3320 300 hour review

[Rob-D]

I have a 3320 on the way and will keep the battery thing in mind for down the road problems.

Now me talk about batteries, I have a 2003 D'max with a RH battery tray that I replaced due to battery corrosion, a 1996 Monaco RV that needs new pull out battery trays due to battery corrosion and you guys have newer tractors with battery trays that have corrosion problems.

So what do all of these have in common? They are using lead-acid or flooded cell type batteries that vent while charging. I never gave it much thought until I started fighting battery corrosion on two fronts. Replace that flooded cell battery with a AGM (Optima) type battery and your corrosion problem will go away. Cost a little more but in the long run well worth it.

It cost me $120 in parts to replace the battery tray on the D'max.

Glass mat batteries are OK, we use them in some solar systems when we can't monitor the batteries but they have different charge cycles and voltages. Usually it's a two stage charge. You bring the voltage up to a specific point, say 14.7 fora 12v batt, and then let it run to a float around 14.1 volts. I have made special charge algorithms for my AGM batts but I don't know that I'd use them in my tractor. I'm thinking the life may not be there. I know that Optima has had problems. Also number of charge cycles, the thing that determines battery life, is less than lead/acid batteries.
AGM batteries can vent also but it usually ends them. Over charge or push an AGM and the one way vent lets gas escape ruining the battery.
I suggest you find a way to install a tray into your RV that will stop any acid from doing damage. As far as the new Deere battery it should have a vent and preclude your problems.

Rob

 

[DennisH]

I suggest you find a way to install a tray into your RV that will stop any acid from doing damage. As far as the new Deere battery it should have a vent and preclude your problems.

Rob

Rob, I think your missing the point and over analyzing the problem. Optima batteries are used in some of the harshest conditions and are a proven product. As for RV battery trays that don't corrode when exposed to acid, good luck finding that.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I think my Optima is on it's 4th season. It has been good to me. No muss, no fuss.:thumbsup:

 

[caliber1]

I use a local plastic fab company and they weld up PVC trays for some of the coaches I work on. That keeps the corrosion to a minimum. The AGM technology has come a looooong way in the past few years.

Rob, I think your missing the point and over analyzing the problem. Optima batteries are used in some of the harshest conditions and are a proven product. As for RV battery trays that don't corrode when exposed to acid, good luck finding that.[/QUOTE]

 

[Rob-D]

Rob, I think your missing the point and over analyzing the problem. Optima batteries are used in some of the harshest conditions and are a proven product. As for RV battery trays that don't corrode when exposed to acid, good luck finding that.

We do this all the time in solar apps. A cat litter tray with baking soda sprinkled around the edges. Cheap and simple.