AT Horizon Replcacement Battery

[Romer]

My AT Horizon has the original Lifeline battery from 2005. The lifeline website talks about their superior charging ability for marine and RV type applications.

In my truck I have a Hellroaring dual battery system with a Yellow top deep cycle as my primary battery and a Die Hard Platinum (Odyssey) as my backup.

Wondering for the replacment which is better, the Lifeline, Odyssey or Optima for the trailer application. I keep the trailer pluged in while not in use to keep the battery fully charged

Anyone research this in detail for the trailer application and have a recommendation. The Die Hard Platinum is my favorite for an automotive application.

 

[spressomon]

I can attest to the reliability and perfect performance of dual Lifeline's (G31) in my then Horizon and now my KK. In a sealed area, as the nose box of your Horizon for instance, you will want an internally venting battery IMO.

However I am running Odysseys in my LC in the main and aux positions without issue. I would have liked to have run Lifelines in the LC but they didn't make a size and post configuration I wanted/needed.

 

[Martyn]

We use the DEKA group 31 AGM units. They perform as well as the Lifeline but are a little less expensive.

 

[Tucson T4R]

We use the DEKA group 31 AGM units. They perform as well as the Lifeline but are a little less expensive.

X2 I got my two DEKAs from AT and installed them in my KK trailer over 3 years ago. They are mounted on their side since the compartment they are in was not deep enough for them to be installed standing up.

They have performed flawlessly for me and I am very happy with them. :victory:

 

[Romer]

Henly Batteries near me had a pallet of Deka group 31 AGM Blems for $89 each. The factory is near here.

I bought two of them

Was thinking I would use a rotary switch that allows you to go with Batt 1, Batt2 or Both.

I would leave it in the Both mode while plugged into 110V in my garage and while driving. I have a 10amp charger I bought from AT and thinking this should work fine for charging in the both position, just ltake longer.

When I get to the campsite, switch to Batt 1 and then switch to Batt 2 if and when I need to. Back to both when pulling out and driving home.

I don't need an auto Duall batt setup like the Hellroaring in my landcruiser.

Anyone see a problem with this plan?

Appreciate any comments, they will only help me make it better.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I don't see a problem but why do you want to be able to isolate them? I just have my 2 wired in parallel and they work as one bank all the time.

I agree, the 10 amp charger will take a long time to charge the combined 210AHs. I upgraded to a 20 amp charger and it works pretty well for me.

 

[Romer]

I don't see a problem but why do you want to be able to isolate them? I just have my 2 wired in parallel and they work as one bank all the time.

I agree, the 10 amp charger will take a long time to charge the combined 210AHs. I upgraded to a 20 amp charger and it works pretty well for me.

Thanks for the comment and nice setup

I want to be able to isolate them so when one wears down, I can switch over to a known good battery and not be surprised by running out of power. It also prevents a problem with one battery or load drawing the other one down.


On the 10amp, it says it takes 10 hours to charge a battery. Since this will be hooked up in my garage and there will be days to charge, I am assuming that's fine, but I would like to be sure.

 

[spressomon]

Henly Batteries near me had a pallet of Deka group 31 AGM Blems for $89 each. The factory is near here.

I bought two of them

Was thinking I would use a rotary switch that allows you to go with Batt 1, Batt2 or Both.

I would leave it in the Both mode while plugged into 110V in my garage and while driving. I have a 10amp charger I bought from AT and thinking this should work fine for charging in the both position, just ltake longer.

When I get to the campsite, switch to Batt 1 and then switch to Batt 2 if and when I need to. Back to both when pulling out and driving home.

I don't need an auto Duall batt setup like the Hellroaring in my landcruiser.

Anyone see a problem with this plan?

Appreciate any comments, they will only help me make it better.

Ken,
Starting with identical batteries will go along way to getting good battery longevity in a dual set-up. Your plan should be fine. Although I can't isolate one of my dual batteries in my trailer(s), and just as Brad stated, no problemo to date. Although I don't use the queen size dual rect heated mattress pad in my KK I used it all the time when I had the Horizon. Along with lights, sound system, water pump I never had an issue. And now in the KK I run a 25L Waeco, the diesel heater, lights, sound system, water pump, etc. without issue.

Obviously knowing the load is vital to knowing when to start charging again ;-).

FYI: I did get a Powerfilm PV from Mario & Martyn and tested it while camped for 6-days in one spot on our season hunting opener this past fall and it is just incredible being able to keep the batteries topped off/fully charged without ever starting the LC!

 

[Tucson T4R]

Another thought is you could just add a volt meter to monitor the battery volatge. That's how I know I need to charge back up. My set up will run everything for about 3-4 days then I need to run the generator to charge back up if I am staying longer. A solar option would be nice to extend that time.

If I am charging back up from about 11 volts, it take the 20 amp charger about 7-8 hours to fully top them back off again.

Either way works though. Whatever makes you comfortable with your set up. :victory:

 

[Romer]

Another thought is you could just add a volt meter to monitor the battery volatge. That's how I know I need to charge back up. My set up will run everything for about 3-4 days then I need to run the generator to charge back up if I am staying longer. A solar option would be nice to extend that time.

If I am charging back up from about 11 volts, it take the 20 amp charger about 7-8 hours to fully top them back off again.

Either way works though. Whatever makes you comfortable with your set up. :victory:

Thanks Brad

I did buy the switch from a boat shop today. They have better battery stuff for what we do at a boat shop.

Voltage measurement is a good tool, but not conclusive. You can have a battery with a bad cell show correct voltage

I might add the voltmeter based on your comments.

I intend to run a frige, lights and the heater (if Martyn ever finishes it) for about 5-6 days.

 

[Martyn]

Thanks Brad

I did buy the switch from a boat shop today. They have better battery stuff for what we do at a boat shop.

Voltage measurement is a good tool, but not conclusive. You can have a battery with a bad cell show correct voltage

I might add the voltmeter based on your comments.

I intend to run a frige, lights and the heater (if Martyn ever finishes it) for about 5-6 days.

The tent heater been tested, the write up is here http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37956