28 replies to this topic

[Bwht4x4]

My fairly new Hawk has two group 24 AGM batteries in it.  Whenever these batteries die I will be looking at putting in larger AGM batteries in the same spot.  I'm hoping I can get a couple of group 27 batteries in the same spot.  I don't think group 31 batteries will fit.

 

FYI - I have two Sears Diehard batteries in my Dodge diesel and they are nice batteries.  All the folks over at Turbo Diesel Registry (forum for Dodge diesel owners) swear by them.  They're not cheap, but they're what I'll be looking at when it's time to replace my camper's batteries.  BTW, if you have a business Sears will open a business account for you and give you a GREAT deal on them!  I think I save over $100 on my truck batteries.

[menoco]

Thanks to all for advice. I don't have space for a 2 6V set up. And in fact, the Diehard Platinum 31M will not fit into the 11" x 7" x 8" plastic battery box. The Diehard 34M would just fit. But it isn't AGM. Is that critical? Hard to compare 31M and 34M, since specs on later are rather incomplete.

[billharr]

Thanks to all for advice. I don't have space for a 2 6V set up. And in fact, the Diehard Platinum 31M will not fit into the 11" x 7" x 8" plastic battery box. The Diehard 34M would just fit. But it isn't AGM. Is that critical? Hard to compare 31M and 34M, since specs on later are rather incomplete.

AGM is critical.  If not AGM you need a sealed and vented battery box.  You can buy a new battery box to fit the 31M diehard. I did that when I put the Diehard 31M in my 2002 Hawk. No problems with the battery in over 4 years, working great when I sold it. I have 2 of the FWC batteries  in my 2013 Hawk if they go out I will be going to the Diehard 31M (2?).

 

 

Bill

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks to all for advice. I don't have space for a 2 6V set up. And in fact, the Diehard Platinum 31M will not fit into the 11" x 7" x 8" plastic battery box. The Diehard 34M would just fit. But it isn't AGM. Is that critical? Hard to compare 31M and 34M, since specs on later are rather incomplete.

If you have room for a larger battery box just get a new one and the bigger battery. The plastic box's are cheep enough.

If you have the battery in the camper yes the AGM is needed.

Frank

[Central Toast]

Thanks to all for advice. I don't have space for a 2 6V set up. And in fact, the Diehard Platinum 31M will not fit into the 11" x 7" x 8" plastic battery box. The Diehard 34M would just fit. But it isn't AGM. Is that critical? Hard to compare 31M and 34M, since specs on later are rather incomplete.

You can ditch the battery box with an AGM, which should free up room. Strap the battery down directly to the floor instead.

[Alley-Kat]

Uh, even AGM batteries can have a leakage issue, so, I'd recommend that they also go into a battery box.

 

Here's my 4 year old AGM battery that I was contacted by the manufacturer about a possible issue.

They asked me to check mine and report back to them. 

Small damage to the bottom of the case and a small leakage into my plastic battery case.
Something no one saw when I purchased/picked up the battery. 

 

 

 

The battery showed no signs of electrical issues, still worked good, however, they sent me a brand new unit at no cost to me, not even shipping costs, and they sent a return shipping label, so I could send the old battery back to them, at their cost. They wouldn't say how the issue came to their attention.

 

Perhaps an unusual occurrence, however, the battery box is just like insurance, at least to me.

 

The company... Lifeline.

[menoco]

Toast, you anticipated and answered my next question. W/o box, 31M should take up no more room. As Alley-Kat says, box is good insurance. I can't get Diehard here in Jackson, WY; can't even be shipped for pickup at our small Sears outlet. So, will get on our road trip - next week -- and see if Sears has box and its size.

[Central Toast]

Whether the leakage is into a box or onto the linoleum floor, the hazard from any (albeit rare) AGM battery leakage is not from the small amount of fluid, but from any gases that might vent through the crack in the battery shell. A battery box doesn't reduce that hazard at all unless the box is vented to the outside of the camper. If the battery box isn't vented, it is just taking up extra room, IMO. 

[Mr. Vertical]

I have the Intimidator 27M in the Grandby have had Good luck with this one! Can be found here http://www.tristateb...-c-476_478.html  also keep mind plugged in to a battery tender when not in use, as we have 3 bays & truck is used for Camping , lucky to have a company Van.

   Tender,  http://www.granitedi...er-2-2-1-1.aspx

[JaSAn]

You will want a true deep cycle battery.  I compare the weight of a battery to a starter battery of the same size: if it is much heavier (because of the thick solid lead plates), it probably is a deep cycle battery.

AGM batteries have a valve that will release gasses at a preset value (~ 4 lbs. over ambient).  Probably only an issue if you have major elevation gain or or your battery gets hot.

 

http://www.solar-ele...-faq.html#Major Battery Types