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wa8yxm · 08-12-2008, 09:02 AM

Well...When it comes to converter/chargers the Magnetek is an older unit (they have since been bought & sold, and the new company (Parallex) makes a much better product in my not very humble opinion) I would seriously consider replacement

As for larger batteries: Two considerations

1: Weight: The bigger battery (Save for Optima, which are a special case) the heavier the battery (If you look at optima you can see that they have a lot of air space, this makes them lighter for the same physical size factor, That is "Battery Group" plus you pay pay pay for all that air)

2: The heavier the battery the more power it can hold (AMP HOURS) (NO exceptions)

So bigger batteries hold more power = more run time without mains power or generator

Best battery choice depends on many things, including, of course, the size of the tray, but when it comes to watts (amp hours) per dollar, it is not impossible, but it is very hard to beat a pair of six volt golf car batteries in series, 232 amp hours (for the standard size, large or XL hold more) and reasonable price

They are, however, flooded wet cells and a bit taller than a 12 volt Group 27 (Same foot print however)

08-12-2008, 09:02 AM	#5
wa8yxm Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mobile, on the road Posts: 1,139	Well...When it comes to converter/chargers the Magnetek is an older unit (they have since been bought & sold, and the new company (Parallex) makes a much better product in my not very humble opinion) I would seriously consider replacement As for larger batteries: Two considerations 1: Weight: The bigger battery (Save for Optima, which are a special case) the heavier the battery (If you look at optima you can see that they have a lot of air space, this makes them lighter for the same physical size factor, That is "Battery Group" plus you pay pay pay for all that air) 2: The heavier the battery the more power it can hold (AMP HOURS) (NO exceptions) So bigger batteries hold more power = more run time without mains power or generator Best battery choice depends on many things, including, of course, the size of the tray, but when it comes to watts (amp hours) per dollar, it is not impossible, but it is very hard to beat a pair of six volt golf car batteries in series, 232 amp hours (for the standard size, large or XL hold more) and reasonable price They are, however, flooded wet cells and a bit taller than a 12 volt Group 27 (Same foot print however)