Batteries

"126crosby"......The Interstates are good batteries. As others stated, maintenance/charging was probably the issue.

The WIndsor was one of the best coaches made by Monaco and came with a lot of nice features, including a quality Inveter/Charger. If your Inveter/Charger is not set up correctly you can either undercharge or overcharge the batteries, creating a lot of battery bay acid build up. Monaco was using Xantrex Inverter/Chargers for many years and then went to Magnum. I don't know what year they changed. I know my 05 had a Magnum. The Magnum is very adjustable. If you call Magnum they will walk you through the adjustment. This adjustment accounts for battery size and best charging rates.

AGM batteries are great, but expensive and may not be needed for how you camp. If the Interstates worked for you, while they were working, just replace them with something similar.

I personally like the Interstates, the Trojans are good, but a little more expensive. If you're on a budget, look at the Sams Club or Costco batteries.

Lastly, anyone who has bought one of the automatic watering systems can't say enough about how well they work. The ProFill system tightly caps each battery cell and then a water line is plumbed to all cells. The kit comes with enough caps for two batteries and then you can buy additional cap kits. Once installed, you dip an attached hose into a jug of distilled water and squeeze the bulb (like a bulb on a boat fuel line) and all of the cells are filled evenly to the top. The whole process to fill your batteries takes about 3-5 minutes once installed. Here is what the ProFill system looks like and can be found at many RV websites, shop around.ProFill

If you correct your charger, add the ProFill caps, you'll end up with a dusty dry battery bay and batteries that will last for years as long as you check the water every two months

126crosby wrote:
what type of coach batteries would you recommend for a 2002 Monaco winsor. Last set was interstate but did not last but two years.

First, be sure to use the pure deep cycle variety, as in golf cart batteries.
Our coach came with Trojans and originals, as far as I know. We replaced them in 09 with a Sam's brand. All OK so far and not bad to only be on the second set in 17yrs. I've had golf carts even go 7yrs with home use and running mostly on black top.

I'm not recommending this to you but I went with a Interstate gel cell completely self contained! I'm hoping to get 4-6 years?

Probably anything will work and last beyond 2 years. I agree with others on here that it a battery care and maintenance problem rather than a bad battery or batteries problem. Start studying up on battery care and maintenance.

wa8yxm wrote:
My Ihterstates lasted 9 years, if yours died in 2 I do not think it is the batteries, I think it's the charging system or owner neglect (Sorry got to include that).

My new ones are DEKA and I anticipate roughly the same life,, Possibly longer, but if they last longer that will be my fault more than the batteries.

I would stick with GC-2 type though.

+3

My Ihterstates lasted 9 years, if yours died in 2 I do not think it is the batteries, I think it's the charging system or owner neglect (Sorry got to include that).

My new ones are DEKA and I anticipate roughly the same life,, Possibly longer, but if they last longer that will be my fault more than the batteries.

I would stick with GC-2 type though.

I replaced my two original equipment Interstate Workhorse 6V in 2012 at 14 years plus. Honest folks, FOURTEEN PLUS! As of now, I'm still using the Sam's Club Duracell's that replaced them. I think the key has been keeping them on a smart charger full time and checking the electrolyte level regularly. I only fill when needed with distilled water only. I'll admit that we don't boondock much and use the generator liberally when we do.

smkettner wrote:
Usually it is maintenance more than what brand that lasts longer.

Have you kept them watered?
Are they always kept full charge when not in use?
Do they ever get discharged below 12.0 volts?

x2

Usually it is maintenance more than what brand that lasts longer.

Have you kept them watered?
Are they always kept full charge when not in use?
Do they ever get discharged below 12.0 volts?

I run AGM, Still going after 3 years.