Community Forums

Hurk · 08-05-2015, 08:00 PM

I have 4 x 6 volt house batteries that are the originals and are 8 years old. Checked them after sitting for 4 days disconnected and each battery got reading of 6.1. Still ok? Or pushing my luck. I don't dry camp.

Jim Hurkett
Chilliwack BC
2007 Monaco
2009 Mini Cooper Conv Toad

PushedAround · 08-05-2015, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurk

I have 4 x 6 volt house batteries that are the originals and are 8 years old. Checked them after sitting for 4 days disconnected and each battery got reading of 6.1. Still ok? Or pushing my luck. I don't dry camp.

That's low. If you topped them up you should see about 6.6~6.7 volts, and they shouldn't drop much at all if just sitting for 4 days. I'd say they're getting to the end.

SilverBob · 08-05-2015, 08:07 PM

I've gotten over 8 years of service from several sets of 6v batteries, so that's not that unusual. I'd be a bit concerned about the 6.1 volts, though. That's quite low. Give them a good charge, then check them with a hydrometer. If they check good, keep using them. If not, well, lots of folks don't even get near 8 years from theirs.

Good luck!

Mr_D · 08-05-2015, 08:09 PM

We went 10 years on our Interstate U-2200's and they were still good enough to go through the night with the furnace on.
The present Magna has 4 8D AGM's and they are pretty well shot after only 6 years. Still functional but the cases on a couple are bulging and warm to the touch.
Battery life depends on how well you treat them and the charging circuit.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-06-2015, 08:07 AM

Full charge on a 6v battery should read about 6.3v, so yours are showing some deterioration if 6.1v is their best after a charge. So yes, I would be planning for a replacement before too long. Since you don't dry camp, low capacity is not an immediate concern, but your charging system will be working overtime trying to get the battery voltage up where it belongs (12.65v for a pair of 6v's in series). New batteries would make it's life easier as well as giving you more hours of use when not hooked to shore power.

See battery voltage vs capacity tables at Measuring State-of-charge - Battery University)

J Birder · 08-06-2015, 09:00 AM

A 6.1V reading after 3 days may not really be abnormal. It depends on how much parasitic load you have. The CO/propane detector, entertainment center, and possibly some other items all draw some current. The only accurate way to know, is to have them load tested.

Joel

vsheetz · 08-06-2015, 09:05 AM

Age-wise, yes probably approaching end of life. Agree with checking with a hydrometer. Also a load box is good to have. I have one I bought via AutoZone if I recall, about $60.

twinboat · 08-06-2015, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Birder

A 6.1V reading after 3 days may not really be abnormal. It depends on how much parasitic load you have. The CO/propane detector, entertainment center, and possibly some other items all draw some current. The only accurate way to know, is to have them load tested.

Joel

The OP stated the batteries were disconnected. No parasitic load from outside sources.

If you do no dry camping at all, just remove them and replace with 2, 6 Volt or 1, 12 volt battery. A walmart group 27 12 volt will work for you.

mgscott4 · 08-06-2015, 09:16 AM

If in doubt, replace them. They are 8 years old, they had a good life, replace them for piece of mind.

Old Crows · 08-06-2015, 09:23 AM

Help me understand..... six year old batteries that have served you well. They are the "heart and soul" of your coach's electrical system when off grid/generator.

They are slightly low on voltage, indicating less that full charge after sitting several days........

Six year old batteries = 72 months of service. And you have doubts about replacing them????

calhyatt · 08-06-2015, 11:21 AM

Change them out.

Hurk · 08-06-2015, 11:36 AM

Yes 8 years of service can't complain. Will replace with 4x 6 volt before I go south for winter. Thanks for all input.

Jim Hurkett
Chilliwack BC
2007 Monaco
2009 Mini Cooper Conv Toad

tropical36 · 08-06-2015, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurk

I have 4 x 6 volt house batteries that are the originals and are 8 years old. Checked them after sitting for 4 days disconnected and each battery got reading of 6.1. Still ok? Or pushing my luck. I don't dry camp.

Jim Hurkett
Chilliwack BC
2007 Monaco
2009 Mini Cooper Conv Toad

What luck are you pushing and as long as they are still working for ya, I don't see the problem.
Both times I changed mine out, with the last time being most recent in NJ, I just turned in the old ones at Sam's club and put in the new ones. The first time was in Wash. State in 09 and we had lunch in their parking lot, while replacing them.
I guess if you're not going to do it yourself, then you might want to reconsider, but this can be the case with anything for both the house and the chassis.
By the way, the first set went 10yrs before they got too weak for a night at Walmart.

Old Crows · 08-07-2015, 07:07 AM

Good Man! Now you can relax and not worry about Mamma berating you in the middle of a trip when the old duffers crapped out and you had to spend a night with failing power....and spend two days getting them replaced! Go. Get. A. Beer!