Forum Discussion

CobraGT40's avatar
CobraGT40
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014

Battery Advice...

Hey all
It's been a little while since I last posted (usually when I'm getting ready for my annual Oshkosh, WI trip).
Since where I camp is dry camping, I use a generator during the day, but need to shut it down by 10:00pm. For my battety setup, I usually use the two old batteries that were in my Ford diesel. I know this isn't the most efficient route...but it got the job done for the most part. I could get by for a couple days, then I would have to throw them on the charger. The old batteries have finally had it so I figured now is as good a time as any to do this the correct way.
I plan to pick up a couple deep cycle batteries(probably from Farm&Fleet) ... I'm on a limited budget this year since I need to have air-suspension helpers put on the truck and the 5th wheel needs two new tires.
I am debating on whether to just pick up two 12v Deep Cycle/Marine batteries to run in parallel, or two 6v Golf Cart batteries to run in a series.
What do you guys think ?

Thanks !

Scott
  • CobraGT40's avatar
    CobraGT40
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    Jframpey wrote:
    I just bought 2 6 volt golf cart batteries from interstate. They were used, 1 year old and 1/3 price. Interstate has some industrial customers that have man lifts, that change out their batteries annually. Interstate checks out the used batteries and resells the good ones. 1 year warranty!

    Check it out - will definitely save some money. Mine have worked flawlessly so far... Only been 3 months though.

    Joe


    This actually sounds like a good route... What dealers sell gently used batteries ?
  • Jframpey's avatar
    Jframpey
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2014
    I just bought 2 6 volt golf cart batteries from interstate. They were used, 1 year old and 1/3 price. Interstate has some industrial customers that have man lifts, that change out their batteries annually. Interstate checks out the used batteries and resells the good ones. 1 year warranty!

    Check it out - will definitely save some money. Mine have worked flawlessly so far... Only been 3 months though.

    Joe
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2014
    Those RV/Marine batteries are really combo start/house batteries and will not work as well or last as long as the 6 volt golf cart batteries. The GC batteries are true deep cycle batteries and can be discharged down to the 50% level and then recharged many times with no damage (but less is always better !). If you try to discharge the combo batteries to 50% and then recharge too often, they will not last too long.

    Just don't discharge the GC batteries below 50%. And keep an eye on the water level. Distilled water only please !

    Tim
  • lillyputz's avatar
    lillyputz
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2014
    My 2 cents. 6 volt deep cycle is the way to go. I have six Interstate 6 volt deep cycle batts.

    Also rec. the 12 volt side of life.

    Lillyputz
  • CobraGT40's avatar
    CobraGT40
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    bpounds wrote:
    If you're going to dry camp a lot, definitely 6V golf cart batteries. But they are taller, so make sure you can fit them in place.

    And if you want them to last a long time, don't run them down for 2 days before charging. Keep them topped up every day.


    Good tip...I didn't even consider whether they would fit (height-wise).
    I'll take a measurement when I go out to my trailer either tomorrow or Friday. Should be plenty of room, though.
    I only dry camp about once a year (for about 9 days or so)...The sportmen's club I bleong to has electric hook-ups.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2014
    CobraGT40 wrote:
    I am debating on whether to just pick up two 12v Deep Cycle/Marine batteries to run in parallel, or two 6v Golf Cart batteries to run in a series.
    Get the 6v. They're true deep cycle, whereas the others are not.
  • AZ_T_T's avatar
    AZ_T_T
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    6v Golf Cart batteries. Not only do they work better, but they last longer.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Jun 04, 2014
    If you're going to dry camp a lot, definitely 6V golf cart batteries. But they are taller, so make sure you can fit them in place.

    And if you want them to last a long time, don't run them down for 2 days before charging. Keep them topped up every day.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    Two 6 volt batteries work well in our Southwind. When I replace the batteries, it will be with two 6 volt, not 12 volt.

    Did you ever read The 12 Volt Side of Life?
    It's informative and may answer some of your questions. You need to consider the amp hours of the batteries.

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