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dralign · 10-09-2020, 11:00 AM

Hello, I am about to get my first rv (21ft. travel trailer). I have decided to wait a few months to see how I will use it before deciding what type of full energy equipment to put on (solar, lithium batteries etc). That discussion is for a later day. In the meantime, before the dealer sends me the rv, I want to decide what is a good setup to have for the several months until I decide. example: 2-6 volts or 1-2 12 volts. Also, either traditional batteries or gel or AGM. I don't mind spending a little more money, if it is truly going to be more comfortable and worth it. I would rather ask you, the people that actually experienced it than the salesperson. Thanks in advance for you opinions.

twinboat · 10-09-2020, 11:52 AM

I wouldn't go to crazy on expensive batteries and solar yet.
You will probably trading up in 2 years.

A pair of GC2, 6 volt batteries will give you the most AH capacity for the money. They need the water checked every few months.

Simple and cheap are a pair of GP31 maintance free 12 volt batteries. A little less AH. Make sure they are labeled deep cycle.

AGMs are also maintance free, so 2, 12 volt or 2, 6 volt will give you good service but cost more.

Gel batteries are sensitive to overcharging and no longer used in RV applications.

If you new to living on 12 volts, learn with low cost batteries, so mistakes cost less.

paul65k · 10-09-2020, 12:08 PM

For now (2) 6V GC Batteries would carry you until you figure out your long term solution. I would also find out what the dealer is going to charge for any upgrades....just remember you can get 2 GC batteries at either Sam's or Costco for $100 each

Isaac-1 · 10-09-2020, 02:29 PM

Another vote for a pair of GC2 6V golf cart batteries wired in series to get 12V, best bang for the buck, if they are mounted where they are accessible to check water level, get standard ones, if not splurge for AGM's. The big warehouse stores like Costco and Sams Club tend to have 6V GC-2's for about $90 each.

450Donn · 10-09-2020, 02:33 PM

Have gone thru this scenario several times. I decided to duplicate the battery the dealer installed for the first few years. When it was time to replace them is when I made the final decision as to what to instal.

Winemaker2 · 10-09-2020, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Another vote for a pair of GC2 6V golf cart batteries wired in series to get 12V, best bang for the buck, if they are mounted where they are accessible to check water level, get standard ones, if not splurge for AGM's. The big warehouse stores like Costco and Sams Club tend to have 6V GC-2's for about $90 each.

+1 FLA GCs are a great choice and Sams Club Duracell by East Penn are hard to beat for $/AH.
Worth a read re Deep Cycle.
https://marinehowto.com/wp-content/u...le-Battery.jpg
If you jump up to AGM the same benefits of 6V GCs don't necessarily apply per East Penn.

Persistent · 10-10-2020, 09:56 AM

Use gulf cart type lead acid batteries for full time boon docking or dry camping. Recharge batteries almost ever day using generator. Lead acid batteries will last 2 or three years. Recharge at 50% state of charge. Maintain water level. Clean batteries, connections, and battery compartment regularly. Fully charge 14 to 18 hours periodically to clean sulfate off the plates.

Use AGM's for occasional week end dry camping. Batteries can last 10 years or more. Maintain with a full 14 to 18 hour charge for storage. Recharge before reaching 10% state of charge. Leave more reserve, maybe 30% state of charge, for unexpected events. Recharge in storage before voltage drops to 12.4 volts. That is about 2 weeks unless the batteries are disconnected. Disconnect and recharge is usually needed in about 12 months.

Use the battery delivered by the dealer for always camping with campground electrical hook-ups.

I use a pair of 100 amp hour AGM batteries for dry camping. We plan to camp for 3 to 5 days once per month and 3 weeks twice per year. I expect my batteries to be working fine after 10 years when I plan to sell my current 21 foot trailer.

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!

Gary RVRoamer · 10-10-2020, 02:47 PM

I agree with twinboat. However, you didn't say anything about how you will use the trailer. If you near-always go to campgrounds with electrical hook-ups, choice of battery(s) is of small importance. Take what comes with the trailer and enjoy yourself for a couple years and learn about your RV and how you like to use it. When the origial batteries are no longer usable, pick whatever type and amount suits your needs.

I've written a layman's level article on RV battery choices that was published in a couple RV magazines and multiple websites. There's a copy in this sites FILES library at iRV2 - Choosing An RV Battery