Community Forums

wonbyjc · 07-18-2012, 08:26 PM

Hello. I apologize in advance for my post, as it probably is going to probably be one of those posts where I post a question and everyone already knows I am a female. LOL.

Anyways, my family and I just bought a 1994 Newmar Kountryaire. We are in the process (as we have never owned a motorhome before) of fixing things up (just ordered new roofing supplies...eternabond and liquid roof RV) and getting to know our new motorhome. But again, we are clueless. I have looked through every manual I could find regarding the batteries. The one that is in the motorhome was just thrown in from a car to get us home from the seller. The motorhome has a spot for 2 batteries. I know one is for starting the motorhome and the other would be for the inside. My question is....I would like to go to walmart and buy 2 batteries. But I have no clue what kind? I called them and they told me to get 2 marine batteries? PLEASE....if someone could help me in buying the right ones I would super appreciate it!!! I thank you in advance for your patience and also help.

"007" · 07-18-2012, 09:01 PM

Welcome to irv2 wonbyjc.
Congrats on your Newmar.
Batteries need to be deep-cycle for the house.
This link will give you some info on your electrical systems in coach 12v and 120v.
I place two 12v AGM's from the Sams Club in my coach saves on battery maintenance and where you may have to place them allot easier to handle. Check this link plus links within it information you need.
When you hook up the batteries use new cables or clean all cable connections plus the negative cable to the chassis frame of coach needs to be very clean and tight to frame, use a star washer to hold to frame so will not become loose same goes for the chassis battery cable to frame.
This is a start when you have other questions come down to the Newmar forum and we can help you out.

Hooligan · 07-18-2012, 09:11 PM

wonbyjc: First, welcome to IRV2 and I'm sure someone more familiar with your Newmar will answer your questions. You will have a starting battery (maybe more than one) and a coach or house battery that is a deep cycle.
But you will need the size or Group for each of the batteries so that they will fit in the space provided.

Winterschlos · 07-18-2012, 09:14 PM

Being a "newbie" I would just go to a nearby service center to learn as much as you can. Don't have to buy everything but they will probably answer a lot of the up front questions. OR, if you are near Indianapolis the end of August, go to the FMCA rally and go to as many of the seminars as you can. Everyone there will be ready and willing to help. Join FMCA before you go.

But to answer your question, the engine battery needs to be a high "cranking amps" rated battery based on whichever engine you have - any auto parts store can tell you which one. The house batteries do need to be deep discharge marine batteries that have the highest amphour rating you can fit into the vehicle. They may be 6 volt or 12 volt batteries - probably two 6 volt modules for a Newmar connected in series to supply 12 volts to the home. Alternative is for two 12 volt batteries connected in parallel to supply the 12 volts but you need to find out from someone exactly what you need - don't guess.

desobelman · 07-18-2012, 09:19 PM

wonbyjc,

Congrats on joining the MH family. As to the RV batteries, there are normally two (3) 6V deep cycle marine batteries to power the coach and one (1) 12V Automotive battery for the chassis (engine).

The 2 deep cycle, also known as golf cart, batteries are fairly standard. Unless you and/or hubby are knowledgeable, I would have an experienced RV repair shop install them for you. Costs a little more, but less chance of frying your electrical system.

Good luck, and keep us informed with your progress.

Happy Trails!

Darryl

GaryKD · 07-19-2012, 06:51 AM

Hi wonbyjc,
Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar family. There is a Newmar Owner's Forum on iRV2. On the iRV2 main page scroll about 1/2 the way down and you'll see the owners forums in alphabetical order. Most Newmar knowledge hangs out there.

To respond to your question, consider going to a Camping World (CW) or local RV dealer. Ensure a certified tech works on you coach.

If you want to purchase and install the batteries yourself then:
1. The engine battery is the same as any car engine battery. Any major brand will do. I use AC Delco automotive batteries. These batteries should be sealed and maintenance free.
2. The coach battery(s) should also be sealed and maintenance free. One can purchase flooded batteries, but that will add to your monthly maintenance list of checking the water in the batteries. If there is space for one coach battery it will need to be a 12 Volt DC battery (VDC). If there is space for more than one coach battery consider purchasing 2, 6 VDC batteries. The 6 VDC batteries will need to be connected in series to produce 12 VDC. This should provide the longest possible 12 VDC power for your coach.
3. In both (automotive and coach) situations, size matters. Purchase the largest batteries that will fit in the space available for them.