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karlb · 08-13-2006, 11:44 AM

At Newell we believe that the overall best batteries currently available for private motorcoach use are Concord Lifeline AGM (absorbed glass mat). Newell made them standard equipment on the house side perhaps three years ago and for consistency, included them to the engine system a few months ago. AGM batteries are maintenance free and long-lived. The only disadvantages we have seen so far is that 1) they are expensive and 2) they are easy to find when replacements are needed. However, replacements should seldom be an issue.

A second, little-known product, PulseTech PowerPulse, extends battery life and may well be a bigger advance in battery life than AGM batteries. The PowerPulse is an electronic device that pulses charging current in a manner that slows down and even reverses sulfation on the battery plates, the major determinate of battery life. The PowerPulse, slightly larger than a package of cigarettes, wires easily into the battery leads. A typical bank of Newell batteries requires, as I recall, two PowerPulse units at a cost of slightly over $100. The PowerPulse units can be used with either lead-acid or AGM batteries.

We were introduced to the PowerPulse product by a customer who began using them for the generator start batteries on his fleet of refrigerated semi-trailers. These batteries previously had about a two-year replacement cycle; with PowerPulse, these batteries are lasting at least until the trailers are traded for new ones, about five years. The PowerPulse technology was originally developed for the military.

Newell began installing PowerPulse at about the same time we upgraded to AGM batteries. After about three years, we have yet to see any routine battery replacements required for coaches so equipped. However, with our previous lead acid batteries and no PowerPulse, we would already be seeing routine battery replacements. We are optimistic that we will see battery life of five years or quite possibly substantially more.

We recommend PowerPulse units be retrofitted regardless of coach age and whether the coach has lead acid or AGM batteries. For owners of coaches who do not mind the maintenance, PowerPulse technology combined with lead acid batteries is a very economical solution to enhanced battery performance with long battery life. If the expense is acceptable, PowerPulse plus Concord Lifeline AGM batteries is the ultimate package.

PulseTech PowerPulse units are available for retrofit from the Newell service department (1-888-3NEWELL), either installed by Newell technicians or with instructions for field installation.

08-13-2006, 11:44 AM	#5
karlb Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Miami, Oklahoma Posts: 16	At Newell we believe that the overall best batteries currently available for private motorcoach use are Concord Lifeline AGM (absorbed glass mat). Newell made them standard equipment on the house side perhaps three years ago and for consistency, included them to the engine system a few months ago. AGM batteries are maintenance free and long-lived. The only disadvantages we have seen so far is that 1) they are expensive and 2) they are easy to find when replacements are needed. However, replacements should seldom be an issue. A second, little-known product, PulseTech PowerPulse, extends battery life and may well be a bigger advance in battery life than AGM batteries. The PowerPulse is an electronic device that pulses charging current in a manner that slows down and even reverses sulfation on the battery plates, the major determinate of battery life. The PowerPulse, slightly larger than a package of cigarettes, wires easily into the battery leads. A typical bank of Newell batteries requires, as I recall, two PowerPulse units at a cost of slightly over $100. The PowerPulse units can be used with either lead-acid or AGM batteries. We were introduced to the PowerPulse product by a customer who began using them for the generator start batteries on his fleet of refrigerated semi-trailers. These batteries previously had about a two-year replacement cycle; with PowerPulse, these batteries are lasting at least until the trailers are traded for new ones, about five years. The PowerPulse technology was originally developed for the military. Newell began installing PowerPulse at about the same time we upgraded to AGM batteries. After about three years, we have yet to see any routine battery replacements required for coaches so equipped. However, with our previous lead acid batteries and no PowerPulse, we would already be seeing routine battery replacements. We are optimistic that we will see battery life of five years or quite possibly substantially more. We recommend PowerPulse units be retrofitted regardless of coach age and whether the coach has lead acid or AGM batteries. For owners of coaches who do not mind the maintenance, PowerPulse technology combined with lead acid batteries is a very economical solution to enhanced battery performance with long battery life. If the expense is acceptable, PowerPulse plus Concord Lifeline AGM batteries is the ultimate package. PulseTech PowerPulse units are available for retrofit from the Newell service department (1-888-3NEWELL), either installed by Newell technicians or with instructions for field installation.