Community Forums

tooltrdr · 07-03-2014, 12:27 PM

need to replace house battery on trailer. group 27. Since it seems they all last about 2 yrs + 0r -, should I just buy a lower priced one like the Die Hard or do you suggest a bigger investment and if so what brand, thanks

BendOR · 07-03-2014, 12:41 PM

At least, get a generic "marine" battery but you can do better.

See this for the difference:

RV Electrical Battery Bank

I think the SCS200 is group 27 size:

http://www.trojanbattery.com/battery/marine-rv/12v/

go4dsnow · 07-03-2014, 12:43 PM

I used to go thru the same problems. You need to upgrade your convertor/charger to a Progressive 4 stage and this will end you battery problems. then get 2-6 volt batteries if you have the space otherwise stay with a quality group 27 deep cycle. The Progressive charger will keep the batteries fresh.

Skip426 · 07-03-2014, 12:46 PM

You want to get a deep cycle battery , that will stand up to multiple discharge cycles. Usually the higher priced batteries will have a longer warranty.
Do you have room to convert to a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries. The extra battery power and extended life may be worth the $$.
My 4, 6volt battery system is 5 years old and still going strong.

More battery info at

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

tooltrdr · 07-03-2014, 03:09 PM

thank you all!

marcham · 07-06-2014, 08:02 AM

What maintenance have you done on the battery? They should last 5-7 years if:
-you buy a deep cycle battery, not a hybrid (it should not have a CCA rating)
-you store it fully charged and top it off at least every 30 days
-check the water levels a few times a year
-equalize once or twice a year
-only top it off only with distilled water

Be wary of batteries labelled as "marine" most are hybrid starting /cycling and will not last as long as true deep cycle batteries, but in a pinch can be used to start an engine.

wa8yxm · 07-06-2014, 02:41 PM

Gee. My Interstate U-2200's (A GC-2 Golf car six volt, you use two in series to make basically a 4D 12 volt, electrically at least) lasted 9 years.

IF yours are dying in 2, something wrong.

Oh, and when it comes to batteries... I belong to the Tim Taylor (Tim Allen's characeter on the TV show Home Improvement) School of MORE POWER.. That is withing reason (like the remaining cargo carrying capacity of your RV) The bigger the battery the better the battery ....
But you may not have room for a pair of GC-2s.

cwf · 07-08-2014, 11:23 PM

I would check out new converter.... And put new Marine Deep Cycle if you can find.

How long do you leave the converter charging Batts? Something is definitely wrong I suspect.

chaps2018 · 07-09-2014, 09:54 AM

Any recommendations on converter/chargers?

chaps2018 · 07-09-2014, 11:57 AM

Gary Bunzer has discussed the benefits of xantrex units

go4dsnow · 07-10-2014, 09:05 AM

I have used Progressive multi stage chargers/converters in my last 3 units. They work very well.

Btravelen · 07-11-2014, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go4dsnow

I used to go thru the same problems. You need to upgrade your convertor/charger to a Progressive 4 stage and this will end you battery problems. then get 2-6 volt batteries if you have the space otherwise stay with a quality group 27 deep cycle. The Progressive charger will keep the batteries fresh.

I hope so.. I've been replacing batteries every year or 2 and just considered it to be the way it is. When my Centurion went bad and I was checking into replacing it, found this combination that was a direct replacement.

It's a lot quieter and I look forward to saving on battery replacements.

Boondocker 4 Stage Power Center 60 Amp (BPC4-60)

wa8yxm · 07-11-2014, 06:52 PM

On converter chargers I have 1.5 Recommendations.

Stand alone (not part of the power distribution panel)
Progressive Dynamics Intella Power 9200 series, the last two digits indicate the current, for a Group 27 a 9230 would be the correct size a 9245 might be ok as well.

IF you DO have an integrated system. then the 4600 series might be more to your liking.. they do make a 4635.

Oh, and the 9100 series WITH THE OPTIONAL WIZARD is the same as the 9200 series with the optional dongle. Very few actually use the features of the dongle.. (I do on rare occasions) most do not know how to use it.

My Interstate U-2200 six volt twins (Two sixes in series making one BIG 12 volt battery) lasted 9 years with some abuse (Abuse = running them down so far the lights would not light, or anything else work about half a dozen times, Starting batteries like your group 27 do not recover from that kind of abuse, DEEP CYCLE will, Marine/deep cycle is a starting battery that MIGHT, once, but not half a dozen times).

Battery maintenance. Use a good 3 stage charger about 1/3 the size of the battery's c/20 (20 hour rating) amp hour capacity, For example a Gorup 27 is just shy of 100 amp horus. so 30-35 amps is good.
For my GC-2's. Damon gave me 80 amps.

If flooded wet cells, check monthly at first, till you learn otherwise, the fluid level, top off with DISTILLED water only.

Store FULLY CHARGED, if you have a good 3-stage charger just plug in.

Long term, if you do not have power to the RV, disconnect the NEGATIVE leads.

IF YOU DO, but do not have a good 3-stage charger, Disconnect and connect a Battery-Minder or Battery Tender (Both Trade Marks).

IF you remove the battery make sure you color code all wires.

Keep a true DEEP CYCLE (No mention of marine) at least half full
Keep Marine/Deep cycle at least 3/4 full
Keep starting batteries at least 80% full (Standard automotive types).

IF you run it down beyond those levels, RECHARGE PROMPTLY.

Keep terminals clean.