Community Forums

poppatello · 07-11-2010, 11:32 AM

Hey folks, I'm not sure if this should be under the Winnie thread but the coach I'm talking about is over 20 years old so I figured I would just post it here. I was just wondering what type of batteries you folks are putting in your RV's. I know I want a deep cycle battery but what brand, amp hour, and type are you folks using? The specs call for a 70 amp hour deep cycle but that was back in the 70's. Time and load requirements change. Thanks in advance...

F&D ABQ · 07-11-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppatello

Hey folks, I'm not sure if this should be under the Winnie thread but the coach I'm talking about is over 20 years old so I figured I would just post it here. I was just wondering what type of batteries you folks are putting in your RV's. I know I want a deep cycle battery but what brand, amp hour, and type are you folks using? The specs call for a 70 amp hour deep cycle but that was back in the 70's. Time and load requirements change. Thanks in advance...

My recommendation is the same for any coach - put in the biggest battery that will fit. If you can put in 2 golf cart batteries (6V in series) do so. Trojan is the best brand, but you might want to do Sam's club first and see if they have a large battery that will fit, so you don't spend too much for something that eventually proves unsuitable. If can only put in one 12V battery, be sure it is deep-cycle, the kind intended for trolling motors on boats.

poppatello · 07-11-2010, 06:05 PM

Hmm ok, I did read this on a battery site. However, it said to refrain from using batteries for boats as they are normally gel type and are not good for fast or frequent charges. I have plenty of room for atleast four deep cycle batteries. Wiring would be another issue though. Not much room left for that...

F&D ABQ · 07-11-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppatello

Hmm ok, I did read this on a battery site. However, it said to refrain from using batteries for boats as they are normally gel type and are not good for fast or frequent charges. I have plenty of room for atleast four deep cycle batteries. Wiring would be another issue though. Not much room left for that...

No, no, don't get fancy - just a good set of flooded-cell batteries will last several years if they are properly maintained and charged.

Speaking of "charged", be sure you invest in a good three-stage charger. The third stage is a trickle charge that won't boil your batteries in storage - you DO have a place to plug in a charger in storage, right?

poppatello · 07-11-2010, 09:11 PM

Yes the battery site did say that deep cycle wet was the way to go. I was just wondering what brand and amp hours. I guess I can check with Tri State Battery near my shop and see what they have. They are great on prices and normally warranty the batteries they sell...

F&D ABQ · 07-12-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppatello

Yes the battery site did say that deep cycle wet was the way to go. I was just wondering what brand and amp hours. I guess I can check with Tri State Battery near my shop and see what they have. They are great on prices and normally warranty the batteries they sell...

Golf cart batteries are about 200 AH at 6V, so 2 are also 200 AH at 12V. That's about three times the capacity of one 70 AH 12V battery. I believe that even "deep cycle" 12V batteries are compromises, with more but thinner plates than golf carts. Incidentally, you can compare the weight of quality batteries, like Trojan, with cheaper ones like Sam's club - the Trojans have more lead in them, so they can shed more and still keep on tickin'. But since you're experimenting anyway, why not just buy 2 golf cart batteries from Sam, put the rest of the $$$ into a good charger, and find out how you go? As I said, you should be three times better off than the OE.

By the way, if there is only ONE battery for both house lights and chassis power, all bets are off. I've been assuming you have a separate 12V battery for starting the engine. Golf cart batteries do not make good starting batteries.

poppatello · 07-13-2010, 06:35 AM

I agree, but I think you folks need to check into the Trojan batteries a bit more. From what I understand switching out my pops golf cart batteries a few months ago the battery shop said that Trojans are now rated the #2 and US Battery has taking the top. As soon as I talk to them again I will post up what the difference is as I have a short term memory... lol