Battery issue (1995 Dutchmen)

Does anyone have a recommendation for a battery setup that sits in front of the motorhome on the ground? I've seen this at campsites.

My 2005 Dutchmen does not have space for a second battery and I sometimes camp off grid for up to 5 or so days. I have done several things to extend the time between charging.

Replaced the battery with a Costco 115AH marine battery, not sure what size it is.

Replaced the lights with LEDs.

Replaced the Magnetek converter with a Progressive Dynamics 9260.

Use a down comforter when the nights are cold.

Works for us.

If the weather was cold and your furnace was running I am not surprised that your type 24 battery didn't last the night - the furnace fan is an energy hog. Consider adding a second type 24 or if you have space consider getting larger batteries. In my rig I elected to add a second type 24 as I don't have the space to add bigger batteries - the second battery combined with switching to LED lights seems to work for me.

Hi,

RV's as old as yours tend to have inadequate converters that do not fully charge the battery. Or if they are left connected too long, over charge the battery.

After that has happened a few times (2 or 3 times) the battery capacity may be compromised.

Typical parasitic loads are between 30 and 40 amp-hours per day. The group 24 really only has about 80 total--and the battery life may be extremely poor if more than 50% of that is used.

Check out the make and model of the converter and get back to us.

You check the sg with a hydrometer. An inexpensive one will work for you. It should be about 1.265 if fully charged. Wear eye protection, you are working with acid. ALWAYS have water with you to flush your eyes if needed.

Hydrometer

You also need to check the battery voltage while it's charging with a digital voltmeter. Are you charging with the house converter and what manufacturer or model is it?

If it only goes to 13.6 volts, it will take forever to fully charge.

Read what "the 12 volt side of life" says about battery charging in RV's.

12 volt side of life

Are you disconnecting the battery while the rig is stored?

toedtoes wrote:
What are you running while parked? Are you running your fridge on 12v? Do you use an inverter to run it on 120v? Is the water heater running on propane or electrical? Are you using the heater? Microwave?

All those things can run down a battery quickly. Without a generator, multiple battery bank, solar, etc. you won't be able to maintain a battery for long.

If you are going basic (fridge on propane, water heater on propane, no heater, minimal electronics, etc.), then a better battery can get you through several days at least. I have a group 31 AGM and it can take me through 4 days without a dent.

Fridge on gas, no inverter, water heater propane, using the microwave with generator on.

What are you running while parked? Are you running your fridge on 12v? Do you use an inverter to run it on 120v? Is the water heater running on propane or electrical? Are you using the heater? Microwave?

All those things can run down a battery quickly. Without a generator, multiple battery bank, solar, etc. you won't be able to maintain a battery for long.

If you are going basic (fridge on propane, water heater on propane, no heater, minimal electronics, etc.), then a better battery can get you through several days at least. I have a group 31 AGM and it can take me through 4 days without a dent.

How do I check the gravity?

A group 24 marine is about the least battery you could have along with the issue that it may not be seeing much over 13.6 while charging. Have you checked the specific gravity? You would be better off with 2 6 volts but then you need even better charging abilities.