Battery and solar questions

[Misjudg]

Where's the best place to purchase batteries? Decent but not too expensive? I was told my batteries for power probably need to be replaced. But then when you drive the RV it's supposed to charge those batteries so should I have them tested to see if they just need to be charged? Also what is your feeling on solar? Not like I have the money to go get that set up it makes sense but I can't afford it but in the long run is it worth it?

[DavidEM]

Costco is usually the cheapest if you have a membership followed by Walmart. Batteries Plus is decent and even your local auto store should have something that will work.

Unless you dry camp a lot and have a residential or DC compressor fridge, forget about solar. If so then you probably should combine solar with a switch to lithium batteries.

The chassis alternator should charge your house batteries if the battery isolation system is working right, but often they don't so get it checked.

David

[Persistent]

The engine usually charges both starting battery and house batteries. However, it often does not charge long enough for long battery life.

Lead acid batteries must be stored fully charged for long service life. A full clean charge takes 14 to 18 hours before storage.

If you are using the batteries everyday, they still need a full clean charge periodically. Possibly once per week.

Weeks spent at less than a full clean charge can take a serious toll on battery life.

Certainly you should fully charge for 18 hours (possibly 24 hours) and then test them.

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!