| Author | Message | ||
| bill chisholm (Billybandman)
Registered Member Username: Billybandman Post Number: 151 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 76.115.17.91 Rating: N/A |
Hey guys I need your opinion on the batteries offered on CL below. Value, etc. I am not a fulltimer but camp and tailgate heavily and use a 4024 with 2 Deep Cycle 8d's now. Usually charge these once day while booning. Thinking of 2 for sure. http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bfs/1259542647.html | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Registered Member Username: Sean Post Number: 922 Registered: 1-2003 Posted From: 67.142.130.49  Rating: N/A |
I'm not sure where to start. First off, the statement "used, but still have full capacity" is either a lie, or the statement of an individual who just does not know what he is talking about. Every battery begins to lose capacity the moment the electrolyte is added; capacity loss increases with every "cycle" of the battery, and while some of the loss can be "reversed" through various techniques, much of it is irreversible. Presumably the batteries are being sold as take-outs from some application where they were in actual use. I would be surprised if these retain even 70% of their rated capacity. If that is, as stated, 350 amp-hours, you can expect these to retain perhaps 250 amp-hours. Secondly, I find it strange that the make and model is not mentioned, nor the application in which they were installed (but they look, to me, like forklift batteries). Lastly, you would need a hoist to install these metal-encased units, which would really, really limit where and how you install them. He wants over $300 each for them, which is only very slightly less than you would pay for the same usable capacity in brand new batteries, ones which are more suitable for coach use. So, IMO, this is not really any kind of deal. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 204 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.232.219  Rating: N/A |
...sounds like it could be a good deal provided you are able to load test them PROPERLY before purchase unless they come with a transferable warrenty or at least "available" replacment cells when one goes bad. I am gettin a sore back just looking at the weight. | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 119 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 204.62.111.51  Rating: N/A |
I agree with Sean, those actually look familiar, I remember some electric buses (100%) being auctioned off in your area a while back (if they are from that, don't even consider, they've been sitting for years and they would be lucky to have 10% capacity) when I was shopping for a 8d for my bus, I was quoted up to $500 for one. after much searching I found one as low as $150, and later I just replaced them with the largest Walmart battery ($60) and it did the job just fine. Just because list price was $1100 way back when doesn't mean much, and certainly not an indication of present condition or quality. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 943 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.75.234  Rating: |
From what I've heard, Spiral Core deep cycle (AGM) batteries are the way to go. But why 8d? A group 31 is 1/2 the weight nearly the same power. | ||
| Cullen Newsom (Cullennewsom)
Registered Member Username: Cullennewsom Post Number: 90 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 98.201.161.214 Rating: N/A |
Here's my battery opinion. 1. Agree with Sean about the battery life/capacity remark 2. Agree with John. I'd reconsider using 8D batteries. They're heavy, and they sometimes burp acid. Shorter life. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 840 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.210.154.145 Rating: N/A |
And, JTNG....a whole bunch cheaper...  RCB | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 876 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.216.70.120  Rating: N/A |
In the std wet style construction , the best indicator of useful amps on a deep cycle batt set is simple weight. A buck a pound will usually purchase an amp hour at the 20 hr rate. For house batts ONLY the 20 hour rate is of concern as a measure of one batt style to another. The most & heaviest lead inside will usually give the best long term service . It may take (2) ser31 to match an 8D in deep cycle service. Still Easier to move , but with more cable ends to keep clean. L-16's do well IF you have the height. FF | ||
| Ed Roelle (Ed_roelle)
Registered Member Username: Ed_roelle Post Number: 77 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 98.250.25.28 Rating: N/A |
I like this type of battery because it has thick cells and is designed for deep cycling. They are used in industrial settings and are typically tested and rebuilt by battery rebuilders. I had installed a rebuilt l040 pound model in my MCI. 15 years ago, it cost $460. Yes, it is heavy, but with a cherry picker and a wheeled holder, it went in and out pretty easily. Fewer electrical connections is an advantage. The only problem that I had was a cable end that started fraying. If you are up to handling the weight, I would suggest buying either a rebuild or a new one. Measure the bay area that you have allocated, and choose one that best fits. Ed Roelle |
