My two 6V Interstate batteries have been doing very well. They were installed by the dealer before we took delivery of our new X19H in June of 2011.Never had any issues with them, but wondering now at 8 years of age if I should replace them for reliability assurance, "just in case".I have never removed the batteries in winter, and the trailer was parked outside, but connected to power.Most of our camping is dry camping, and we have used the camper for just under 200 nights since we bought it, so there are quite a few battery cycles.I de-winterized the trailer yesterday, unplugged it from external power, and tested everything. Then let the heater run for an hour or so, the lights for a couple hours, and turned the fridge on. This morning I checked, turned the lights on again, and the batteries are at 12.6V still. So they seem just fine.So .... would you replace them before the first trip this year if you were me?

One or both will die at the most inopportune moment, replace them.

It's your call but my experience is batteries always fail at the worst time.

Since they seem to be in good shape... check the fluid level and keep them.Good chance they will serve you well for 2 to 5 more years.Worst case you replace them on the road. Not really a big deal.

If you are still disconnected from power you are essentially dry camping right now. Use the electrical equivalent of what you would in the woods for a few days. If the voltage is where you think it should be, use them for a while longer. I look at it as throwing away money. If you trade out batteries that may have 20 trips left in them, you are using 20 more cycles on you new set that you don't have to. Monitor the old ones until you start seeing poor performance.

Should I replace my batteries? | Good Sam Community

f150camper
Explorer
May 17, 2019
2oldman wrote:
f150camper wrote:
I don't want to take the risk, but it will feel like replacing good batteries. :-(
If that bothers you, you may consider taking along a spare 12v battery JIC. That way if you're enjoying Banff and boom, no power, at least you'll have something to keep your refrigerator cold.

Never though about that, but that's not a bad idea.
I need a new battery for my truck very soon anyway - was planning to replace it in fall (that one is 7.5 years old). I could get a 12V truck battery replacement from Costco, fully charge it, and take it on the trip to Canada. It would be a good backup for both the truck and trailer. I could store it in a double 6V battery box - the one I always wanted for my trailer tongue. After the trip, I can put the 12V battery in my truck and mount the double battery box on my trailer tongue.
Kind of like 3 birds with one stone. :)
For sure an idea that's in my head now, glad I came here and asked.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 17, 2019
f150camper wrote:
Never though about that, but that's not a bad idea.
Good. I have a big Li pack but I still carry 2 12v AGMs around, left over from when I used to pack 8. Ya just never know.. it pays to be prepared for just about anything.
time2roll
Nomad
May 17, 2019
I would spend the money on some solar.
westend
Explorer
May 19, 2019
6V batteries can last a long time, even when somewhat abused. The history stated, that you have babied them from new, means they will still have some life if voltage and SG checkout OK. 12.35V is not 70% of charge, BTW, especially with 2-6V's. Your terminal full charge will be in the range of 13->14v. Still, they seem to give good service so you may wish to use them and carry along your new batteries or replace them with the new ones and sell/gift the old ones away.
Good luck with your batteries!
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 19, 2019
westend wrote:
12.35V is not 70% of charge, BTW, especially with 2-6V's. Your terminal full charge will be in the range of 13->14v.
13.4V is the fully charged voltage for a flooded battery on float charging and a rested battery with no surface charge will be 12.7V indicating 100% chaged. 12.3V is 70% charged for a rested battery.
f150camper
Explorer
May 19, 2019
CA Traveler wrote:
westend wrote:
12.35V is not 70% of charge, BTW, especially with 2-6V's. Your terminal full charge will be in the range of 13->14v.
13.4V is the fully charged voltage for a flooded battery on float charging and a rested battery with no surface charge will be 12.7V indicating 100% chaged. 12.3V is 70% charged for a rested battery.

yep.
StirCrazy
Moderator
May 20, 2019
I have 6v batteries going on there 14th season, I top up the water twice a year, they are pluged in all winter to a proper 3 stage converter and the last 3 years they are in a rv with 480 watts of solar so they are never realy drained much. am I getting th full 470 ah still, probably not but they still work great and untill they have issues ill geep them going.

Steve
Etstorm
Explorer
May 21, 2019
f150camper wrote:
We have a two week trip to Canada coming up this summer. With that in mind, I tend to think I should replace the batteries. Not sure I want to find replacements in Jasper or Banff National Parks. If I would just be circling home with a Costco nearby at all times, I think I would squeeze another year or two out of the batteries for sure.

BTW: if I replace the batteries now, it will most likely be the Costco Interstate 6V Golf Cart battery. At $94, it's significantly cheaper than the $150 a piece that I was quoted by the Interstate dealer for the exact replacement.
My current batteries (Deep Cycle Extreme GC2-XHD-UTL) have 232Ah on the sticker, the Costco sold ones have 210Ah, and the Interstate suggested replacement has 225Ah.
Any recommendations here? Is it worth it to spend the extra $120 or so for the "Extreme" battery?

Check Walmart, great prices and reviews on their batteries.

I just bought a 12v Marine 1000 CCA for $69.00

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