6V Battery Replacement

[brucemcmahon]

If you have the room, consider the Trojan T-125's. Same footprint but a little taller. Last longer than the T-105's.

[ChasA]

Look into US BATTERY. They make only deep cycle batteries. Usually available from independent distributors who sell to golf courses and marinas and such. They are a major battery manufacturer whose batteries are often relabeled.

[DDDonkey]

My interstate batteries are going out (one test bad, the other test marginal), I looked around and am going to replace them with Costco CG2 batteries. The T-105 may last a little longer but for the price of $83 each I can't beat that.

[montyhp]

I just got 4 vmax power tanks (GC2 size) in fedex today. Those batteries came fully charged and don't drop in voltage at all on a load test.

Unfortunately, the coach is in the shop for at least 2 more weeks, so I won't be able to get them installed any time soon.

[wa8yxm]

The O/P's question can be easily answered as can many others by remembering THERE ARE NO SIX VOLT BATTEREIES IN RVs.

Yes, I know.

WHat you have is not two six volt batteries. But two halves of a 12 volt battery.. They do it that way cause a 4D 12 volt is HEAVY and expensive, the pair of GC-2 class six volt are half the weight (each) and less expensive.. But when installed they become two halves of a single 12 volt battery.

Think of them as a single 12 volt and many questions are answered.

How do I charge THEM? (You charge IT (the 12 volt battery) same as you do any other 12 volt. At a max current (in this case) 0f about 60 amps.

Can I change just one of them? (O/P's question) Can you change half of a 12 volt battery? (NO)

Can they be different from each other? Would you want a 12 volt battery were one half was different from the other half?... I thought not.

See how questions go POOF when you think of them as a single 12 volt battery?

[chboone]

Originally Posted by DDDonkey

My interstate batteries are going out (one test bad, the other test marginal), I looked around and am going to replace them with Costco CG2 batteries. The T-105 may last a little longer but for the price of $83 each I can't beat that.

I agree.
I like Trojans but the Interstates GC2 from Costco for $83 is a good price. I bought 6 of them last years. I take good care of my batteries so hopefully they will last several years. Never have been a big fan of Interstate to many issues with them in my working days maintaining 25 emergency generators and pump drivers.
BTW, Interstates are made by Johnson Controls the world's largest battery manufacturer and the same company that makes Walmart batteries.

[41pu]

Originally Posted by deandec

We have had T-105 and Costco GCII batteries.

Costco is cheaper. The T-105 might last longer.

The length of life depends on your care and use of the battery during its life.

I had 8 6 volt battery's in a motor yacht over the years. T105 as well as Costco.
With good maintenance care I was able to get 6 years out of them. Costco is a little cheaper and way easier to warranty.

[NMRVer]

ALWAYs replace as pair...my motto.

well, unless you just bought a bad one (say less than 6 months)

[B52Guy]

I replaced mine a year ago...I boiled out my old ones because I had a bad circuit board. Once I fixed it, I replaced my batteries. I upgraded from !05s to 145s...same footprint, but taller and I had the headroom. Two things:

The first five places I shopped all quoted the same price. Finally found a golf cart shop that quoted me $80 or so apiece (way better!). They promised they would be new, and fresh...they were...dated the manufacturing date was the month I bought them. So shop!

Secondly, I bought a watering kit from Amazon. Trojan has a great looking one, but it cost more than two of the batteries! I bought the kit from Amazon and have loved it. I don't have to bump my head and use a flashlight to check levels....It has proven to well worth the money.

[Beagle RC Air]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

Agree replace in a pair. If you need more capacity, and have enough headroom, also check the T125 or T145. More capacity, same footprint, if they'll fit and if you want the extra capacity.

And the Crown batteries are getting very positive feedback from many RV'ers and home energy users. Good quality construction, and tight quality controls.

If you are good at keeping the batteries maintained for fluid levels, cleaning posts - then wet is an economical and practical way to go. If you want to install and forget, and your inverter/charger has an AGM setting, you could look into installing a set of AGM's.

Lots of great choices to make, and lots of fellow RV'ers will be willing to help you spend your money the way they think you should!

Best,
Smitty

that's a good one!

beagle