Battery finally died at about 9-1/2 years old

travelnutz wrote:
I have five 12 volt group 31 deep cycle/marine batteries in our Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel and one died. Purchase date for that Energizer battery was 12/09 on the sticker on the battery so it's about 9-1/2 years old. The other 4 are Meijer Pro-cell (Now called Power cell) and the sticker on them is 1/10 (a month newer than the Energizer) and all 4 are still going strong. Also have the 2 Meijer same batteries in the bed of the diesel tow truck and were purchased the same time and still are good. Gave us 7 batteries with 110 AH each for our 2500 watt 5th wheel inverter.

I normally replace RV and/or Boat batteries when 6-7 years old but wanted to see how long the would really last this time so the 6 will still be in use. Maybe I have been replacing my RV and boat batteries way too soon?

So glad I didn't go to 6 volt GC batteries as when one fails you lose the use of 2 as it takes two 6 volt batteries to make 12 volts. so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

Sure not complaining at all about the one 12v battery going bad as 9-1/2 years of constant use is excellent and just wondering how long the other 6 will last now. I do run an "Reconditioning Cycle" from my standalone 40 amp charger each year on each battery isolated so maybe that really does help.

Wife just reminded me that the 6 Meijer batteries were on sale when I bought them in January 2010 before we left for Florida.. Price was $99.95 each and was on sale for $89.99 and then used our senior 15% off coupon on them so my final cost was $76.50 each. Not bad and they lasted so long!

In Az. In summer heat try 2 or 3 years

travelnutz wrote:

So glad I didn't go to 6 volt GC batteries as when one fails you lose the use of 2 as it takes two 6 volt batteries to make 12 volts. so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

FIrst 9 1/2 years is .. well the average is 7-10 and the record is not far beyond that so 9 1/2 is rather good.

As for the 6 Volt GC.. "When one fails" you need to re-think
Each PAIR of GC-2 is ONE 12 volt battery. When one half of a 12 volt battery fails. Yes you replace both halves.. But always remember when you are carrying them they are six volt. when on teh shelf they are six volt. when you hook up that jumper lead they became two halves of a SINGLE 12 volt battery and that is how you treat them

IN your case (six group 31's) That's 2 pair and a group 31 on the side. BUT.. All in all. I would not expect longer (or shorter) life.

travelnutz wrote:
So glad I didn't go to 6 volt GC batteries as when one fails you lose the use of 2 as it takes two 6 volt batteries to make 12 volts. so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

If you routinely run your batteries until they die of old age, yes, you're better off with the 12. However, if you replace them at age 4-6 when they show signs of weakness, then there's nothing wrong with 6ers.

Are you now going to put a new battery in with the old ones?

We got 9 seasons out of our 4D Lifeline AGM on the trailer. No winter maintenance.

I have a couple of 2002 gel cell group 31s which have had little use & get an occasional top up charge if I happen to think of them. Still get a good load test on them. These batteries are kept around to use as hurricane batteries in the house to power chargers on an inverter & a few 12V lights till the storm dies down & the genny can be taken outside & run.

Keep them charged in winter. Use a 4 stage charger. Let them go down a ways once in awhile. Add some water. My boat batteries have lasted 8 years several times.

I am working on a solar system for my RV. The world of AGM and lithium batteries is amazing.

Yes we do draw heavily from our batteries and why we have so many for/in our RV's. Using the microwave, toaster, and other appliances and items for days at a time. Also the large screen various tv's as in the past before LED tv's they drew a lot more watts and on many hours at a time. We do stay quite often off grid (no hookups) in our 5th wheel and our Lance TC. We just prefer quiet and nature surroundings.

The 2 group 31 batteries in the truck's bed on the side ahead of the rear wheel well for when the Lance is on connect to the group 31 battery in our Lance which gives us 3 batteries to power our 1500 watt inverter in the TC. Has 330 amps available but we very seldom ever draw the batteries below 50% before recharging them. The diesel truck was ordered with dual large alternators so recharging is real quick if needed.

Both of our RV's have a generator but we don't like or want the noise so we almost always just use the silent inverters for off grid electric power. The generators are a backup for charging if needed though. Honda 2000 on the 5th wheel and a 3400 watt built in propane generator on the Lance and has 2 - 30lb propane tanks. We really prefer boondocking where we want to rather than having to be in an overpriced cramped "CG slot" for like up to a week's stay.

I wire the truck when new with both + and - fused at both ends and a control high current switch for the positive side #2ga fine strand welder wire cable going from the dual alternators under the truck back to the 2 bed batteries and junction block which also is there for the 2 - #2ga wire leads coming from the 5th wheel which is controlled by a 500 amp mounted marine barrel switch. We live in the RV's when traveling etc for up to a week at a time and live just like we had shore power but with having no hookups at all or high CG fees either. We also have Passport America and for more than 20 years and sure do use it too when we want to. Nearly 2000 choices also for an overnight stay when desired.

Not cheap at all as we have plenty of money but we like and prefer quiet and being surrounded by real nature, not by noise and cramped costly quarters. Why? Maybe because having been a long time business owner and wife having been a trainer etc in a major travel corporation. Both at 77 and value our lifestyles and being together anywhere anytime always during our 58 year very happy marriage and our 54 years of serious extensive rv'ing and boating/travel and not about to stop now! Beside we sure do love our Lake Michigan shoreline location home and the area where we live too. Just simply 2 very happy old farts always!

Good returns on your investment. Agree that a little care goes a long way with battery life. Hard usage can be offset by prompt, proper charging.

travelnutz wrote:
so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

While that is usually true, it depends on HOW the bad battery failed.
If there is a shorted cell.....or two....BAD things can happen if you don't catch it quickly.

Are you considering replacing all of the remaining ones of about the same age ? Probably should....for reliability and piece of mind.

Now that is what you might call excellent service! Sounds like they ended up being a super deal. Wonder if that is typical of the 31's? Do you ordinarily put a heavy draw on them (i.e. dry camping)? Just curious considering the longevity.

my wal mart batteries in the boat died last month, used for trolling motor lasted 7yrs ,always put on a charger after use, then a battery tender. just a little care goes a long way. I think there are only three company,s that make battery,s ,they just have different tag names.