Coach Battery Size?

[Phinias]

What is the Group sixe for the House Battery for the Solera 24 R

[DaveJordan]

The batteries were group 27 for the 2015 model year. For more on the MBS house batteries, see this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ies-96404.html

Dave

[Phinias]

Will group 31m fit

[DaveJordan]

Battery Info:

List of Common Battery Case Sizes | BCI Group Numbers

Not sure if the group 31 batteries will fit - they're longer (12.9" vs 12.0"), a bit wider (6.75" vs 6.63"), and a bit taller (9.27" vs 9.06")

Dave

[nusslejj]

Originally Posted by DaveJordan

Battery Info:

List of Common Battery Case Sizes | BCI Group Numbers

Not sure if the group 31 batteries will fit - they're longer (12.9" vs 12.0"), a bit wider (6.75" vs 6.63"), and a bit taller (9.27" vs 9.06")

Dave

I see the Interstate batteries are around $109-$125 each. I know the Optimas will be around $225 on Amazon. Does it make any sense to spend an additional $100 for the Optimas ? I think the Yellow Top would be the model.

[Phinias]

Just to prevent acid spills make them worth if. I had AGMs in my Pleasure Way. They were well worth it.

[Rich.M]

Some group 31 batteries will fit. I just replaced my 18 month old leaking oem house batteries with 2 Diehard AGM grp 31 sold at sams. Tight squeeze to get second battery thru opening but it does fit. Height and bottom spacers not a problem.

[Phinias]

I found 27s AGMs

[bclemens]

Dynamax Isata Sprinter uses Group 31 AGM's standard and I do believe we use the same step well as the MBS models.

[Garrette]

Brian, does the Sunseeker have the same size step well? Need batteries and would enjoy the group 31's. Looks to me that it will be close. Set one, push to the wall, insert the other, 1/2" to spare at the lip. If the step wells are the same, that would help me make the decision. Thank you for the response.


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[bclemens]

That, I do not know. Size could be the same but they are definitely not the same step well because the Sunseeker has an integrated step and the MBS models have a single power step.

[Garrette]

For the interested folks who want to know how much battery You can install in the Sunseeker step well. After much research and pondering, I just finished installing 2 AGM Deep Cycle group 31M. Just enough room but tie down is not usable. Place battery on right and slide far left due to wiring. Place 2nd on right and slide both to center. These batteries are heavy. 70 lbs each.
Due to pricing, I choose Duracell 31DTMAGM 105 20AH Rate from Sams Club. Hope it was a good choice. Pictures attached for reference. I looked at Trojans, Lifeline, and others, double the price.

[Ford Idaho]

You really should look at some way of bolting them down, vibration = batteries worst enemy.

[Garrette]

Good point. I will noodle on it. Anyone have any ideas? Just can not use the strap. Thinking about hard foam backer board. Thank you for the input.


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[KatanaPilot]

Another advantage of the AGM batteries maybe limited off-gassing unlike flooded batteries are prone to. I have come out to my motorhome parked in the hangar and heard the CO/gas detector going off. It wasn't a propane leak, but I suspect the off-gassing of the coach batteries during a de-sulphation cycle of the on- board battery charger.

As Mr. Clemens has stated, the Isata 3 uses Group 31 AGM batteries - now we just have to figure out their hold-down method and copy it.

I'm changing out my flooded batteries for Optimas or equivalent before our next trip. I think they also have a much slower self-discharge rate.

[Bluepill]

Originally Posted by Garrette

Good point. I will noodle on it. Anyone have any ideas? Just can not use the strap. Thinking about hard foam backer board. Thank you for the input.
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You said the Magic Word. Sorry, no duck or $100.

Magic word is Noodle. Swim Noodle foam is great for all sorts of protection, shimming, insulation, etc. It's closed cell, so it doesn't absorb moisture, and it is somewhat more flexible than rigid foam insulation board.

[Phinias]

I installed the Sam's Duracell in my Pleasure Way. They were great. You'll be very happy with your choice

[Garrette]

Originally Posted by Bluepill

You said the Magic Word. Sorry, no duck or $100.

Magic word is Noodle. Swim Noodle foam is great for all sorts of protection, shimming, insulation, etc. It's closed cell, so it doesn't absorb moisture, and it is somewhat more flexible than rigid foam insulation board.

Noodles, who would have thought and I just happen to have one or two. Wonder why that is? That would be great. One in the back and one in front, one on top so the step will squish it down. That will work until a better solution is devised. Thank you.


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[Garrette]

Took the advice and i know it is not very elegant but batteries are tight. I had to split the noodles and inter-lap them. Then I Slipped a thin piece of styrofoam between the batteries. I stood the noodles up so i could remove them. Cut a noodle in half and placed the two pieces on top of the batteries. They compressed nicely when i put the step back. Any comment, thoughts are always appreciated

[nusslejj]

We don't do dry camping, so I don't need massive reserve, but do need to replace the batteries that came with our 2015 SOlera, as they are shot. The first owner was not aware of the problem boiling them off and letting them run dry down to the plates. With the AGM's I don't need to worry about that, and I also upgraded the Power Converter by adding the 'Wizard' - which makes it a bit smarter when charging.

I found the 34MAGM's at Sams Club for $119. They are lighter and smaller, save me $120, and fit in the stair well nicely. I am aware they don't have the reserve capacity that I had, but I don't use them that way