Forum Discussion

et2's avatar
et2
Explorer
Sep 08, 2016

So, how old are your batteries?

Yes, I did a search. Our coach is just over three years old. I know there will probably be a wide difference in opinions. What I'm trying to determine is the best point to replace all my batteries. The battery maintenance has been kept up since new. They are on a float charger ( only charges when required). There is a battery watering system that is used to top off the battery's when needed. Voltage is tested before each watering and all batteries test good.

So it boils down to this, instead of waiting for a failure ( which isn't the way I maintain things) what do you think is the best time to switch them out? I'm thinking 4 or 5 years? Thoughts?

Thanks
Class A
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sep 08, 2016
    My four each 12VDC standard issue 85AH Interstates GP24s that came with the trailer was installed in 2008. I lost one right away because the trailer was using a ELIXIR ELX30A single mode converter/charger. This boiled out the fluids in one of my 12V Interstates which I didn't cath right away and resulted in a shorted cell. I upgraded the ELX30A Converter to a PD9260C Converter/charger unit and the remaining three 85AH batteries are just now going away on me. Hopefully I will get two groups of 6VDC Golf Cart batteries in series going this season giving my 440AHs Battery capacity.

    I have been doing quite well using the three 85AHs Interstates since 2009 giving me 255AHs capacity. We normally camp off the power grid and have really give these batteries a big workout over the years...

    Hoping my two groups of GC2 6VDC batteries will do the same for me...

    Roy Ken
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    John&Joey wrote:
    Heat is what kills batteries.


    It is one factor but not the only one.
    It makes proper use and maintenance more important.
  • Tim_Nowicki's avatar
    Tim_Nowicki
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    House batteries on my pace arrow are going on ten years. Still taking and holding a charge. Two 6 volt golf cart batteries. Minimal maintance, charged every now and then. Disconnected when motorhome is stored.

    Tim
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    darsben1 wrote:
    If that makes you happy AND you can spare the money then HAVE AT HER. If you maintain the batteries they should not suffer a catastrophic failure just a slow decline. Eventually you will notice that they do not last as long or they do not charge all the way up when tested


    This.
  • 10forty2's avatar
    10forty2
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    Do a load test and see how they hold up. Judge from there if they can make it another season. If not, then replace.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    Heat is what kills batteries. You can have a golf cart up north that might go 10 years while down in the deep south the batteries might only last 3.

    If you're in MI I'm thinking 5-7.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2016
    If that makes you happy AND you can spare the money then HAVE AT HER. If you maintain the batteries they should not suffer a catastrophic failure just a slow decline. Eventually you will notice that they do not last as long or they do not charge all the way up when tested

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