Crap Batteries

This is all news to me. I thought an APU charged batteries while running, and if anything would prolong the life. I’m surprised to hear Diesel fired bunk heaters draw so much juice.

 

Idk might be a good deal. I spent like 450 on 3, drove 60 miles round trip in pickup and had to install them myself.

 

Mine last about 2-3 years with a lot of 2000Wat inverter utilization for Microwave / electric burner cooking and what not. That's just it's always been. I am not particularly fond of any battery type but in future I might think of adding maybe two more for exclusive inverter work - I need to make some more research on that.

 

They don't believe in apus around here, they call them a waste of money.

 

I found out about it while waking up when temps droped from 35F to 14F overnight. Webasto still running but the engine would not crank. Lucky me, I parked at a TA parking close to a shop. It was kind of them not to charge me for a road call to give me a jump start.

 

I’ll put in my .02 about batteries I’ve bought through out the years. The workaholic “Interstate” has been the BEST battery on my application. Average life have been between 5-6 years, but a throw a charge on them about twice a year. I’ve tried DEKA for the cheaper price BUT, only got 2 years from them. Interstate are more expensive but worth it. Like the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”........

 

That’s what I was thinking of doing. A simple $10 manual cut off switch to isolate 2 or 3 starting batteries, Leaving 2 or 3 for inverter/accessories when parked. I know there’s a way to set it up automatically with a selinoid. Not sure what’s all involved though. Manual switch is nice and simple. No need to wire anything to the ignition, less chances of malfunction. KeepIng it simple, economical. Cut off switch. and a few battery cables.

 

IH mid/late 90's had the 3+1 system. What a pile of junk to keep working. But good idea. I would go manual switch too with a few deep cycle batteries. You electric load matters. I stay relatively close to home. So charging a cell phone is about it. Thinking about adding a fridge for the longer runs.

 

Bought 3 new TRP batteries from Rush Peterbilt, OKC on the 16th of Dec, Mon the 4th of Jan they would not crank over. Road Service called and checked out batteries - all 3 were less than 8 volts and were shorted internally. Pulled them and took them to Rush for replacement.

Nope, they have to be sent out to be tested and then they would see about warrenty. Told them to put their batteries where the sun don't shine and went to MHC KW and bout 3 Exide batteries for $100 less than the TRP junk. Beware of Rush!!

 

I saw it on an early 90s Freightliner. I’ve jumped my Dads Trucks a few times, due to Fridge running, after 3-4 days. Until they came up with the one isolated battery set up. He’d get a new Truck about every 7-8 months. The most he’d ever put on one is 70k. Also learned about silicone hoses, and cold leaks, when new. If we weren’t jumping one, we were topping coolant.