2x UB4D 200AH Batteries overkill?

[rean1mator]

I purchased two massive UB4D batteries for my van and thinking this may be overkill.

Don't have a particularly high power demands. Normal setup: microwave, electric water heater which I probably will hardly use, all lights are led converted, the larger truckfridge.

Plan on getting a solar setup soon.

at 240lbs for the two and installed over the left rear wheel, there is a fairly significant drop in the left rear side suspension.

The van is new to me and my trips will likely be 4 day weekends and max out at 2weeks. Desert Trips, Utah/Moab for mountain biking, British Columbia etc., Baja. I hardly ever stay stationary for longer than a few days as well.

[daveb]

I don't think two 4-D batteries is overkill...one of my best additions. Sure we all add LED's and whatnot to conserve but the idea is not to let the bank voltage drop below 50% or 12,2v at standing. I use more power than others so YMMV and you always have to remember that there is a possibility that when one goes bad it will take the other with it. It can be an expensive replacement. Still a fan, heater or video monitor can suck up battery supplies over a period of time. It's best to balance out the load and that is hard to determine.

You might have an issue with the longevity of those batteries though. Higher quality batteries are proven to last longer before they die. IMO Universal batteries are the "generic brand" of batteries on the market. On the other hand if you're hard on batteries (poor charging habits) you might be better off spending less bucks on cheaper brands and replacing them more often.

JMO

[boywonder]

IMHO A pair of 4D's is just about perfect.......

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by daveb

IMO Universal batteries are the "generic brand" of batteries on the market.

Dave: Where are you seeing the brand of battery in the OP's post? Does UB=Universal Battery?...just curious....

[scummy]

Originally Posted by boywonder

IMHO A pair of 4D's is just about perfect.......

Classic!

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by scummy

Classic!

[daveb]

Originally Posted by boywonder

Dave: Where are you seeing the brand in the OP's post?

That's their standard brand on them so I'm just assuming that is what the OP is talking about. Mind you there are a lot of those out there (standard in a lot of new SMB's these days) but a UB doesn't stack up to high end brands IMO. On the other hand at about half the price, they are attractive. Just replace them when they fall off. For those who let their batteries sit and don't keep up on maintenance, the Universal brand might be a wise choice. I'd never bank different age or brands together though.

[lobo_q3a]

Originally Posted by daveb

That's their standard brand on them so I'm just assuming that is what the OP is talking about. Mind you there are a lot of those out there (standard in a lot of new SMB's these days) but a UB doesn't stack up to high end brands IMO. On the other hand at about half the price, they are attractive. Just replace them when they fall off. For those who let their batteries sit and don't keep up on maintenance, the Universal brand might be a wise choice. I'd never bank different age or brands together though.

Hey DaveB, which brand of batteries would you use in the house? I need to replace mine.

[daveb]

I responded to your other post. I think adding a second 4D was one of the best things I've done but it is an expensive move. An 8D only gives you a few extra amp hours but if you were happy with a single 4D, maybe a slightly larger battery will do. With twin battery systems, if something goes wrong with one of the batteries and you don't catch it in time it can be very costly. BTW my Lifeline 4D that came with the van in 06 is going strong serving as a power supply for other needs in my garage. The Deka's I had were too tall and required the lugs to be trimmed to fit. As easy as it is to damage batteries you want to make sure the maintenance charging is correct. Some batteries require different float charge voltages. Lifeline batteries are on the lower side so a higher regulated alternator voltage might do them more harm than what some other manufactures offer. I'm now running a multi stage voltage regulator on my alternator. I'm just hoping my old alternator didn't jack em up. It was pushing 14.5-15+ volts at times. The techs at Lifeline/Concorde told me those voltages would cook my batteries.

Originally Posted by daveb

How well you maintain batteries has a lot to do with longevity. I've always thought there are a couple routes to take. Buy a premium brand battery and hope you don't kill it before its normal death or purchase a battery on the cheap and plan to replace it more often. I had Deka at one time and it seemed to do a good job but I've had great results with Lifeline and continued to stick with them.
There are a few smaller sized batteries like those made by Odyssey that can be taken to lower state of charge than the typical 50% other AGM's are limited to. I've never tested out their claim though.
Finding a place that sells blems might be a good plan or find a place that has a good return warranty. Don't know how Costco deals with batteries.

[lobo_q3a]

I have 2 4Ds in the house battery zone. I've got solar panels too, which have kept them all topped off. I think they are just old. (old because they are sitting at half capacity)