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PyrateSilly's avatar
PyrateSilly
Explorer
May 14, 2017

Any specific time to replace Batteries?

I know you should replace tires between 5 to 7 yrs, definitely before the 10 yr mark.
So does anyone change their rigs batteries by a certain time? Ours are about 5 or 6 yrs old now. We live full time in the RV and they are used constantly. Would it be just better to get them tested or test them ourselves? Have not seen the question asked before and was wondering. I see all kinds of info on how but not if there is a when.
  • I change my batteries when they start to have problems holding a charge.
    This means that I get approx 4/5 years out of a set of batteries; I boon-dock
    a lot with 300W of solar, so the batteries do get a work out but I keep an eye out on the voltage and make sure I don't draw them down.
  • Got 7 years out of my U2200 Interstates and probably could have nursed 3 more out.
  • My experience: no matter what brand i buy....be it "top of the line" Interstate...or a WalMart/Sams Club....I average 3 years.

    1 12V to start the engine and 2 6V for the coach. You will know when they fail. Or start to fail.

    So....I go for the price...not the brand.
  • Car truck trailer 5-6 years after 5 years it seems to be a **** shoot. I've had them last 7 years but I wouldn't want to be in the middle of nowhere when they die.
  • the trojans in my cargo toy hauler trailer were installed in 2004, went to in-laws in 2014, and just this year are due for replacement. the SG is down to 1.25 probably could get another year out of them.

    Trojans in my big trailer were installed in 2009, just equalized today and the SG is 1.28 on all cells in all 4, still good to go.

    and these batteries get used and abused. the cargo trailer batteries often were discharged to 25 percent SOC around 300 + times total. Big trailer often sees discharges below 50 percent before recharging when dry camping.

    On my cars, my 2004 duramax batteries went 10 years before needing replacment, my 97 Mercedes sedan needed a new battery in 2012, 15 years. My 97 Mercedes roadster PO replaced the battery in 2006 and I replaced it again last year.

    Monitor SG after equalizing, that will tell you when you need to replace them.
  • I think around 2:45 in the afternoon is the best time to change the batteries. It's still plenty light out, and you've gotten the morning stuff done and lunch eaten and are usually not in a bad mood at least at the beginning of the process.

    Seriously, though, the answers would very much depend on the kind of batteries, the use you put them to, and what sort of maintenance care you give them. I'd think a more appropriate way of determining when it's time would be to test them and see how they're holding up and then act accordingly.

    If you have a motorhome with the emergency start button, you probably can stand to stretch out the interval for the chassis battery more than otherwise since you have a handy built-in jumper cable system.
  • I had a friend years back that changed his car battery every 5 years.
    Didn't want the hassle of a dead battery.
  • Four to four and a half years for me on the TT and three on the Tahoe's. Don't want the issue surfacing on a trip.
  • are on full hook up shore power

    how often do you have too add water

    we full time 'dry camp' off grid, solar and generator

    5 yrs is about MAX life for us

    there is NO 'measured time' its all about use/abuse and maintenance

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