Any reason not to get a group 31 battery?
After 4 years my group 24 battery has hit the wall, looking to replace before next weekends first outing. Any reason not to go with a group 31?
Forum Discussion
DinTulsa wrote:
I guess I worded my original post wrong. Is there any benefit of a group 31 battery if I never dry camp?
No. If you're always hooked up, the battery only has to remain charged to run your electric slide if you have one, or operate the emergency breakaway braking system. Any 12V battery will do.wa8yxm wrote:
Why not go first class. a pair of GC-2 in series ...
Nothing "first class" about a pair of 6 volt batteries when the OP says he never dry camps - it's a total waste of $$$. :( He'd get a FAR better return on his investment by putting any extra $$$ into a single G24 AGM battery which can be placed anywhere, requires no venting, and doesn't have to be watered as does a flooded. It will serve all his basic 12 vdc needs just fine and require no attention other than plugging the trailer into shore power periodically so the converter can maintain a proper charge on the battery. Win - Win. :Bcountrykids wrote:
Will it fit in your battery box?
That would be the only reason I can think of but since you say you can replace the box....
Why not go first class. a pair of GC-2 in series (or a GC-12.. just one of those).
Group 31 is about 130 amp hours and no matter what my opposition says if it is a MARINE/deep cycle I'd not use more than 1/4 of that capacity
GC-2.. Well you can get 210-220-230 amp hour sizes (I have DEKA G-20's just now they are a GC-2 size. 230 amp hour) and use half of it safely.
THey do a better job of recovering from an "OH C***! level discharge as well (mine have once since I bought 'em the original batteries about 4 times.. MARINE/deep cycle once if you are lucky.)
THe GC-`11 is around 150 Amp Hour as I recall but do not quote me on that as .... Frankly I'm not sure... IT's a 12 volt GOLF CAR battery. all the advantages of the GC-2 but smaller capacity and a single battery if you are more comfortable with that. Most Golf Car places will have 'em.DinTulsa wrote:
I guess I worded my original post wrong. Is there any benefit of a group 31 battery if I never dry camp?
Rather than put extra $$ into a Group 31 and a box it'll fit in you might consider investing in a Group 24 AGM which is sealed and therefore requires no attention to fluid levels. K.I.S.S. :)- May want to consider the weight of the 31's. May be easier to move two 24's separately vs one 31.
DinTulsa wrote:
I guess I worded my original post wrong. Is there any benefit of a group 31 battery if I never dry camp?
Not really.- If you never dry camp there is no benefit.
- If you absolutely NEVER dry camp, No there is not an advantage to spending the extra for the larger battery, unless as someone pointed out, the power goes out. I actually had that happen in a state park with full hookups once after a big storm. I was able to run fans, lights and all other 12v items for the 30 or so hours until power was restored. So that would be the only benefit I could point out, that it gives you a little extra cushion if your "plans" suddenly change.
DinTulsa wrote:
Only if the power goes out.
I guess I worded my original post wrong. Is there any benefit of a group 31 battery if I never dry camp?- Cram as many amps as you can in the space available. Put a 4D, an 8D if there is room.
