Replacing my 2 House Batteries, Suggestions?

Take pictures before removing any wires. Close ups of each post. Countless times someone drops a wire or puts one on the wrong post.

wa8yxm wrote:
and being "Sealed" and maintence free you can not replenish moisture that eventually boils off, this means they may not last as long as a properly maintained flooded wet cell.

That does NOT happen in normal use. The hydrogen and oxygen produced recombine back into water inside the battery.

You can force that to happen if you abuse the battery however......like applying a charging voltage that is WAY too high and leaving it on for a long time. That usually doesn't happen though.

For those folks who want to install batteries and then pretty much forget them, AGMs probably are the best choice even considering the extra cost.

AGM's are among the class of batteries properly called Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries.. These are also called "Maintenance Free" meaning once they are initially "Charged" with acid/water mix you can not add later. If the batteries are hard to access. a good choice,, AGM additionall can be mounted on end, or sideways or other "Unusual" positions (no This side up) sticker

Otherwise they cost a bunch, and being "Sealed" and maintence free you can not replenish moisture that eventually boils off, this means they may not last as long as a properly maintained flooded wet cell. (Source, many web pages about battereies including the manufacturer's spec sheets for the batteries)


GOLF car batteries, specifically the GC-2 are very common in RVs.. You put two sis volt GC-2 Golf car batteries (Which are Usually flooded wet cells) in series you get 220-230 amp hours.. You can add DISTILLED water as needed (JUST below the bottom of the filler tube, not touching it) and they have an average life of 7-10 years properly maintained.

They also cost far far far far far less than AGM's and give you the most bang for your buck.

There is also a GC-12,, (12 volt golf car battery) but I do not know the specs on it.

I went with DEKA G-20s (A GC-2 class. 230 amp hours) when I replace my interstates... I would hate to try and wrangle 230 amp hours of 12 volt battery (A 4D would match that) as I could not even lift the G-20s. and I'm a big strong guy.. The assistant at the store lifted 'em and I slid 'em in place.

I currently have 2 12 volt batteries. I will check out the link you posted. Thanks!

Have you ever read The 12 Volt Side of Life? It has a lot of good info on batteries.

What is in your rig now? 12 volt or 6 volt. If you presently have 12 volt you would have to change the battery wiring to go to 6 volt.
Trojan T-105 is a good brand. But many have had good results with Costco Deep Cycle batteries. You have to do some research, many Costco, Sams, etc. are built by the same manufacturer.

I presently have two 6 volt interstate's in our Southwind. The have served me well. I'm not sure what I will use when I replace them, it will depend what is on sale. :)

Hopefully someone will give you better information and ideas.