May have to replace my House Batteries, what's good?

6 volts are the best to use for RV duty (wired in series). No battery performs at it's best wired in parallel with another matching battery because as they age, the difference in voltage between the two produces a constant current flow between them resulting in a constant charging situation as one discharges the other. Golf cart batteries are capable of lasting a LONG time but, forgotten under the steps, don't get taken care of like they should. They need to be checked for water on a regular basis and the tops and terminals kept clean. People always used to talk about how setting a battery on concrete would 'draw the electricity out of it'. That's not exactly true, but, sitting on a cold surface will discharge a battery. As batteries charge, they 'boil off' electrolyte. If you remove the cap of a charging battery, you will see it bubbling. The fumes will vent out of the battery and some will condense on the top of it. Over a period of time, it builds up and, if the battery is colder than surrounding air (which sitting on concrete overnight generally causes this condition since the concrete will be at earth temperature), moisture can condense as dew on the battery top. When this happens, the combination dirt/moisture/electrolyte becomes a conductor and the battery will discharge across it's top. Using a digital meter, you can measure the voltage by putting the negative lead on the negative battery post and touching the positive lead to the crud. You will read a voltage! This is why it is so important to keep the tops of your batteries clean! The harder you use them, the more condensed electrolyte is formed and, un-maintained, the faster they will self-discharge across the dirty top. Any battery only has so many charge/discharge cycles until the electrodes get 'worn out' so minimizing the charging/discharging by keeping the tops clean is vital for getting the most out of batteries. I'd bet most of you reading this will find the tops of their batteries dirty if you go out and pull the step..

Hi,

The real answer is "it depends".

If you are like me and use your inverter LOTS then 12 volt jars may be better.

If you go AGM because of low maintenance be aware that charge protocols need to be followed "to the letter". There is essentially no difference between 6 and 12 volt jars in agm chemistries, but the 12 volt will double the number of cells and may be better for heavy inverter use. You could do a lot worse than two 12 volt 8D agm's.

If you boondock and have some solar the batteries will last a lot longer. My banks are 5 and 9 years old now and still meet my needs.

If you have deep pockets, then consider LI technology. It saves on weight but again--you need deep pockets.

So, examine your camping style and then pick a battery type.

My six-volt deep cycle batteries were eight years old, so I decided to replace them. IMHO it was time to move to sealed batteries without maintenance and without corrosion issues. So I ordered three (the size that fit my compartment) and a rubber exercise pad that I cut to fit on all four sides. I also ordered heavy-duty battery cables, with three positive and three negative the same size that connect for a balanced load.


Clicky

Brian, I can't help you on the Gel Cell! I just installed my Interstate Gel Cell 4 months ago! My last batteries I got 4 years and 2 months life. I'm trying to get 5 years with the Gel Cell!

I really like the Costco batteries (Kirkland Signature). Get their golf cart ones (the 6v ones)

Call Battery Systems (There's one in Modesto: (209) 577-4022). They seem to be little known but have what you need. I bought 4ea. T-145 Trojans for less than the current version of Interstates U2200

We have been using These in the last 3 RVs with very good luck

Costco and Sam's Club are both good resources for batteries.

If you can locate the Interstate Battery Distributor in your area, call them and ask about returned or blemished batteries. You can save up to half the retail price.

Best deal Costco or Sam's Club for 6 volt golf carts batteries. Good for 10 years if you maintain them.

I like Sams Club 6volts, but that's me.