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Topic: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB. (Read 745 times) previous topic - next topic
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Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Hi all,

I searched and searched but could not find a battery thread which explained succinctly how to replace a pair of 6V Lineline AGM GPL-4CT batteries; the same one that came from the factory with my 2017 MB.  I already diagnosed the batteries, bought new ones, and I'm ready to swap them out, I just want to double-check I'm doing things in the correct order:

1.) Access the connections on my Blue Sky 3000i.  I'm assuming I take off the front plate to do this.  From the manual, there's a PV+ and a PV- screw with leads heading up to the solar panels on the roof.  I assume I unscrew these, remove the connections.

2.) Disconnect the batteries from the Power center.  Again from the manual, I see there's a MAIN fuse.  I pull that fuse.

3.) I replace the batteries exactly how they were installed.  Easier said than done, I know.  They're heavy.  I take pictures, take my time, but basically that's this step.

4.)  Going in reverse now, I replace the MAIN fuse in the power center.

5.) I reconnect the PV+ and PV- in the Blue Sky.

I hate working with electricity so, please, if there's tips/orders of cables to remove, please let me know.  Thanks.
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #1 –
Following.

I think for the solar, you just need to pull the fuses. Mine has one in the converter area and one in the cab behind the dash, driver side to the left of the steering wheel.  Do you have the battery disconnect switch in the battery compartment?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #2 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Following.

I think for the solar, you just need to pull the fuses. Mine has one in the converter area and one in the cab behind the dash, driver side to the left of the steering wheel.  Do you have the battery disconnect switch in the battery compartment?

Hi Greg, thank you!  My LD's in storage but, I know what you're talking about in re: cab solar fuse.  I'll focus on those two fuses first (and last.)

In re: Battery disconnect switch.  I do not have one (wish I did.)

Jim
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #3 –
"In re: Battery disconnect switch.  I do not have one (wish I did.)"

Disconnecting a 'Negative' lead performs the same function!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #4 –
Thank you, Steve! 

So here's the order, yes?

1.) Two solar fuses;
2.) Disconnect the negative lead to the coach;
3.) Replace batts
4.) Negative lead goes on.
5.) Replace solar fuses.

Thanks again.
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #5 –
Hi Jim;  No, don't touch the PV- and PV+ leads.  Those leads should stay connected to the Solar controller. I suspect you have the R3000i controller. You could just disconnect the red +12v dc lead going to the batteries through the converter. Easier is to pull the solar fuse like Greg suggested. Best to leave the solar controller where it is.
    First I would disconnect the negative lead of the battery that has the ground lead going to vehicle ground.  Then the jumper lead going between the two batteries.  The lead going to the negative of the other battery, that goes to the positive of the first battery you removed the grounded lead from.  Then the red leads connected to the positive lead terminal of the second battery.  Reverse that procedure with the new batteries.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
First I would disconnect the negative lead of the battery that has the ground lead going to vehicle ground.

In case it wasn’t obvious as to why you always disconnect the negative battery cable first, it’s for safety reasons.  By disconnecting the negative battery cable first, you’ve now isolated the battery from the metal chassis.  So now when you use your metal wrench to remove the positive battery cable and accidentally touch the chassis with it, you won’t cause the battery to short.  Batteries can deliver enormous amount of amps that not only produce a lot of sparks, but can very quickly heat up metal objects like tools, rings and watches.

