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Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
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Username: Oonrahnjay

Post Number: 281
Registered: 8-2004
Posted From: 72.12.39.78


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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 8:50 pm:   

I've read a good bit in the archives about 8D batteries, mostly used as start batteries. That helps but I have kind of an usual situation.

A friend of mine who has a heavy truck is offering me an almost new (and checks out as good) 8D. I expect to do a fair amount of "dry camping" when my bus is done and I have an excellent area for the storage of four 8D's (there's an underfloor storage area that's about 23" X 49" X 10" - it's also near the 12V alternator and most of the areas where the inverter will be and also the areas where 12V will be used).

But I have a blank slate. I've heard that golf cart batteries are good for "deep discharge" and there's gel cells, etc.

Since I'm starting from scratch, how does one free 8D and three bought ones stand up against any alternatives? "Budget" is also one of the issues, too so thoughts on "bang for the buck" would also be appreciated.

I'd appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
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Post Number: 173
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.56.50


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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 9:22 pm:   

8D batteries are temperamental. They don't like being heavily discharged. That being said, I'd put it to use! On my MCI 7, I'm using the old 8D's as house batteries for now. I plan to replace them with golf cart batteries. Good Luck!

Glenn
John MC9 (John_mc9)
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Username: John_mc9

Post Number: 651
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 72.146.77.116


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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 11:40 pm:   

Re:
"how does one free 8D and three bought ones stand up"

You're going to buy 3 new 8D start batteries to use for the house batts?
I think that'd be a waste of moolah!

As Glenn said, standard start batteries don't take deep discharging
too well. Three or four deep discharges, and they're really wasted.

And if you put a used 8D (or any size) start battery in a bank
of deep cycle types, you're never going to get the proper charge
to the proper batteries.

For the house, use all deep cycle batteries. Free is great, until
it costs you more than "not free", and I think that's where you'll
be headed.

(just my opinion, of cuz)
Dave Hartshorne (Yeeolde48)
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Username: Yeeolde48

Post Number: 65
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 192.88.212.34


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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 6:33 am:   

I had a couple of 8D's as house bateries initially in my bus (got them free also). As stated above, they did not last. I had to keep them well charged and after a few cycles, they did not maintain good performance (we mostly run on generator so was not a nig problem). Had to replace the start batteries in 2006 and used 8D's for the starts, and found good deep cycle batteries cost about the same, or a little less than the 8D's so used them for the house. So I would take the 8D as a spare but spend the money you would spend on 3 8D's and buy some good deep cycle batteries for the house.
Dave
PD4501-304
FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
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Username: Fast_fred

Post Number: 508
Registered: 10-2006
Posted From: 208.100.193.68

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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 6:42 am:   

8d is a SIZE , not a statement of what the battery is built for.

Starts are best for starting , and deep cycles best for house loads or house work .

IF the limits of the style battery is observed a start battery can be used for house work.

The limits are severe , only 80% SOC , and the set will need recharge back to 100% SOC , and that takes a looong time .

Its fine for some folks that camp a single night , leave the next day and get 5-6+ hours of driving to get to 100%.

For camping , there not worth dragging the heavy weight to change then out often.

FF
David Dulmage (Daved)
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Username: Daved

Post Number: 215
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 217.213.198.224


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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 12:02 pm:   

I've replaced one of my house batteries in 6 years. It was an early failure. They are deep cycle marine batteries. At about $75.00 each, they haven't been all that expensive, a little more than $12.00 each/year. I think these are group 27 size, easy to handle. I have also replaced both of the 8D starting batteries once in the last six years, somewhat pricier.

FWIW

Dave D
James Robinson (Jjrbus)
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Username: Jjrbus

Post Number: 162
Registered: 12-2000
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 2:28 pm:   

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question219.htm

It might be worth yur time to poke around on the internet to educate yurself a bit on batteries.
The marine deep cycle vary between manufacturers, but as a rule of thumb are not true deep cycles.
The Sam's club golf cart batteries have always been considered the best bang for the buck!!
HTH Jim
FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
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Username: Fast_fred

Post Number: 511
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Posted From: 208.100.193.95

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Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2008 - 7:08 am:   

"The Sam's club golf cart batteries have always been considered the best bang for the buck!!"

Because if you destroy then Sams will give a new set a couple of times .

BUT even Sams has a USA master computer and will simply return your cash after a while.

FF
Tom Christman (Tchristman)
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Username: Tchristman

Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2006
Posted From: 66.218.33.156

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Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 4:10 pm:   

Personally do not like 8D's-even though I have two of them as my house batteries (AGM's that weigh 155lb each!) Next time will use L16 AGM's-since you can lay down AGM's if needed. Good Luck, TomC
FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
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Post Number: 514
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Posted From: 208.100.193.120

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Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 6:07 am:   

Next time will use L16 AGM's

Be sure to reprogram the Alt and batt charger for AGM.

FF
Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
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Username: Oonrahnjay

Post Number: 282
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Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 6:35 am:   

Tom Christman wrote "Next time will use L16 AGM's"

__. What's the advantage of AGM's? (I went to to the Trojan battery site and was flummoxed by the spread of wet cell, gel cell, AGM. All the discussion was "this is the premium battery for most golf cart use". Yeah, Mr. MarketingMan that's fine, but WHY? Do the last longer, recharge better, hold more charge?)

__. I've lived with car batteries for the past 44 years but this is a totally new environment and I appreciate everyone's comments.
Tom Christman (Tchristman)
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Post Number: 27
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Posted From: 66.218.33.156

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Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 11:43 am:   

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are the battery that were made originally for Air Force fighter jets since they are not affected by being inverted-they don't have water in them-just moist. Also they are built to with stand the vibration since the plates are closely held together. They are sealed, do not need watering, and do not out gas (unless over heated by over volting). Since they are a much more efficient design, you can charge them just about as fast as you can-as long as the voltage does not go over 14.1 volts (on a 12v battery). When I had 2-8D wet batteries, all I could charge them at was about 40amps. Now have the inverter/charger set at 90amps-makes for much faster charging. They can be mounted in any position, except upside down. Have seen the big 8D's mounted on their sides on big yachts on shelves up out of the way in the engine room. They cost about twice that of a wet battery. Good Luck, TomC
David Dulmage (Daved)
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Username: Daved

Post Number: 216
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 142.46.199.30


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Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 1:48 pm:   

Something to consider, whether you're dealing with batteries or waste tank valves or other equipment or components is the ease of finding a replacement should a failure occur when you are on the road. 8D starting batteries and marine or recreational vehicle "deep cycle" batteries can usually be obtained over the counter at automotive supply locations just about anywhere. The improved performance or other gains may be offset by higher initial costs and difficulties in getting replacements when away from home.

FWIW

DaveD

(Message edited by DaveD on October 21, 2008)
FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
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Username: Fast_fred

Post Number: 516
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Posted From: 76.106.159.205

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Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 6:37 am:   

"you can charge them just about as fast as you can-as long as the voltage does not go over 14.1 volts (on a 12v battery)"

This is correct , so for a dry camper that uses a bus alt (300A) separate noisemaker and "smart V regulator to recharge the house , this is surely the fastest way to recharge.

If you hate the noise and stench of the noisemaker the AGM will be worthwhile.

If you do not have a HUGE recharge ability , there pretty expensive.

FF

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