Batteries

donzie67 · 02-21-2014, 02:56 PM

I just found out that my new rig is coming with 4 6 volt Exide GC-110 batteries. I have always used Interstate batteries wether I was doing 12 volt or 6 volt batteries. Looking quick at some numbers and I don't have that warm fuzzy feeling. Anyone using Exide GC-110 batteries? Please let me know your opinions before I take it off the lot.

I have a 150 watt Zamp Solar kit already part of the package. I wanted to have them add another 150 watt panel and I was quoted $1230 to add it to the other 150 that has not even been installed yet. Sounds way high for an additional 150 watts. Advice.

KMP44 · 02-21-2014, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donzie67

I have a 150 watt Zamp Solar kit already part of the package. I wanted to have them add another 150 watt panel and I was quoted $1230 to add it to the other 150 that has not even been installed yet. Sounds way high for an additional 150 watts. Advice.

Does sound a little high, but I guess it depends on what is involved. A 150 watt monocrystalline panel from someplace like solarblvd is about $200 delivered. Basic Z brackets to mount it are $20. How are they wiring it? If they just splice into the wires on the roof from the first panel with MC4 Y-connectors, that's less than $40 in parts. And a professional installer probably puts a mark-up on the parts, plus you have labor.

But if they are doing other stuff, like a combiner box on the roof, better mounting hardware, or putting in a bigger charge controller, than there is more cost.

There is big difference in the cost of DIY parts and professionally installed systems. That quote does seem a little high, but its hard to tell. Its worth questioning them for the details though.

RPAspey · 02-21-2014, 05:12 PM

How handy are you? If really handy, then do it yourself. Once you have the rv, just mount the panel in the same manor.

$1200 is a lot for 150 watts.

Don't worry about the batteries. Since you're already looking into solar to keep them charged, cheaper batteries may work just fine.

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-21-2014, 07:00 PM

I though $1200 was a lot as well especially being it is only an additional panel to what basically is an existing system. They have not even installed the main system that I already bought. So the charge controller (30 amp) is part of the original panel. Still waiting for the total breakdown of the original system that I had as part of my original purchase. Zamp Solar is the company the dealer uses. ZS-150-30A is the kit. It is one 150 watt panel and a 30 amp charge controller. The wire and brackets to mount it. The $1200 is for a second 150 watt panel to be added to the first.

RPAspey · 02-21-2014, 08:13 PM

That CC is a PWM style. Its not the most efficient, as compared to a MPPT unit. Looking at the mfg page, I'd save $1200, and install the extra panel myself. Nothing special from what I saw. At 300 watts, max, you'd be sitting good if you're conservative with the power and install led lights. Thats CC is only 30A so the extra panel would be ok.

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-22-2014, 06:58 AM

The Crusader 260RLD Touring Edition comes with LED lighting. We only truly use power at night for my CPAP machine and the TV. The CPAP uses 6.2dca and the TV uses 2.5dca. TV is only on for max of 4 hours and CPAP is on for 7 hours.

RPAspey · 02-22-2014, 10:46 AM

Thats about 52 AHr just for the cpap and tv. Plus water pump, fridge and possibly the furnace. From what information I can get from the mfg, the batteries are 186AHr at the 20 hour rate. Your a bit over the 20 hr rate, but close enough to figure that you should have around 370 AHr total (185x2) but only about 74 AHr until you hit that preferred 80% max drain to maintain optimal battery performance and life. The deep cycle batteries can be drawn down a lot lower than that, but lifespan starts to suffer. Anyway, at 150 watts best case output, you'll get about 11 amps/hour at 13.5 volts. You'll need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun a day to replenish what you used. So, that extra 150 watts you want to get will help a lot.

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-22-2014, 08:36 PM

Talked to the dealer today. Told him that when we first talked solar and batteries I told him I have two pair of Interstate 6 volt batteries (4 batteries) in my rig I have now. I told him that's what I wanted 4 new 6's in the new rig. His parts guy is the one who did the Exide GC-110 which are 186ah. I told him he needed to put the Exide GC-135 in that are 226ah. He told me he would talk to him on Monday be the parts department is closed on Saturdays. I guess we will see what they plan to do about it then. 452ah is a lot better then 372ah. I'll keep you updated.

RPAspey · 02-22-2014, 09:29 PM

It is a big difference, but you still need to charge them. How often and for how long do you plan to dry camp or boondock?

