battery choices

We have a Amerilite and if I had to depend on the converter to keep the batteries up, I'd replace what came with it. With a properly charged grp 27 we can easily go for a long weekend and that's with furnace at night.

Thanks Westend.
I'll post an update for everyone who helped, or can learn from the advice I received.

I would bet your basic parasitic drain is over 1 amp.
Good luck with your battery situation.

Thanks to all for the advice.
wa8yxm
I think my reasoning on that would be, RVing as I do, I should never need that last 10% extra capacity.
BUT, if I have 2 GC's and lose a cell on one, nothing works. If I have 2 12v's and lose a cell, everything still functions, I just lose AH capacity.
I really appreciate all the input.
When this one dies, I want to make an intelligent choice.
I disconnected this group 24 "walmart DC" basically multi use, 2 days ago, and it is still showing 12.7 volts. Still don't have a hydrometer, but did pick up an ammeter today.
I don't think a couple led bulbs, a co detector, propane detector, and a stereo memory should draw over 1 amp.
I intend to find out my TT's curent draw over the weekend.
Thanks for all the help.
I'll keep on learning, and help out when I can.

dockmasterdave wrote:

If I replace with either 1 or 2 group 27 real deep cycle batteries, does it hurt them to not be cycled deeply?

Batteries come in several types

Starting(Like you have in your car) really do not like a deep cycle, but man can they put out AMPS when the starter calls for them.

Multi-Use or Marine/Deep cycle,, Nearly as good at starting, and do no mind a "Medium" cycle (Say 75% soc) but do not really like DEEP CYCLE (50% or less State of charge)

DEEP CYCLE: Not nearly as good at high amp loads (But read on) but do not mind 50% soc at all, so long as they get filled back up soon.

IF you have room for TWO Group 27's (around 190-200 amp hours total capacity) Why not go with a pair of GC-2 in series, (220-250 depending on the sub model, 220 and 230 being most common)

These are TRUE deep cycle, flooded wet cell (normally, though you can get AGM if you wish) bit heavy so they will increase your weight. but with a decent converter and occasional (like monthly) check of the water level and a bit of distilled as needed... 7-10 years is not uncommon (mine went nine with abuse) what is abuse, Like 10-20% State of charge or lights would not light.

OH, why are the GC-2's so popular I mean they do make a 12 volt battery with a 230 amp hour rating (a 4D).. Cost. they make so many of them that the per-unit cost is lower.

Deep Cycle battery life is measured in cycles. If you discharge and then recharge the battery that is one cycle. The more often you do this the shorter your batteries life span will be. Keeping them fully charged on a GOOD charger will give you maximum battery lifespan.

What converter do you have? Some tend to chronically undercharge.

That 24 is probably shot. Charge 72 hours and check with a hydrometer if you really want to know. I do think it is best to exercise the battery some during its life for best service. Lead-acid batteries do prefer to stay fully charged between use.

The two group 27s should get you through a few days, even a week with conservation.

dockmasterdave wrote:

When I replace my battery with Battery/batteries, does it do harm to a deep cycle to stay fully charged?

NO, But deep cycle batteries do perform best if they are drawn down numerous times & re-charged.

smkettner wrote:
The year old group 24 should make a weekend if you use no furnace and minimal lights.
It may go below 50% and that is OK. Use it up.

While true, you want to make sure you have enough power to pull your slide out in if your trailer has one. If your battery is dead, you might have to plug into your truck to charge the battery, a slow process. Or, hook jumper cables up to the trailer battery.

dockmasterdave wrote:
I guess my main question was stated very well.
When I replace my battery with Battery/batteries, does it do harm to a deep cycle to stay fully charged?
Would I have to learn to do a conditioning charge etc?

You want then to stay charged up all the time. Discharging a battery past a certain point or allowing them to go dead will greatly shorten their life. I use the cheap group 24's and am plugged in 24/7 at home. I usually get 5-6 years out of them.