Forum Discussion

Charlie_D_'s avatar
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017

RV Battery

I have a 5 year old Interstate battery that needs replacing on my 5er. I suspect that it has been failing for a while. Plugged to 120 V it showed 4 circles. Removed the 120 V power and the RV battery monitor showed 3 of 4 circles. Pulled the emergency lanyard and it immediately dropped to 1 circle which I believe meant that their was little or no power to the brakes. Searching for a new battery I find that the Marine/RV batteries have a 1 year warranty. It is a group 24. Trailer, when not hooked up for towing, is always hooked up to 120v power. Is there any reason to continue with an RV battery or will one of the same size work for my needs?
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 21, 2017
    Charlie D. wrote:
    Never without shore power.


    This being the case, I'd just get the 24. Your interstate was probably a marine/rv battery, not rv specific. I like the interstate brand, but most any brand rv/marine will work. If little cost difference, and will fit, bigger is always better. :)

    Jerry
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 21, 2017
    Charlie D. wrote:
    Never without shore power. No boon docking, no WalMart, Either hooked to truck or 120V at all times


    Then go with my #2; a single =good= gp 27 battery.

    Lyle
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    Never without shore power. No boon docking, no WalMart, Either hooked to truck or 120V at all times
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 21, 2017
    Charlie D. wrote:
    I have a 5 year old Interstate battery that needs replacing on my 5er. I suspect that it has been failing for a while. Plugged to 120 V it showed 4 circles. Removed the 120 V power and the RV battery monitor showed 3 of 4 circles. Pulled the emergency lanyard and it immediately dropped to 1 circle which I believe meant that their was little or no power to the brakes. Searching for a new battery I find that the Marine/RV batteries have a 1 year warranty. It is a group 24. Trailer, when not hooked up for towing, is always hooked up to 120v power. Is there any reason to continue with an RV battery or will one of the same size work for my needs?


    First off, do you =ever= spend any time camping without shore power? If you do go 1-2 days without being plugged in, at minimum, get 2 12v "marine" batteries, group 27, if you have the room. Personally, I prefer 2 6v golf cart batteries. They are true deep cycle and can be deeply discharged and recharged many times without damage. Most 12v batteries have a very limited discharge level below which you can permanently damage them. If you absolutely =never= go without shore power, then a single 12v battery would serve you, though I'd still opt for a "marine" group 27. Never hurts to have more than you need...

    Lyle

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