Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Sarz272000 on February 20, 2020, 08:22:07 pm
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I requested info from Lifeline on AGM batteries. I asked about Lifeline 6 volt GPL-6ct or GPL-4ct. Here are my questions.
1) Is my Xantrex 60 amp converter adequate to charge the 6ct or 4ct batteries?
Here is charging cycle per manual.
DC Output
Nominal output voltage
13.5 Vdc (float charge)
14.2 Vdc (bulk/absorption charge)
2] The 6ct has to be installed on its side to fit. Is that a problem? Picture below shows potential install.
Lifeline Response:
1) The battery can be mounted on it’s side but must be securely fastened so it can not move up or down or slide from side to side. This can put pressure on the side of the battery and cause it to possible break on the cover to container seal.
2) That converter will work just fine. It is best if the float voltage was lower, around 13.2-13.3 volts but 13.5 isn’t terrible, just slightly on the high side.
Ron S
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Hi Ron S,
You might already know what worked for me, installing two 6V AGM batteries where I once had 12V wet acid batteries in a slide-out tray. CLICK HERE (http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,2092.0.html) for pictures and write-up. I removed the 12V battery slide out tray, mounted a flat steel plate to the battery compartment frame, and framed the batteries with angle-steel. Doing so increases the working height to set the batteries in a conventional upright position. Given they are maintenance-free, there is no need to fuss until replacing them. I later marked "+" and "-" on the batteries to know which terminal was which at a glance.
If your battery compartment is exposed to the rear tires like ours were, the opportunity presents itself to close-up the battery compartment, a project I did many years earlier.
CLICK HERE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/37432012@N08/albums/72157622075091526) to see pics of that project.
Ron Dittmer
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I installed 2 6v Trojan AGM's in the original tray in my 2351. Specifically got the model that uses a regular bolt terminal that screws into a recess in top of battery, reduces the height. Only mod was eliminating the tie down strap with small diameter Dyneema line using a trucker's hitch.
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On my 2015, 2551 I used the GPL-4CT and they sit upright on the slide out tray. They are fantastic.
But being 5 years newer than your 2551, not sure the battery tray is the same in both years.
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Thanks for info. I looked into the Trojans and Lifeline batteries. Both high quality batteries. The Lifeline has 5 year warranty and reasonably priced with shipping which swayed me to them.
At this time we camp where there is electricity so I am going with 2-6 volt GPL-4ct Lifeline batteries. I don’t need the larger GPL-6ct and don’t want to modify the tray to fit them. I am going to verify the tray will fit the GPL-4ct in its normal position and that my cables are adequate before I order them.
I have a question. My current batteries have one black (-) cable tied to chassis ground and another black (-) cable going back to the inverter. How do others with 2- AGM 6 volt batteries tie in the black (-) battery cables? Should I attach both black cables to one of the batteries negative posts or connect the inverter black cable to chassis ground and second black cable from chassis ground to one of the batteries negative posts? Ground is ground so either will work. Just want to be consistent. I prefer one black cable attached to battery so I can installed a cutoff switch.
Thanks for your help.
Ron S
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I keep both black cables attached to the negative output of the battery pair. For storage, I just remove both. A switch would be nice, but there's no room for one.
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But being 5 years newer than your 2551, not sure the battery tray is the same in both years.
I cannot say for certain, but I think when Phoenix started installing 6 volt batteries (that are naturally taller) in place of 12 volt batteries (that are naturally shorter) they accommodated for the additional height by fabricating the battery compartment frame to hang that much lower.
It would be interesting to compare battery compartments, my 2007 with a made for 6 volt PC. Some how Phoenix increased the height of the compartment, yet maintain a slide out battery tray (the tray requires more height). The only thing that makes sense to me is that the 6 volt compartment hangs lower to achieve it.