How long do you run your batteries?
I have the twin Trojan 6 volt batteries in my TT. I bought them in the Spring of 2010. That makes them 6 years old starting a 7th season. Would you trust them? I don't camp in places where it is e...
Forum Discussion
Unfortunately we seem to be stuck on Years of use when actually the best way to judge batteries is cycles. That is why a truck that is used lightly, like mine, the batteries will last many years. My OEM Ford F550 batteries lasted 9 years. Where a heavily used battery in snow and cold, everyday starts last maybe half that time. Are they bad batteries, not neccessarily.
Batteries are are on a path of decline from the beginning. Just like going down a hill. When they cycle often, 12.4v to 14.9v each day, they are cycling at a hard rate. If they maintain a 12.8v majority of the time they will last longer. Then when they are subject to deep drain use, running A/C, Microwaves, Engine Starters, they will impact the batteries harder. All factors in how long the batteries will last. The more you abuse them, not keeping them topped off, deep drains and failing to keep connectors clean and water fluid filled, impacts too. As well as using batteries and storing batteries in extreme heat and cold.
Due to my heavy use, my use factor is about 5 to 6 years for AGM & FWC batteries. I have no info on the Lithium batteries nor will as long as they are at a high $$$$. The way I judge my batteries for replacement is that I keep track of their daily power use and charging. When I see that the batteries are not holding a charge consistently, resting rate overnight comes down to 12.3v or less, rather than 12.6v-12.7v of a newer battery, I know that their SOC is no longer viable and the batteries are in need of replacement. I can usually detect these batteries decline 3-4 months before replacing and can then decide where along my route to replace due to cost and sales tax, or lack of tax.
Just keep an eye on your battery resting SOC each morning and it will tell you what your battery status is. If the battery is no longer maintaining a charge easily, replace it. Unlike a car battery, subjected to hard starting requirements, a RV battery often dies a slow death and if you are keeping aware of it, you will be able to see it before it completely dies, as my AGM did after 7 years of abuse and use.
b
Batteries are are on a path of decline from the beginning. Just like going down a hill. When they cycle often, 12.4v to 14.9v each day, they are cycling at a hard rate. If they maintain a 12.8v majority of the time they will last longer. Then when they are subject to deep drain use, running A/C, Microwaves, Engine Starters, they will impact the batteries harder. All factors in how long the batteries will last. The more you abuse them, not keeping them topped off, deep drains and failing to keep connectors clean and water fluid filled, impacts too. As well as using batteries and storing batteries in extreme heat and cold.
Due to my heavy use, my use factor is about 5 to 6 years for AGM & FWC batteries. I have no info on the Lithium batteries nor will as long as they are at a high $$$$. The way I judge my batteries for replacement is that I keep track of their daily power use and charging. When I see that the batteries are not holding a charge consistently, resting rate overnight comes down to 12.3v or less, rather than 12.6v-12.7v of a newer battery, I know that their SOC is no longer viable and the batteries are in need of replacement. I can usually detect these batteries decline 3-4 months before replacing and can then decide where along my route to replace due to cost and sales tax, or lack of tax.
Just keep an eye on your battery resting SOC each morning and it will tell you what your battery status is. If the battery is no longer maintaining a charge easily, replace it. Unlike a car battery, subjected to hard starting requirements, a RV battery often dies a slow death and if you are keeping aware of it, you will be able to see it before it completely dies, as my AGM did after 7 years of abuse and use.
b
