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JCasper's avatar
JCasper
Explorer
Feb 14, 2016

Montana high country 338DB needs more batteries

I need to replace the 1 battery that came in my fifth wheel and add a little more capacity. I'm thinking about 2 Trojan 6V or 1 or 2 Trojan AGM batteries. Any suggestions? We camp with hookups most of the time, but once in a while I'd like to have some capacity. I like the idea of AGM for less maintenance but someone told me that all converters won't charge them. What do I need to look for prior to purchasing and putting these in?
  • HI,

    I would recommend the pair of golf cart batteries because they will hold a few quarts of water in each battery. While they will still need water, every 3 months is normally fine. It can take a 1/2 gallon of water when filling them. I use a plastic watering can.


    I also have solar panels.

    Actually I pretty much hate staying in crowded campgrounds, preferring a lake, mesa, or mountain overlook to camp at, usually for free. The 400 watt solar system would keep up with my power needs, and then some, including watching hours of TV nightly.

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • Two 6V batteries can have higher capacity AH then one 12V IF the 6Vs have higher capacity AH to begin with

    Two 6v Batteries wired in 'series' will double the voltage but have same capacity AH



    To increase capacity AH requires 'paralleling' of batteries


    As for charging......check which Brand/Model of converter you have.
    A good 3 stage should be compatible with AGMs

    But two 12V flooded are less expensive and can double your capacity AH
  • JCasper wrote:
    I need to replace the 1 battery that came in my fifth wheel and add a little more capacity. I'm thinking about 2 Trojan 6V or 1 or 2 Trojan AGM batteries. Any suggestions? We camp with hookups most of the time, but once in a while I'd like to have some capacity. I like the idea of AGM for less maintenance but someone told me that all converters won't charge them. What do I need to look for prior to purchasing and putting these in?


    Since you don't dry camp much, a couple 6v golf cart batteries would certainly give you more capacity, and for minimal cost. < $100 each, at Sam's or Costco, in most places, vs $200+ EACH for Trojans. I did, and I get about 1-2 more days' camping than my dual 12v's gave me, depending on use. Yeah, maintenance is higher, but it's not a huge deal. Buy a watering system to make keeping them full is also a good investment. Now, if you plan on dry camping more than you currently do, the larger investment might be justified.

    Lyle