0103.
Only other close choice is Texas Custom Coach in Pipe Creek, but I
doubt that they would be a stocking dealer.

Mike Bulriss
83 PT40 "Stagecoach" - Still FOR SALE
91 PT40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
> Thanks Jim,
> Appreciate getting your experience and advice. Think I'll go with
four Lifeline 6 volts as
> they fit perfectly in battery tray and will give me lots of juice.
Charger has an AGM mode.
> Know of a good source (cheapest) of Lifeline batteries?
> Regards, Eric in San Antonio
> 84FC35SB
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim"
<scoggins.j@a...> wrote:
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > > Eric:
> > In my 86 PT40 I repalced the six conventional 6 volt batteries with
> > six AGM batteries. Also replaced the generator battery with a 12 volt
> > AGM. going AGM was probably the single most beneficial thing I did to
> > that coach.
> > There was never a twitch out of the electrical system after that.
> >
> > I used two truecharge 40's to keep them on the step. Usually one would
> > do the trick when plugged in. I did have an additional 80 amp PDI that
> > I could bring on line if i needed higher charge rates when boon
docking.
> >
> > Were I you I would put in four six volt AGM wired in series of two.
> > That is, two sets wired so as to make two sets of 12 volt that are
> > then wired to the common terminals. Put them back in as you were
> > probably originally wired.
> > Give me a yell if you need clarification.
> >
> > Some times we BB people make it difficult for the shop guys. Then
> > again, sometimes we deal with Opie and Festus. I wired those True
> > charge 40's so they were just plugged in to an outlet in the bay..
> > were not hard wired. It was then easy to hook a conventional
> > electrical cord to one of the chargers. Thus, it was easier for the
> > shop guys rather than dealing with the coach's power cord. Also, a
> > conventional 10 amp automatic charger clipped on to the terminals will
> > keep batteries charged up fine as long as it is just sitting at a
shop.
> >
> > I have AGM batteries in my current coach and I would never go back.
> > Don't have to keep filling them, no corrosion, great warranty.
> >
> > All that being said, it seems you were having unusually bad luck with
> > your batteries. Wired correctly? Corrosion free? Distilled water only?
> > Was you charger set correctly?
> >
> > By the way, check if your current charger is compatable for AGM
> > batteries. I would presume so since most modern chargers are.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Jim Scoggins
> > 04 M380





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I recently paid a visit to Lifeline batteries in southern California a
nd discussed engine batteries with the manager. He advised against
AGM batteries for my Prevost starter batteries as the batteries were
too close to the heat from the engine. He stated that AGM batteries
were superior to all other batteries except that they do not do so
well when exposed to a lot of heat. I have wet cells now and he
suggested Trojans when the current ones fail. I am a lurker and have
no idea how near the batteries are to heat on a Blue Bird.

Forget where i got them. Records stayed with old coach. I checked the
network off the Lifeline website. Had them shipped to me from NY,NJ,
or PA.

Came on a pallet to my door.

Jim

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "art bjornestad"
wrote:
> In the 86 PT40 the batteries lay right alongside the Detroit 8V92:
within a foot if memory serves. Mine have been there about 4 years and
I know of several other coaches that the batteries have been there
equally as long.

First time I have heard the heat issue regarding AGMs and it is not
mentioned on the website. Would be sorta interested in running this to
ground. The only possible reason I can think of is the ventless nature
of the batteries. Did he elaborate?

Thanks,
Jim