I have always used the std battery that GM put in (I think they call it a
D8) - until now. Most of our club members run a pair of golf batteries. So I
followed the advise of the vast majority (about 2:1 in our club).
The "D8" is a large battery designed to "START" big trucks. It has a lot of
cranking power but no sustaining power. It is also not designed to discharge
completely and then recharge. If you use your coach more than 2 or 3 times a
year the D8 will wear out quickly. Mine were lasting less than 2 years.
Most in the club get 4 to 5 years out of the golf style. Some longer.
I got mine at Sam's for $42 each and the D8 at Sam's is $79. So price about
the same. You will need a couple of extra cables. Get the heaviest ones you
can. I took my old positive in and they matched it for size. Got mine at
Discount Auto. They were in stock and cheap.
In my 78 Eleganza - the ground cable was long enough, then I needed a 12" to
connect the 2 golf batteries (+ to -), and I needed a longer positive cable
as the original would not reach with the new setup. I got a 24 inch one.
Over all a pretty easy install. Now I plan to add the xtra two batteries I
bought in the rear.
There is also some wasted space between the rear battery compartment and the
rear of the coach. Enough for 2 more golf batteries if you wish.
You have to access from inside and under the left goucho in the std GMC
setup.
FYI
Mike Finnicum
78 Eleganza
74 Stretch
D8) - until now. Most of our club members run a pair of golf batteries. So I
followed the advise of the vast majority (about 2:1 in our club).
The "D8" is a large battery designed to "START" big trucks. It has a lot of
cranking power but no sustaining power. It is also not designed to discharge
completely and then recharge. If you use your coach more than 2 or 3 times a
year the D8 will wear out quickly. Mine were lasting less than 2 years.
Most in the club get 4 to 5 years out of the golf style. Some longer.
I got mine at Sam's for $42 each and the D8 at Sam's is $79. So price about
the same. You will need a couple of extra cables. Get the heaviest ones you
can. I took my old positive in and they matched it for size. Got mine at
Discount Auto. They were in stock and cheap.
In my 78 Eleganza - the ground cable was long enough, then I needed a 12" to
connect the 2 golf batteries (+ to -), and I needed a longer positive cable
as the original would not reach with the new setup. I got a 24 inch one.
Over all a pretty easy install. Now I plan to add the xtra two batteries I
bought in the rear.
There is also some wasted space between the rear battery compartment and the
rear of the coach. Enough for 2 more golf batteries if you wish.
You have to access from inside and under the left goucho in the std GMC
setup.
FYI
Mike Finnicum
78 Eleganza
74 Stretch
