we're new to rv world and just bought a TT, its used 27' Fleetwood. my question is the batteries are old and I would like to replace them, what should I look for? we will just be using it 3-4 days at a time and in campgrounds with hook ups most of the time. but will camp with no hook ups some also, just two of us.Jay D.

For camping without hookups for a few days, you probably need more than just a single little battery. Exactly how much depends on how much power you use, so the first and probably most important step is to figure out what your power consumption typically is and what sort of generator charging regimen you're expecting to use. A typical RV fridge on propane and the various detectors etc. that are always on might run somewhere around 20 Ah per day, give or take. Lights, fans, and electronics add some. If you use an inverter to power AC devices, that can consume a good bit of power--or a very lot if those things are high-powered devices like a microwave or coffee maker.Generally speaking, the best bang for the buck for RV batteries are 6V golf cart batteries. Sam's Club and Costco often carry them at pretty good prices, but compare with local golf cart shops as well. With 6V batteries, of course, you need to get them in pairs: two 6V batteries in series make a 12V battery that happens to be in two easier to handle sections.Do be aware that golf cart batteries are a little taller than some other common RV batteries, so measure your battery holder to verify clearance. This is a good idea for any battery, in fact.AGM batteries require somewhat less maintenance than flooded batteries and may typically last a bit longer, but are more expensive. If you have unlimited funds, lithium batteries can give a much higher capacity for the same size and weight, but you do need to update the chargers and the batteries themselves are expensive.If you camp in areas that are generally open and sunny, you might want to think about some solar power as well, though I suspect in your case it may not be worth the money as you'd only really need it occasionally. One exception might be if you store your RV someplace where power isn't available but sunlight is; a pretty modest solar setup can keep the battery charged in storage, which is important for the long-term health of lead acid batteries.I have a pair of golf cart batteries in my motorhome, and I can camp for maybe a week before they're needing to be recharged (that is, around 50% charge or so) if I don't have to use the furnace and otherwise am a little conservation minded. Using the furnace, it's closer to a couple days or less, depending on how much the furnace runs.

THANKS, for the reply. I did forget to mention the trailer has 2 group 27 batteries. i'm going to check out the solar panels. i'm also looking into a generator.Jay D.

The best bang for the buck is a couple of Costco 6V golf cart batteries. Stay away from marine "dual purpose" batteries, they are not really meant for deep discharge.For a few dollars more, get Trojan T-105RE 6V batteries.

Or twin Trojan T-125s! Seriously, to recharge consider solar as Drew suggests. I'm happy with my system.

badsix wrote:i'm also looking into a generator.Good choice.If you have a generator, you don't really NEED a lot of battery capacity. The little forced air "furnace" in my unit is the most draw I have and that only applies when it is cold at night.If you like to tinker, solar is OK but with a gen you don't really NEED it either.The key to long battery life is to keep them fully charged when NOT in use (not connected to external power).

batteries | Good Sam Community

41 Replies

Sam_Spade
Explorer
Mar 27, 2017
DiskDoctr wrote:

New converter/charger system without big batteries is hobbled.

No it isn't.

Unless you get one that is WAY over the necessary capacity.

It will charge your "little" batteries quicker and keep them at a better state of charge when lightly used.
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Mar 26, 2017
I have a big charger with 200 amp boost, which is 15.1v

Will that help?
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2017
Depends on what the stock converter is. 14.4 is way better than 13.8

My "learner" batteries were brand new U-2200 6s. On the single voltage 13.8v converter, after the batts got down to 50% SOC, they never got back into the "green" on the hydrometer even after a few days of recharging at 13.8 In the "white" was as good as it got.

No idea of life expectancy if you never get them past being in the white. Not long I guess.

After a few months of that, I discovered Vector portable chargers (14.6v-14.8v depending on model) and was able to "recover" my 6s so they died after five years instead of one maybe.

My replacement 6s are doing well after six years so far, are always recharged to high SG, and should last some more time. I now use PowerMax adjustable voltage chargers as my "new Vectors" which is also working out well.

BTW if getting a PowerMax, do not get the old regular model, which drops to float voltage too soon, but do get the ADJ model which is great. I think there is a new regular model coming out soon though, which has a better charging profile. Check with them for available date.

If that costs too much IMO get the PD with Charge Wizard so it can be made to stay at 14.x for a four hour run.
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Mar 26, 2017
BFL13 wrote:
However that can be a money thing where batteries are cheap but chargers are expensive.

^^ THIS ^^

is the road fork where I am standing now.

$85/ea for GC2 batteries at Sam's Club.

About $200 for PD 9270C charger/converter.

New converter/charger system without big batteries is hobbled.

Good big batteries with stock charging system (and use higher charger at home between trips) and with generator only has minimal difference in off-grid usage (especially once all lights are LED).

What is the expected lift of GC2 batteries with stock charger? 3 yrs?

Hmmm...

Some very good insight in this thread, thanks!
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Mar 26, 2017
BFL13 wrote:
badsix wrote:
so if I use 2 6volt batt.in series, can I charge them with a 12v. charger like the one in the trailer and my truck.
Jay D.

Yes, exactly. However for longer life you need to match the charger's charging profile voltages and times with the charging specs of the batteries.

This is exactly the kind of statement that a rookie DOES NOT NEED TO HEAR.

Your subsequent explanation, however, was much better. :)
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2017
badsix wrote:
so if I use 2 6volt batt.in series, can I charge them with a 12v. charger like the one in the trailer and my truck.
Jay D.

Yes, exactly. However for longer life you need to match the charger's charging profile voltages and times with the charging specs of the batteries.

An RV converter that only ever does 13.6 -13.8v will kill any sort of deep cycle battery bank, 12s or 6s, in a couple of years. You need a converter/charger that can do 14.x (14.8 is best) to keep the batteries going longer.

However that can be a money thing where batteries are cheap but chargers are expensive.
badsix
Explorer
Mar 26, 2017
so if I use 2 6volt batt.in series, can I charge them with a 12v. charger like the one in the trailer and my truck.
Jay D.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2017
Wizard, two pounds more...132 vs 134. Significant? No. However the amps are...T125 - 240 while T105RE - 225. I'll take the 15 additional amps - three hours of tv, inverter and signal booster.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2017
Group 27 batteries are 12.10" x 6.80"
GC-2 batteries are 10.38 x 7.13" Shorter but 1/4"-1/2" wider.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Mar 25, 2017
badsix wrote:
well I don't think I have room for 6v batteries, so I would like to stay with the 2, G-27 12 volt. just don't know what to get. the more cold cranking amps the better?

If your battery is advertising Cold Cranking Amps, it is a starting battery NOT a deep discharge battery.

Keep shopping !

Forum Discussion

batteries

41 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

House battery drain

The batteries killed my Happijac remote

EFB camper batteries -- has anyone used them?

IOTA DLS-45 converter and LifePO4 batteries

Batteries