House batteries

[mel s]

Originally Posted by J Birder

The fact that marine/deep cycle batteries were "successfully" used in one RV for 19 years isn't evidence of anything. What does "successfully" used mean in this context? On average, how long did the batteries last? Was that RV frequently used for boondocking, or was it usually connected to shore power?
Joel

"Successfully" (in my "context") means plenty good enough for the boondocking I do, which is often.... (but usually no longer than 2 weeks in duration).
My coach always sees constant shore power, (15A minimum), unless I am overnighting, boondocking, (dry camping), or traveling.

The first 2 sets of 4 12V batteries "lasted" me 9 years each.

BTW, it maters not to me if you, (or anyone else), would not be satisfied with, (aka: happy with), 12V "so called" deep cycle Marine house batteries...(to each his own).

Mel
'96 Safari, (currently on the 3rd set of 4 deep cycle Marine house batteries).

[Forest Grump]

Originally Posted by dennis45

The install of an 8D is not a bad idea but it certainly is not the less expensive route. I have seen 120AH 6V flooded batteries in the range of $120 each (or less). So, two (giving you 240 AH) would cost you about 240 plus bucks.



The simple install without any cable mods would be the 8D. There, are you confused now?



UPG8D Gel Cell 40702 by Universal Power



Trojan T-105 Golf Cart Deep Cycle 225 AH Batteries

I think u mean 12v 120 ah batteries to give u 240 ah. Most series 27 12 v are about 90 ah. If you want just 2 batteries the Trojan 6 v are a good way to go.

[nothermark]

FWIW I would pull the 4 batteries out and put two 6V batteries in equivalent to what you have now. Then I would try it. You need the batteries for a couple of reasons but the one's that will be most significant are loading the converter and supplying power short term while the MH is sitting with the engine off and not plugged in. For you probably a few hours of maybe shopping and lunch. If that does not work out you will find out fairly quickly and can add the second pair. If it does work you will be fine and have some money left. ;-)

[OLYLEN]

I would go the 12 volt side. I am running two 12 volt deep cycle batteries in the MH . They are older interstate and were in the new to me class c(I just down sized from DP class A running 4 T105's) so unknown time and condition. But they are serving well Boondocking with what I would consider normal gen run time judging from 8 years with the T105's. But I have been looking at what is available for replacement if needed in the future, just being prepaired. Interstate has 160 Amp hour 12 volt so 2 would give me 320 or 160 useable. The cost I was quoted seemed reasonable at around $130 each, not far off of T105's with only 225 AH so 115 usable. I know guy's it's the dark side but I think 12 volt just maybe the wave of the future. If one were to put 4 12 volts in he would have 640 AH with 320 useable verses 4 6volt with 450 AH 225 useable and that is a big difference like almost 33 percent. So in conclusion I would put in 2 12 volt deep cylce for the OP. JMT

LEN

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Selah

As Twinboat said, most are in MCA. BTW, they do make 12 volt true deep cycle batteries but most of the one I have heard about are fairly expensive so most of us poor folk use the 6 volt batteries.

We have 4 8D 12 volt AGM's, they are $500 to $700 Each! I have room for 6 but don't see any need to add more. In fact I'm thinking about going to wet cell 8D's just to save some $$.

[Forest Grump]

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

I would go the 12 volt side. I am running two 12 volt deep cycle batteries in the MH . They are older interstate and were in the new to me class c(I just down sized from DP class A running 4 T105's) so unknown time and condition. But they are serving well Boondocking with what I would consider normal gen run time judging from 8 years with the T105's. But I have been looking at what is available for replacement if needed in the future, just being prepaired. Interstate has 160 Amp hour 12 volt so 2 would give me 320 or 160 useable. The cost I was quoted seemed reasonable at around $130 each, not far off of T105's with only 225 AH so 115 usable. I know guy's it's the dark side but I think 12 volt just maybe the wave of the future. If one were to put 4 12 volts in he would have 640 AH with 320 useable verses 4 6volt with 450 AH 225 useable and that is a big difference like almost 33 percent. So in conclusion I would put in 2 12 volt deep cylce for the OP. JMT

LEN

Interstate mostly makes hybrid deep cycle batteries. The one you are looking at is a hybrid and lists RC, reserve capacity, as 160. This converts to 66.66 ah usable 33 ah, go for it!

[wa8yxm]

Using the number 12 instead of the word search the forum for

The twelve volt side of life

(I typed it with the word to prevent hitting on this message).

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by rfsod48

I need to replace the house batteries in my mh. Is it possible to use 2 12 volt batteries instead of 4 6 volt batteries. I never boondock. Would they be hooked up in parallel or series? I am looking at cost over longevity.

To the poor OP that has to listen to all this. The answer is YES you can use 2 or even one 12v house battery (in parallel if two) of any kind if you never boondock. Maybe the 19 yo debate should be subject to tit's own thread.

[Forest Grump]

He could also use 6 2v cells, expensive though and they are large but huge capacity.

[crockwood]

Yeah. I agree. If you are fine with 2 12volt, stay with them. I did the same. But mine uses 4 12 volt. The TRUE 12volt deep cycle are expensive . But, you don't have to change cables or battery tray, so might be better off leaving it alone. Btw, I went with trojan 27tmh 115ah rating. And I remove them for trickle charge when in storage. Chris

[aviator37]

EverStart Marine Battery, Group Size 27DC - Walmart.com

I just put in two of these. 250 AH combined. Good for the money and easy to get from Walmart

[Forest Grump]

Originally Posted by aviator37

EverStart Marine Battery, Group Size 27DC - Walmart.com



I just put in two of these. 250 AH combined. Good for the money and easy to get from Walmart

125 ah each, nope. It's not a true deep cycle but a hybrid marine battery. Probably closer to 100 to 105 ah.

[chideock]

Would 2 6volt golf cart batteries, or even 4, be good enough to start the motorhome eng? My MH has the ability to connect the house batteries to start the eng if the chassis battery is dead.

The OP didn't mention this aspect of his MH.

[Forest Grump]

Yes, two higher capacity 6v deep cycle should be able to start an engine four for sure. Depends also on your engine.