Batteries

Dtank wrote:

ventrman wrote:
IMHO, Exide makes the best Battery.

Provide stats -for batt type, price/s & *warranty*- for your IMHO.

Then others may join you with the same "O"..:C

.

There are three or four major battery manufacturers! Lots of labels. Chris

I have two Interstate 6V batteries in mine. I bought them at a marine dealer. (Actually, they were out when I went there, but they were able to have two delivered to their store within about an hour.) That was 3-4 years ago. I didn't use my camper last summer, only went out to the storage facility to check the batteries once and they were good. I went back again last week and tested them. Still right up there, however I did remove them and put a charge on them since I won't be hooking up again this year. (Sold my truck and will sell the camper soon.)

I was really impressed with how well they've lasted, through nearly two years of non-use, temps ranging from -30F to 100F. This was my first set of 6V, always figuring that two 12Vs gave me additional options and were cheaper. They do and are, but they didn't last anything like these 6Vs.

We boondock 95%-99% of the time, from two nights to five nights at a time usually. In Wyoming's mountains, the furnace is usually running much of the night. If you'll be on the grid most of the time, a single 12V will last a night. If you won't be using the furnace or lights much, it'll go much longer. Go from there, but if you won't have hook-ups where you camp, a pair of 6V batteries would be a good choice, imho. They are heavy! Whew!!!!

ventrman wrote:
IMHO, Exide makes the best Battery.

Provide stats -for batt type, price/s & *warranty*- for your IMHO.

Then others may join you with the same "O"..:C

.

RedRam wrote:
You didn't specify if you were going to do dry camping or use hookups and that could be a deciding factor.

If it was me I would charge the existing battery until you decide to replace it then determine if you need one or two batteries.

Bingo!

X-2.5

BTW - my 5th came with 2 batteries.

Cut back to one.

Works fine for my needs.

Decide what best fits *YOUR* needs & camping style..:W

.



.

I just upgraded from one Grp 24 to two Grp 29 Deep Cycle Everstart Maxx batteries from Walmart ($100 ea).

I did not go with two 6-volt golf cart batteries because if one cell goes bad in either battery, then you have no electricity at all. If one cell goes bad in either of my 12-volt batteries, I still have one good battery.

Tim

If you don't boondock you can get by with one battery. If you boondock just a bit a couple of combo starter/deep cycle batteries will do and are relatively inexpensive. I wouldn't invest in AGMs or golf cart batteries unless I was far off the grid and using solar.

Since you previously were using a slide-in camper, I'm guessing you like to get away from the crowds. Go with a pair of 6 volt batteries for best performance off the grid.

But it isn't a must-have. Your rig will work fine with a single 12 volt.

if you are off grid camping a single 12 volt isn't going to last very long unless you have a generator or something to supplement. if you are always plugging into shore power then a single battery is probably fine.

regardless when you are parking an rv for an extended time disconnecting the battery is a good practice; install a disconnect switch at the battery if you don't already have one (they will be labeled; typically red in color and near the battery)

I wouldn't jump to replace a battery or buy a new pair; as you camp more and more you'll be finding tons of stuff to spend money on :)

12.3 needs to be charged. Run what you have unless you need more.

ventrman wrote:

dpgerson wrote:
Hi Folks,

I'm a fifth wheel newbie. Recently acquired an 02 Nuwa Snowbird. I am a long time truck camper guy.

The snowbird has room for 2 batteries, but came with only one. It is an Everstart 92.

First of many questions:

Should I get a second one? What brand? I've always used Interstates in my camper. The Everstart I have just now when measured with a voltmeter had 12.3 volts, cold. Should I buy 2 new ones?

thanks,

Dan

There is a Reason there is Room for two Batteries. The Manufacturer knows their Products better than anyone else. If there was a Place put in for a second Battery, you should have one.

2nd battery was an upgrade option....not standard equipment.