| Author | Message | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 281 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 72.12.39.78  Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 173 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.56.50  Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 651 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 72.146.77.116  Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Yeeolde48 Post Number: 65 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 192.88.212.34  Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 508 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.68 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 215 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 217.213.198.224  Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 162 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 68.242.109.213 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 511 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.95 Rating: N/A |
"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)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 26 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 514 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.120 Rating: N/A |
Next time will use L16 AGM's Be sure to reprogram the Alt and batt charger for AGM. FF | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 282 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 72.12.39.78 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 27 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 216 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30 Rating: N/A |
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)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 516 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.106.159.205 Rating: N/A |
"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 |