Generator vs. 2nd Deep Cycle Battery
Newbie Beth here, and when I ask this question you'll say "yeahboy she's a newbie!". Here goes -- last week reporting my purchase of a 91 Toyota Dolphin, 20" long has everything in good working order...
Forum Discussion
what we have been doing :
we mostly dry camp . no hookups .
no genny . no solar .
our TT has 2 group 27 batteries
our duramax pickup has 2 group 78 AGM batteries .
we park the TT and turn our pickup around so that we can connect all 4 batteries .
we have the heavy # 2 guage 12 foot cables .
the pickup is hooked up to the TT right away .
every second or third day the pickup gets driven and the 2 AGM batteries get fully charged .
when we return we immediately hook all 4 batteries together .
we do not run the pickup in an attempt to recharge the TT batteries .
all 4 batteries equalize somewhat just being hooked up most of the time .
we only use a small 400 watt inverter to recharge laptops , electric razors , our rechargeable makita drill , and so forth .
the inverter will draw down the battery if left connected , so once the inverter is not needed we disconnect it from the batteries .
we use a simple coleman propane lantern to take the chill off of the TT just before turning in .
We conserve electricity .
I paid $ 140 each at BiMart for Exide Edge group 78 AGM batteries .
For your motorhome I would attempt to have 3 AGM batteries hooked in parallel .
An AGM battery can occupy the living space if necessary whereas a conventional battery will give off gases .
I would run at least a # 2 cable between the 3 batteries .
I would install an inverter adjacent to one of the AGM's .
The inverter must have a disconnect from the 12 volt side to keep from draining the battery when it is not in use.
The parasitic draw is a killer .
Then use a 12 guage 120 volt extension cord for the longer distance to your TV .
Generators get stolen if left outside .
AGM batteries recharge faster than conventional .
AGM batteries do not leak acid .
AGM batteries can be drawn down further without harm than conventional batts.
we mostly dry camp . no hookups .
no genny . no solar .
our TT has 2 group 27 batteries
our duramax pickup has 2 group 78 AGM batteries .
we park the TT and turn our pickup around so that we can connect all 4 batteries .
we have the heavy # 2 guage 12 foot cables .
the pickup is hooked up to the TT right away .
every second or third day the pickup gets driven and the 2 AGM batteries get fully charged .
when we return we immediately hook all 4 batteries together .
we do not run the pickup in an attempt to recharge the TT batteries .
all 4 batteries equalize somewhat just being hooked up most of the time .
we only use a small 400 watt inverter to recharge laptops , electric razors , our rechargeable makita drill , and so forth .
the inverter will draw down the battery if left connected , so once the inverter is not needed we disconnect it from the batteries .
we use a simple coleman propane lantern to take the chill off of the TT just before turning in .
We conserve electricity .
I paid $ 140 each at BiMart for Exide Edge group 78 AGM batteries .
For your motorhome I would attempt to have 3 AGM batteries hooked in parallel .
An AGM battery can occupy the living space if necessary whereas a conventional battery will give off gases .
I would run at least a # 2 cable between the 3 batteries .
I would install an inverter adjacent to one of the AGM's .
The inverter must have a disconnect from the 12 volt side to keep from draining the battery when it is not in use.
The parasitic draw is a killer .
Then use a 12 guage 120 volt extension cord for the longer distance to your TV .
Generators get stolen if left outside .
AGM batteries recharge faster than conventional .
AGM batteries do not leak acid .
AGM batteries can be drawn down further without harm than conventional batts.
