Forum Discussion

Birdie123's avatar
Birdie123
Explorer
Oct 18, 2014

How many RV batteries is to much for a trip

We are gone for 16 days with our 26ft Motorhome from Canada to the southern states in December. We have two batteries in outside compartments and two more inside the coach under the dinette seat. We would be running A/C and a microwave, coffeepot etc, but we are pretty Conservative in running even any of that. We also have a Onan Emerald Plus 4000 Generator on board. We are very careful with our lights etc. This is our first time with this Motorhome and have a TT that we just have one battery with and it seems to be just fine for what we do. Of course I know that Gen has to be running or pole power is needed for the A/C and appliances. We are just going thru the Motorhome that we just bought about 4 weeks ago and four batteries seems like much and they are so darn heavy too! Thank You
Class A
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2014
    If your RV is diesel then two batteries are probably for starting the engine and the other two are probably for the camper also known as "hotel batteries". That helps ensure that if you leave the camper lights on and run the batteries down you can still start your engine to drive away.
  • Birdie123's avatar
    Birdie123
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2014
    Yes I understand that battery is not for appliances or A/C. I thought that four was a bit excessive when I have a generator and choice of pole power when I want to pay for it. I will be checking all four batteries today and making sure that the Gen, Truck and pole power all charge my batteries. Thank you.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 18, 2014
    You do realize that your batteries have nothing to do with running A/C, coffee pot, microwave, etc, right?
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2014
    Cannot see why you need to haul that many batteries when you will have AC hookup and a generator.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Oct 18, 2014
    Moderator will move this to Class A, probably.

    The chances are good those 4 batteries are not in the best shape.. so it's a good idea to check them. Can't really comment effectively on what's "to much" (sic).
  • Birdie123's avatar
    Birdie123
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2014
    We bought a 1986 Ford Citation Supreme over the cab 26ft Motorhome. I forgot to put that in there. Thank You

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