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 05:17 AM

We usually do anywhere from 2 nights to 7 nights where we camp on the beach. 7 nights is the max stay your allowed and then you must leave for 7 days before you can come back on. we usually do 7 nights for 4th of July and Labor day. Memorial Day we are on for 5 nights. I do own 3 generators. A 2000i, a 3000i and a 4800. would need one if we were to have a bad or no sun day for a while. I have the Honda 3000i on my old rig right now. That I bought for the key start for the wife. I am thinking of putting that on a mount in the back like I have now but just a platform for the generator only. The one I have now goes across the whole back is is mounted to the frame underneath. Can not do that on the new rig. Belly is enclosed.

RPAspey · 02-23-2014, 11:06 AM

Being at the beach means lots of sun, and no trees. Thats good for solar. Since you have a generator, you have that for a back up to the solar. So, you ought to be in good shape for power. Solar would be your main charging source, with a genny as backup. Sound like its a good setup.

Is that 2000i a Yamaha? I have the 2400is that is the perfect camping genny,when I need it.

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 11:10 AM

No, it's a Honda clone that I bought from Pep Boys years ago when we got back into camping. Same specs as the 2000i without the price tag. I think i paid under $300 for it if my memory is good. My 3000i I bought so the wife could start it in the am when I was out fishing. She just turns the key and she's happy.

RPAspey · 02-23-2014, 12:48 PM

Donzie67, I see you're from NY, you ever visit the finger lakes region? We go up as much as possible but its a 4 hr drive. Love the parks ( mostly dry camping there) and the wineries of course.

2000 Cherokee 31BH, "flipped axles and raised",LEDs, solar, inverter, etc..aka "boondock ready". '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 01:04 PM

On our Puckett List. Would want a F-350 dually diesel for that. A lot of hills and speeds up that way. Here on the island where I go is pretty much flat. F-150 5.4 4x4 is fine for what I'm doing. Working on a F-350 idea. Right now I have to wait a little bit. See how things work out next season. Want to hit Lake George. Did a cabin up there back in the 70's. Yes, I'm in my 50's.

Todouble · 02-23-2014, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donzie67

On our Puckett List. Would want a F-350 dually diesel for that. A lot of hills and speeds up that way. Here on the island where I go is pretty much flat. F-150 5.4 4x4 is fine for what I'm doing. Working on a F-350 idea. Right now I have to wait a little bit. See how things work out next season. Want to hit Lake George. Did a cabin up there back in the 70's. Yes, I'm in my 50's.

Lake George is nice! Been quite a few
Times. Lots to do in that area. Cooperstown is another fav of mine. Glimmerglass SP is beautiful. Great fishing on the lake. Hell we even ice fish there every winter.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 02:09 PM

Still a saltwater guy. Will have to pickup a few things for fresh water. I have some lures and a couple of 6' rods but nothing close to what I have invested into all my surf stuff. Custom rods and VS reels on 5 custom rods plus boxes and surf bags full of lures and soft baits. I don't Knie if I can call it a hobby any more or an investment. Either way, I enjoy it and that's all that matters. My wife agrees with me so a bonus to boot.

camaraderie · 02-23-2014, 08:08 PM

300 watts of panels with a decent mppt charger will give you on AVERAGE 75-85 amphours a day. Your Cpap & TV will use about 53 of that... so the panels should keep up with your big stuff.
I agree with the others that the prices are quite high and the controller is less efficient than an MPPT would be. Suggest you check with some MARINE electronics guys there on the Island as they do a lot of similar installs and might be a better way to go.
I agree with your choice to go with the larger GC's... and don't think brand matters too much in wet cells unless you are going to step up to Trojan or Rolls/Surette type stuff. Best deals on GC 6V batts are at Costco and Sams....you might wanna check there to see how reasonable the dealer prices are.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

300 watts of panels with a decent mppt charger will give you on AVERAGE 75-85 amphours a day. Your Cpap & TV will use about 53 of that... so the panels should keep up with your big stuff.
I agree with the others that the prices are quite high and the controller is less efficient than an MPPT would be. Suggest you check with some MARINE electronics guys there on the Island as they do a lot of similar installs and might be a better way to go.
I agree with your choice to go with the larger GC's... and don't think brand matters too much in wet cells unless you are going to step up to Trojan or Rolls/Surette type stuff. Best deals on GC 6V batts are at Costco and Sams....you might wanna check there to see how reasonable the dealer prices are.

Batteries have already been bought and paid for. The problem is he specked just 6v GC's and did not tell his guy to match them to my Interstates. He never told me that he used Exide's and not Intersate. The second panel is not happening through him. I can get it delivered to my door for $640. I can do the job myself. For what he wants to do it I can almost add a third panel for his price.

camaraderie · 02-23-2014, 08:53 PM

Sounds like a plan! Good luck with it.

donzie67 · 02-23-2014, 08:57 PM

Thanks

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