So my battery is dead again. Unplugged to the shore power to see if the battery was ok after the winter and within and hour and a half it was down to 1/3. I've always been getting the EverStart RV/marine batteries from walmart. I haven't checked the water level in them yet either. (I don't think that would matter at this point) Its the 29 size. What type/brand would you recommend I try this time?

I am a fan of Interstate batteries.

the energizer from sams club are built by johson controls seem to be good batts

Dead again? How long did it last? How often does it sit less than 50% charged? Ever low on water?

I'd recommend an actual disconnect... I assume you don't have one already.

There is nothing wrong with just using an RV/marine battery from Walmart (or wherever) if you always have shore power when RVing. Golf cart aka deep cycle batteries can take a better beating but are primarily utilized by RVers who camp often without shore power, and will suffer early death just as quickly if they are not properly cared for.The root of the problem is probably more than just the brand or type of battery being used. Using a voltmeter to monitor the dc voltages within your rig can easily identify where the problem lies. Your converter should output a range of 13.2 - 13.6 volts, higher if it has multiphase charging capabilities. Wiring to the battery should be clean, tight, and hopefully of adequate size.Not much different than the charging cycle within your automobiles, even a neglected but adequately charge car battery will last a couple of years. A new battery of whatever brand or type will get your rig going, checking that the proper converter output voltage is reaching the new battery will ensure your investment has the best chance of providing reliable service for years to come.

Battery woes.... | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Apr 15, 2016
Get LED bulbs for the existing fixtures.
kamperdog
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016
I actually want to be able to use the battery more. I want to start dry camping more. I have considered getting at least 2 29 size. Pretty much just for the heater, fridge ignitor etc. I use those battery powered lights with the remote switch for lights when boondocking since the regular lights would drain the battery in no time....
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 14, 2016
kamperdog wrote:
I just checked the fluid level in them and its right at the top. I admit, I haven't done any maintenance on the battery. I didn't realize you couldn't leave it hooked up with the shore power on. I figured that would keep it charged. Live and learn.

Sounds like no water usage and you are plugged in continuous.
This is actually good for the battery and it should last a long time.

Do you ever let the battery discharge during use or storage? If you are not really using the battery then you may as well get a smaller lower cost group 24.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
A flooded battery that has been fully charged will go 3-4 months in cool climes without ill effect. The colder it gets the less self-discharge. The 4 Kyocera panels keep the four L-16's happy in Quicksilver. But I have the voltage dialed back to 13.2 on the Trace C-60. Voltage gets checked at least once a week. The 80F average temperature* forces me to maintain a float.

*Averaged day and night
Almot
Explorer III
Apr 14, 2016
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Either disconnect the battery in storage or make Wal-Mart a happy store.

To dumb it down - disconnect from loads. Not from converter - as long as converter is not WFCO.

If you get AGM, disconnect it from everything and put it in some non-freezing place. Put it in your home closet you like, they don't leak any fumes. AGM can stay without maintenance charging for 6-10 months.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
If that battery was found to be low on water, it would be one thing...

But it wasn't - so

Bite your tongue if you try and say "Battery Destroyed By Boiling Dry"

Either disconnect the battery in storage or make Wal-Mart a happy store.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 14, 2016
kamperdog wrote:
I just checked the fluid level in them and its right at the top. I admit, I haven't done any maintenance on the battery. I didn't realize you couldn't leave it hooked up with the shore power on. I figured that would keep it charged. Live and learn.

Proper fluid level is 1/8 to 1/4 inch below the bottom of the filler tube (Small air gap)

I leave mine plugged in full time, but I have a Progressive Dynamics 9180 WITH optional wizard, there is no better charger. I need to water them perhaps once a year when new.

SOME converters are well known battery killers.

So it depends on the converter.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
You can lead a horse to water.... but the battery will drink it instead.

Batteries are like your big johnson. If you leave them hooked up, they get drained.

Don't hook up, and they won't get drained empty with no charge left.
jjrbus
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
kamperdog wrote:
I just checked the fluid level in them and its right at the top. I admit, I haven't done any maintenance on the battery. I didn't realize you couldn't leave it hooked up with the shore power on. I figured that would keep it charged. Live and learn.

I'm one of those non battery maintainers a slacker and under achiever by nature. Never washed and waxed a battery in my life.

The bulk of converter chargers in RV's are junk and will destroy batteries, way too fast.

Google batteries don't die they are murdered.

I have an original WFCO panel but have added a Progressive Dynamics PD9145 with Charge Wizard, time will tell.
Jim
kamperdog
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
Power Pedestal Princesses. LOL. I like that.

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