Need Quick Answer to Battery Question! HELP!

OP, as the others have said, if you're going to replace one, replace both of them, since a weak one will draw down the stronger one. If you do =any= boondocking at all, think about switching to 2x 6v batteries. I got 2 at Sam's Club for $80 each here in AZ and almost doubled my capacity. Adding a 45w solar charger, I extended my dry camping to "tank capacity", meaning that I can stay out until my black tank is full-up and I've =gotta= go. :-)

Lyle

mr. ed wrote:
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

Reply to John: I check battery water level frequently and the batteries were just topped off before my trip from Arkansas to Florida.

Reply to Dino Bill: I have given some thought to obtaining a different type of battery in place of the lead/acid type due to vibration concerns. I'll probably go that route.

Another quick question: Since I don't boondock will I be OK with just one battery (no doubt the type suggested by Dino Bill)? I don't see any need for two if one can do the job, but I'd like to get others' input on this.

If you don't boondock one will be just fine.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

Reply to John: I check battery water level frequently and the batteries were just topped off before my trip from Arkansas to Florida.

Reply to Dino Bill: I have given some thought to obtaining a different type of battery in place of the lead/acid type due to vibration concerns. I'll probably go that route.

Another quick question: Since I don't boondock will I be OK with just one battery (no doubt the type suggested by Dino Bill)? I don't see any need for two if one can do the job, but I'd like to get others' input on this.

Mr. Ed,

Yes one battery is fine. Yes, all you need do is disconnect one terminal from the defective battery.

Is it possible that the hot one was low on water in one or more cells while your good one had better coverage? Just like running a battery dead, dead, dead, you can get away with re filling with distilled water a cooked battery once, maybe twice, but then forget it. It will let you down in a pinch.

As posted, this one remaining battery alone is probably better energy and cost ($) effective than two unmatched in a set. Next best is toss both and buy one new one, very best may be to buy two new, but that depends on what you have (big slides and big foot energy drawers) and what you do or don't do (boondock, long storage periods). A single larger 12 volt one, or two big six volt true deep cycle batteries in series may be your best bet.

One battery is fine in all conditions if plugged in.
No need for replacement.

You could use a jell cell. they can't be hurt by a rough surface in fact you can turn them over and nothing comes out. It seems the glas mat battery used in high line cars is vert similar. Personally I would go to Sears, they are every where and the warranty cant be beat.

robsouth wrote:
Generally, batteries used in parallel should be the same size and age as an older weaker battery will draw down the newer battery and you will loose effectiveness. Replace both if possible.

Will do. I think towing my fiver to Florida over rough sections of I-10 may have hastened their demise.

Generally, batteries used in parallel should be the same size and age as an older weaker battery will draw down the newer battery and you will loose effectiveness. Replace both if possible.

Helimech wrote:
Not a problem

Thanks, Helimech.

Not a problem