I've been using Interstate grp 24 batteries and this past week I noticed they don't hold a charge very well. They are 2 yrs old and running the gen several hours a day they show full charge at night, but by morning they are nearly dead.Interstate guy said 2 yrs is about avg life expectancy. I did leave the switch on while parked in storage one time and they sat a few weeks with a low charge. I know this hurts them. My choices are to replace with what I have, change to Interstate 6 volt (same size but 2" taller) or buy Costco batteries and exchange them every 2 yrs. they have a great return policy and will prorate the use.How much longer will 2 six volt batteries last running the normal camping items such as lights, refer, radio, water pump etc?Interstate 24s are about $113 ea. haven't priced 6 volt yet. What is everyone using?

2 years is too short of a life expectancy. But, you did leave them stored with a low charge.. not good. If you only run the items you listed then just about any batteries will do. Kept properly charged you should get at least 4-5 years.

In 2007 I replaced the two 12 volt Interstate Group 24 batteries that came with our motorhome. They lasted less than 4 years. The two 6 volt Trojan T105 batteries that took their place are still going strong more than 8 years later. IMO worth the extra cost.

How are you checking the voltage of your batteries? You need to READ "12 volt side of life". JMO

The two 6 volt Interstate batteries in our 96 Southwind are a bout 8 years old. I was going to replace them this year, now I'll wait until spring.They're still working. About 5 years ago I left the charge drop too low and they partially froze (slushy).I slowly thawed them, recharged and they came back to life.I think they're worth the money.

I did not have good luck with 2 6V Golf cart batteries (and they were expensive). They lasted about 2 years.Since then, I have bought WalMart batteries and this last set have lasted 4 years so far BUT I do look after them. I keep them charged up and bring them in doors during the winter and put them on a battery tender. They show no signs of dying yet. Gerry

Need new batteries. Are 6 volt worth it? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

azrving
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Dirtclods wrote:
Another great cheap tool to have:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Generic-12-2020-Prime-Products-12-2020-Digital-Volt-Meter/45863480

Good find. It cant get any easier than that.
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
Another great cheap tool to have:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Generic-12-2020-Prime-Products-12-2020-Digital-Volt-Meter/45863480
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
As mentioned above the 12 volt side of life:

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

Part 2. http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm
azrving
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
6 volt isn't going to fix anything if your charging voltages are wrong. You will be utilizing their prorated warr to return the 6 volts too. You need to learn how to use a digital voltmeter AND a HYDROMETER.

I'm running 4 group 27 batteries in an electric pontoon boat that have just finished their 8 th season. They finish charge at 15.3 or so volts.

In my FW that has 4 six volts and when using my generator and Quick charge brand 50 amp charger they also finish at about the same voltage. When I'm using my 520 watts of solar it charges at up to 14.8 along with equalization charges of 15.xx

AGM's wont save you either if you treat them wrong. You need to educate yourself before moving on. Read the 12 volt side of life and handybob's blog etc.

You MUST know your system voltage at all times. The rv monitor is totally useless for monitoring your tanks and your battery.

While drawing on the battery I NEVER go below 12 volts. It's a 12 volt battery but when it's at 12 volts it's time to FULLY recharge. Fully charged will show about 12.6 or so. So your actual operating range is only about 1/2 a volt. Not yelling at you with those caps, just emphasizing so you get up to speed and change your batteries after several years AND enjoy having continuous power.

You may be able to save those batteries but......
edatlanta
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
I replaced the single 12v marine battery that came from the dealer in my Designer when it was less than a week old with two Trojan T-105's. That was a little over 5 years ago and they show no signs of getting old. I do full time and they have never been run down very low. I top off the water level in them every spring and fall. Well worth the money in my book.
Dirtclods
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
I changed out my two 12 volt deep cycle to, two 6 volt deep cycle and never have had any regrets. Also I have changed out all of my lights to LED as well.
Ava
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Just compare the size of two 6 voters together vs. one 12 volt and you can see how much bigger and more electrical storage there will be with them.
time2roll
Nomad
Sep 14, 2015
The 4 lights may have been a surface charge from recent charging?

BTW what converter do you have? You really need a three stage that charges at 14.2+ volts for several hours. Many converters just slow charge at 13.6 and will chronically undercharge if using limited generator time.
FireGuard
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
Thanks for the good info.
I didn't check the voltage with a meter.
I went by the indicator lights on the panel. When I went to bed it showed full charge with 4 lights. 7 or 8 hours later it showed 1 light. The only thing using power was the fridge and detectors, very little draw.
Sluggo54
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
I replaced my two 9 year old T105's with Costco (Interstate) GC2'S last month. They were $83.99 ea before tax.nm