Forum Discussion

dpgerson's avatar
dpgerson
Explorer
Apr 05, 2015

Batteries

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
  • ventrman's avatar
    ventrman
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    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.
  • RedRam's avatar
    RedRam
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    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.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2015
    IF it has optional 2nd battery....go with 2 batteries

    HERE is link to archived specs/info for NUWA
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Apr 05, 2015
    Veebyes wrote:
    Here is thought for the occasional dry camper. Install a marine battery switch. Get one that gives the options of bank #1, bank #2, both banks together or OFF.

    Install cable for bank #2 so that it is easy to connect & disconnect. That way when you need it, bring the extra battery & connect it up. No need to have tray space for it.


    Have talked to people, and read about others, who will take extra batteries when boondocking, but then you run into the new/old situation. Personally, I'd spend the money on 2 12v batteries for the occasional off-grid camping; awful cheap insurance and a =whole= lot cheaper than a generator. If you camp regularly off-grid, then 2 6v golf cart batteries, at a minimum, if not Trojans, or the like.

    Lyle
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2015
    Here is thought for the occasional dry camper. Install a marine battery switch. Get one that gives the options of bank #1, bank #2, both banks together or OFF.

    Install cable for bank #2 so that it is easy to connect & disconnect. That way when you need it, bring the extra battery & connect it up. No need to have tray space for it.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 05, 2015
    Good advice from everyone! I would just add, that for the time being, you could just charge up the one you have, if it is still good.

    If you are into off grid type camping, you will want two new 6 volt batteries.

    Jerry
  • Cool_Canuck's avatar
    Cool_Canuck
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2015
    My theory is:

    If you are going to dry camp, get the most & biggest deep cycles batteries you can fit.

    If you are going to have power available most of the time, one battery and jumper cables will suffice.
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2015
    Do not mix a new battery with an existing one, as the new one will shortly be as good as the old one. Chris
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2015
    If you go to two batteries they need to be the same age, you never put a old battery with a new one.

    If I was to go to the trouble to put 2 batteries I would use two 6 volt golf cart batteries in series.

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