How long should batteries last?

[Cheri Smith]

a friend mentioned something about how if you spend more on batteries and get good deep cycle ones, they should last 5+ yrs, without worry, i am really confused on what to look for, exactly , when buying batteries that are dependable..............

[folivier]

AGM batteries and gel cell may last longer than flooded lead acid since being maintenance free you can't run them dry. But at a much higher price. The best thing you can do is add a Power pulse to your batteries. My batteries are over 5 years old and still going good.

[chockwald]

I agree with Forest...I have flooded lead acid batteries and 3 of the 4 8d batteries are over 4 years old now with Power Pulse. Keeps them from sulfating. One downside to Power Plus is that if you are dry camping (no hookups) they do add to the drain on your batteries, but overall I am glad I installed Power Pulse.

[The Newell]

I agree with both Forest & Clarke about the power pulse. A lot depends on how you will be camping. Lot's of dry camping requires batteries in much better condition then staying at parks with power.

I know many rv owners who's coach batteries are around 10 yo that have been maintained well and work fine.

[tuga]

Cheri,

I have a friend who is in the battery business and he specializes in RV batteries.

Tom
E-mail Address(es):
tom@trans-specialists.net

He can answer your questions and give you a good price on 8Ds.

[FJGuard]

I have Lifeline batteries and they are some of the best! Lifeline batteries have a 5 year pro rated warranty with a 1 year free replacement. If the military use them and many other commercial applications then you know they are GOOD!


The AGM difference:
20% faster recharge than a conventional vented battery and gel cells.
100% maintenance free. No addition of water needed.
Classified as “NONSPILLABLE”
Tested to stringent military shock and vibration standards.
Designed to reduce outgas under normal charging conditions.

[lbrachfe]

I have Lifeline 8D Wets and use Power Pulse... If you maintain the distilled water level they last longer than AGM's or Gels with Power Pulse.

[truk4u]

Larry,

Fill us in on the Lifeline Wet's, I'm lost on that one..

[lbrachfe]

Flooded lead acid 8d's using the Power Pulse on each set of 3...$230 for the batteries and I think I paid $35 for the PP's on E-Bay

[truk4u]

Lifeline doesn't make wet batteries, only AGM, so I'm curious how wet cells got the Lifeline name.

[lbrachfe]

Just checked the stickers and they do say "Lifeline" . Bought them in Clearwater, Florida from Parliament Coach 16 months ago

[Cheri Smith]

thank you everyone for the suggestions and help.

[truk4u]

Larry,

Please don't think I'm giving you a hard time, because I am certainly not. I just don't want folks to think they can buy Wet Cell Lifelines regardless of the price. Lifeline made it's last Wet Cell battery in 1984 and has been AGM ever since. The reason I have questioned this, it may be possible someone has fraudulently used the name of Lifeline and placed the name on a generic Wet Cell battery. Would it be possible to take a picture of the batteries so we can confirm what has happened? Also, any Lifeline of that vintage will have a series of date codes branded into the top side of the case and will be a series of letters. Later batteries have date code labels in lieu of branding.

Your assistance is most appreciated and if it would be better to take this private, please use my e-mail and I won't bother the forum folks.

[Randy J]

My coach came with Interstate batteries. Haven't had any trouble. Knock on coach!

[SharkRacing]

In my opinion go with Rolls batteries and buy a battery pulse or tender.

[lbrachfe]

tom,
Mine have the date code labels and will send a photo after the rain here stops. Interesting info. I am wondering if Parliament knew or even noticed this. I have not had any issues and think if what you say is correct that their supplier used some no names and applied theses labels along with a genric date code label. Could there be another company making these using this name is another thought ?

[The Newell]

Originally Posted by lbrachfe

Tom,
It doesn't matter to me except to know if I was swindled with some cheapo Chinese batteries, but I checked with Lifeline in Covina,Ca and they have only been producing RV batteries since 1992, so the 1984 date confuses me to the actual company that you refer to and they indicated they do NOT have an exclusive on the name "Lifeline" and there are others in the battery biz using this as a possible model name. Thought you would want to know for whatever reason.

Hi Larry,

I called and talked to Lifeline Batteries today and was told by lifeline that they quit manufacturing wet cell batteries in 1989. Here is the number I called, hopefully you did not get swindled with Chinese batteries and please keep us posted.



Lifeline Batteries Inc;
955 Todd Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702

Tel. 626-969-6886

[lbrachfe]

Thanks Joseph,
It appears from seeing a Lifeline battery today that there sticker is totally different than mine and mine is only a name label with no address or other markings. The date sticker is a seperate label. I will hope that I have no problems and so far so good. It seems that I paid a conventional price for these as flooded lead acid batteries go, so wish me luck....

[The Newell]

Hi Larry,

Sorry to hear they don't match up, are you considering a trip back or phone call to parliament coach to let them know about the batteries?

Joseph

[truk4u]

Larry,

Thanks and I look forward to seeing the pictures. Parliament would certainly have known they weren't AGM's, being almost 1/2 the cost, so sounds like they sold you some no name with a label as you suggested. Parliament is now under new ownership, so not sure if they can shed any light for you, could have been scammed and would sure be interested in their source. Here's my e-mail: tom@trans-specialists.net.