Quote:
Originally Posted by keymastr
Yes, the flooded lead/acid batteries are very robust as long as you do not draw them all the way down. Even then they will come back to life if they are not frozen, although they may have somewhat reduced capacity. For the price I can't see going with a more expensive battery since today's chargers do not boil the batteries like the old days. I generally check the water every 2 months and top off once a year. Not worth AGM prices unless you have venting issues. Since mine live outside that is not an issue.
I had a set frozen once when it was in for service. They were replaced so I have no idea if they would have come back to life but I am told the plates may become dislodged and eventually short out even if they do. Other than that they should last 5 to 7 years if treated properly. I wish everything about RVing was as economical and low maintenance as the batteries.
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April 2013 I bought 2 new Trojan 6v deep cycle batteries in our MH. November 2013 I was boondocking in Elkhart and had to go home for a couple days. When I came back, I about cried, I had left the coach switch on, they were dead and froze. I couldn’t afford another set, so I hoped, recharged them and they’re still going today. I was surprised and glad. I think they lost some capacity, but not a lot. I think I would do Trojan batteries again! [emoji16] I do think that for the $$$, 6V lead acid are hard to beat, but you do have to watch drawing them down too far, or of course freezing them! (Which won’t happen properly charged.)