Where would you put these batteries

mark.g · 03-07-2016, 08:33 PM

I acquired four GNB Marathon 155AH telecom batteries used for power backup systems as part of a package purchase recently. If I can find a place to put them it would give me over 600AH of battery available. The problem, they are 5" wide, 11.15" tall, 22" long, and come in at 119lbs each. Lots of battery without a clear location to install. They are sealed AGM with a 12 year service life with only 3 years of that gone so far.

My thoughts right now are to either find a location to install them on the rig itself, or use it as portable battery bank that I can connect to the rig as needed. The least desirable, I try to sell them to someone who has the space to put them in their home or RV solar project.

Thoughts?

Link to Battery Info: GNB Marathon M12V155FT 12v 155ah Front Access Telecom Switchgear AGM Battery TEL12-150F, TEL12-160F, M12V150FT, 12V155F

WolfWhistle · 03-08-2016, 05:42 PM

Interesting M, wonder how the ah is rated? Battery makers play ah games, but probably not these Also very heavy.... hope they (4?) aren't on the tongue(?) ... don't know but in the telecom world, batteries are carefully maintained and might not like bouncing down the road. A heck of a battery none the less. We have batteries over 40 years old when I retired... babied them.
WW

Kenny kustom · 03-08-2016, 05:58 PM

I looked at the same type of battery.
I was told, they may not stand up to vibrations in an Rv.

2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

mark.g · 03-08-2016, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfWhistle

Interesting M, wonder how the ah is rated? Battery makers play ah games, but probably not these Also very heavy.... hope they (4?) aren't on the tongue(?) ... don't know but in the telecom world, batteries are carefully maintained and might not like bouncing down the road. A heck of a battery none the less. We have batteries over 40 years old when I retired... babied them.
WW

I know the rating is on the battery, but I do not remember what it was off the top of my head. They're not on the RV at the moment. I am not even sure if I will use them due to the weight, but was curious what others would do if they had them. I essentially got them for free so its no skin off my back if I can't use them but figured since I have them I would at least look into using them.

WolfWhistle · 03-09-2016, 10:22 AM

MG, I know I would use them. Even in my towable TH, I would figure out something. Then make darn sure my charger can be optioned for the required bulk charging voltage (14.8 - 15.0) and the occasional equalization routine; if you don't you won't get them charged and they won't last. IOTA makes such a charger as does the charger in the Magnum Inverter, I just ordered (with monitor). I have two 230AH GC2 and might get two more; but adding two more on the tongue, isn't desirable, not to mention the PV panels are located more than 30 feet away. I wonder if the person who says that they won't take the bumps, might have an agenda... I don't know, but considering the price and if the weight / space is doable, I would use them.
WW

Mountndream · 03-09-2016, 10:28 AM

i have to ask, What kinds of package purchase did these come with? sorry.. intrigued

mark.g · 03-09-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountndream

i have to ask, What kinds of package purchase did these come with? sorry.. intrigued

I purchased a little 5x8 enclosed trailer a guy was using as a bugout trailer. He was trading up to a small travel trailer and didn't want to de-bugout the 5x8. Ended up with a Mr Heater buddy heater, one solar panel, the batteries, some MREs, and a few other misc. items.

mark.g · 03-09-2016, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfWhistle

MG, I know I would use them. Even in my towable TH, I would figure out something. Then make darn sure my charger can be optioned for the required bulk charging voltage (14.8 - 15.0) and the occasional equalization routine; if you don't you won't get them charged and they won't last. IOTA makes such a charger as does the charger in the Magnum Inverter, I just ordered (with monitor). I have two 230AH GC2 and might get two more; but adding two more on the tongue, isn't desirable, not to mention the PV panels are located more than 30 feet away. I wonder if the person who says that they won't take the bumps, might have an agenda... I don't know, but considering the price and if the weight / space is doable, I would use them.
WW

When I do get around to upgrading my batteries I will be also installing a better charging system to ensure maximum life from the batteries. Whether it be these bad boys or something else. Trick is just finding a spot without adding them to the pin. Perhaps a box in the garage, or convert the dove tail storage box to a vented battery box. Alas, I will need more time than I have at the moment to do that level of upgrade/customization. Thank you all for the inputs!

DickiedooFlagman · 03-09-2016, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark.g

I acquired four GNB Marathon 155AH telecom batteries used for power backup systems as part of a package purchase recently. If I can find a place to put them it would give me over 600AH of battery available. The problem, they are 5" wide, 11.15" tall, 22" long, and come in at 119lbs each. Lots of battery without a clear location to install. They are sealed AGM with a 12 year service life with only 3 years of that gone so far.

My thoughts right now are to either find a location to install them on the rig itself, or use it as portable battery bank that I can connect to the rig as needed. The least desirable, I try to sell them to someone who has the space to put them in their home or RV solar project.

Thoughts?

Link to Battery Info: GNB Marathon M12V155FT 12v 155ah Front Access Telecom Switchgear AGM Battery TEL12-150F, TEL12-160F, M12V150FT, 12V155F

I'd place them in the back of my 3500 1 ton tow vehicle, and spend some money on a proper charger and/or converter. Sealed AGM batteries and FLA batteries may have different charging requirements. Extra batteries would be a good idea if you boondock a lot.

Johntgif · 03-09-2016, 09:35 PM

I agree with DickiedooFlagman about finding the proper charger, etc...

I own an automotive repair/service business and had to upgrade charging & testing equipment to handle the different characteristics of the Absorbed Gas Mass batteries. They have benefits but can not be charged at a normal battery charger rate without possibly shortening the battery life.

Google it.

WolfWhistle · 03-10-2016, 08:25 PM

absorbed glass mat.
The cable / wire gauge has to be sized properly to match the length of the run... go to far on too light a gauge and you won't charge them properly... that is why the TV cannot charge a trailers batteries... too much voltage drop. AGMs can be damaged by charging at too high a rate, which isn't a problem since nearly all our rigs stay plugged in all the time. What I don't like about a sealed battery is you can't check with a hydrometer, which is the only way you know how the battery is doing and if equalization is needed and they are expensive. AGMs are a viable option if the positioning or location prevents normal maintenance or if they can't sit bottom down... or in the case of the OP, they are free!
WW

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