- John
John & Cathy enjoying life with our 2021 Mid-Bath, 1996 Cherokee and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #7 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Jim;  No, don't touch the PV- and PV+ leads.  Those leads should stay connected to the Solar controller. I suspect you have the R3000i controller. You could just disconnect the red +12v dc lead going to the batteries through the converter. Easier is to pull the solar fuse like Greg suggested. Best to leave the solar controller where it is.
    First I would disconnect the negative lead of the battery that has the ground lead going to vehicle ground.  Then the jumper lead going between the two batteries.  The lead going to the negative of the other battery, that goes to the positive of the first battery you removed the grounded lead from.  Then the red leads connected to the positive lead terminal of the second battery.  Reverse that procedure with the new batteries.  RonB

Ron, thank you.  This will be very helpful.  I put in the new batteries on Wednesday.
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #8 –
Jim, we'll be expecting a full report!  :D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #9 –
You should blackout or disconnect the solar panels before disconnecting the battery.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #10 –
Hi Rodney;  Definitely remove the solar controller from the battery circuit. I have a push button 40 Amp circuit breaker that can isolate the controller from the 12V DC system. When the controller (most of us have the R3000i) is disconnected, the PV panels are isolated by the unconnected controller.  The controller will stay on if there is sunlight, but it won't be harmed, and it won't be connected to the battery. So the batteries can be replaced safely. Pulling the fuse (if that is what is there) works also. 
  Blanking out the panels involves crawling around on the roof, is sort of unsafe. I do it a lot, but I think it is avoidable in this case of working with the batteries.  Disconnecting the +PV and /or -PV leads to the controller is ok if there is a fuse or breaker to disconnect them, but isn't absolutely needed if the controller is disconnected from the 12v system..  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #11 –
Hey all,

Thank you again for the help.  I brought the rig home, opened up the battery compartment and saw a thermal circuit breaker and a 150A buss.  (pics attached.) 





Does the red button on the thermal circuit breaker act as a disconnect?
Also:  I didn't see an easily accessible fuse panel on the left of the dashboard.

Thanks again.
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #12 –
Table58,

I believe the red button you pictured is a reset switch that will need to be pushed back in in the event that the 150 amp breaker is tripped.

If you are looking for fuses or breakers for your Solar and such, they are located in the power control center. In our RB, the center is behind the door of the hinged metal box below the kitchen section near the floor.

Hope this helps.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #13 –
Thank you, Kent!
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #14 –
Hi Table 58;  Yes the red button will 'trip' the breaker, turn it off.  The gray lever will rotate out to be more visible.  Pushing the lever back into place will reset the breaker to turn it back on.  Exceeding 90 Amps for a while will also shut off current flow. I've heard that it takes a few minutes to trip, depending on how far over 90 Amps the circuit goes.
  That 150 Amp breaker is likely the feed from the vehicle engine alternator. It shouldn't ever 'trip' unless something serious like a short to ground happens. Shorted house battery, or vehicle accident. Something like that.  It can be reset the same way with the gray lever pushed back in line. These breakers come with different colors randomly depending on the manufacturer. Usually red or yellow. Some blue, white, orange, other colors possible.
    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #15 –
re: red button.  Kent and Ron, I believe you two are saying the button does different things.  Kent, you're saying it resets the breaker after its been tripped; Ron, you're saying it breaks the connection, needs to be turned back on with a grey lever.

So getting back to my "super-simple" premise:

1.) Cover the solar panels with a towel or something to "black" them out;
2.) Find the solar panel fuse in the power center, remove it;
3.) Push in the thermal fuse button, disconnecting connection from the batteries to the RV;
4.) Remove House Neg (-) cable first for safety;
5.) Replace batteries.
6.) House neg cable goes on last.
7.) activate grey lever on thermal fuse, RV now drawing power from batteries.
8.) replace solar fuse in power center.
9.) Remove towels over solar panels,

Is it close?  Again, thank you, thank you, thank you to all who've weighed in.

Jim
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Table 58  - 
Also:  I didn't see an easily accessible fuse panel on the left of the dashboard.

You have to first remove the small dash section just below the steering wheel to see that fuse.  The fuse will be on the left, near the door.  The step light, back-up camera, power mirror fuses, etc. are there as well, at least on mine.  As Kent mentioned, there is another solar fuse in the power center. I’m not sure why there are two separate fuses in different locations but I think they both need to be pulled to isolate power.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #17 –
Jim,

I defer to Rons information in all electronic cases. Far superior than mine in many ways. Sorry for any confusion in these regards. I’d go with Rons assessment.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #18 –
Yup--as Ron said, press the red button to manually trip the breaker, which will cause a small arm to pop out at an angle from the left side (in your photo) of the bulge that holds the red button. Pivot the arm back in to reset the breaker.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #19 –
All Done!

