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

time2roll
Nomad
Sep 14, 2015
9.5 years on my Costco GC2.

Beware most Costco are 208 A/H and Sam's has a 232 for a few $$ more.
htwheelz67
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
ny costco 6v's still good after 6 yrs
crcr
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Go 6V, you won't be sorry. There are no true deep cycle 12V batteries, tho they will claim that. 6V are designed for this type of job. Best bang as far as amp hours for the buck on them is at Costco or Sam's Club.
Helimech
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
I use interstate 6 volts and after 8 years they are still going strong.
fitznj
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
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
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
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.
Crazy_Ray
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
How are you checking the voltage of your batteries? You need to READ "12 volt side of life". JMO
CloudDriver
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
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.
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2015
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.

Forum Discussion

Need new batteries. Are 6 volt worth it?

19 Replies

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Are lithium batteries worth the cost?

House battery drain

Is It Worth It?

Worth repairing?

The batteries killed my Happijac remote