Battery upgrade

[sueleibo]

time for 2 new coach batteries. any suggestions on best options?

[Gary RVRoamer]

IMO, lead-acid batteries are a commodity and you should buy the least expensive one of the type and amp-hour rating that suits your needs. If you are happy with the type and capacity you have now, shop around for an equivalent type & size. If you want more capacity (amp-hours) or more convenience (less maintenance), some upgrades might be in order, but expect to pay more to get it.


What do you have now and what are you looking to achieve? For example, if you now have twin 6v golf car deep cycles and that works well for you, I'd suggest Sam's Club, Costco, etc. for good prices on them. However, if you live where golf cars are widely used, there are probably golf car specialty shops that will have competitive prices as well.

[twinboat]

A pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series will, for most situations, give you the most capacity for the $$.

For a pair of maintance free AGM, 6 volt batteries, expect to pay about twice as much. Install and forget.

If, like my MH, taller, 6 volt golf cart batteries don't fit, GP31 deep cycle, maintance free, batteries have decent capacity for the price. Look for around 100 AH capacity each.

[asuperheat]

I prefer AGM's no maintenance and little more resilient that wet cell.

[Ray,IN]

It really depends on your camping style. Mostly dry camping suggests multiple 6V batteres or expensive true deep-cycle 12V batteries. FHU only, buy the cheapest you find, for instance i bought 3 new 12V Duracal marine battteries (105AH) at Sam's Club for $99 ea.
If you switch from 12v to 6v, don't forget to include the cost of the additional cables in the equation.