Thank you all!

For those like me who are a little clueless when it comes to batteries/electricity, here's what I did, presented in an over-simplified manner, apologies to the vets:

After figuring out I had a battery issue (drain too fast, charged too fast):

1.)  I called Todd at Lazy Daze to confirm my batteries.  I wanted the same ones I had from the factory.  Lifeline AGM GPL-4CT (x2)

2.) Shopped around, found them on Amazon.  Should've bought them via a link on here, now I know.

3.)  Batteries arrive, time to replace.  Took pictures of my batteries in the bay but didn't need them (there's only 4 bolts.)

4.) Got on top of the RV, covered the solar panels with old blankets, and heavy pillows on top of the old blankets to keep them from blowing off.

5.) Found the Power Center in the RV.  Inside were circuit breakers and a prominent cable marked SOLAR POWER.  In addition to this cable being screwed into the hot (red) wire, it also had a 20A fuse in it.

6.) I pulled the fuse in the solar cable, then unscrewed the solar cable from the hot.

7.)  I flipped every breaker to OFF (MAIN, battery charger, electric step, microwave, water heater (?))

8.) At this point, the read-out with the battery voltage went dark.  Felt good that solar panel power was disabled.  Didn't check dash.

9.) In the battery bay, after removing the pain in the butt wood crossbar, I pushed the red button on the thermal breaker and as Ron said, a grey lever popped out.  I felt good that I was safe inside the bay.

10.)  Starting on the far left, I used a 1/2" socket and disconnected the negative cable first.  I then used painters tape to tape it up and out of the way as it wants to fall back into position.

11.) I worked my way through the other cables (jumper, hot) releasing all the bolts, pulling the batteries out one at a time when I could.

12.)  I replaced the same model batteries, in the same orientation.  I used the new bolts.  Started at the far right, and went to the left, saving the negative lead for last.

13.)  After all was tightened up, I pushed the grey bar on the thermal fuse back into place.  The red button popped back into place with a loud click.  All good.  I replaced the pain in the butt wooden crossmember.

14. This next step is a little out of order:  I replaced the solar lead in the power center back into the hot, replaced the 20A fuse.

15.)  I turned all the fuses back to ON, starting on the right -- Microwave, heater, step, battery charger, then finally, MAIN.

16.)  I went back up top, took the blankets off the solar panel.

17.)  Read out started at 12.5 volts so I ran the generator, and with the solar, it climbed back up to 14.2 (so far.)

ALL DONE!

Thanks for everything guys!  Hopefully this'll help guys like me at some point!

- Jim
2017 Mid Bath
-- Tireman valve extenders;
-- Progressive Industries 30a EMS protector;
-- Hellwig front and rear anti-sway bars;
-- Dual canister water filter.
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #20 –
It's very helpful to have that step by step procedure, Jim--thanks for posting it!
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #21 –
6.)I pulled the fuse in the solar cable, then unscrewed the solar cable from the hot.
7.)  I flipped every breaker to OFF (MAIN, battery charger, electric step, microwave, water heater (?)

I’m wondering if the second part of #6, and #7 are necessary?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Kindergarten Simple AGM replacement for a 2017 MB.
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Table 58  - 

ALL DONE!

Thanks for everything guys!  Hopefully this'll help guys like me at some point!

- Jim

Thanks Jim.  I'm one of those guys.  I couldn't find a place locally that carried the LifeLine batteries (and they couldn't order them for some reason) so I used a suggestion from another posting and ordered them from Centex Batteries.  I received and installed them this past Sunday using your instructions and the LD Manual.  All is well.
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath