How to Increase Battery Capacity
After spending 10+ years studying RVs prior to buying one I’m amazed at what I still don’t know! Turns out the cure for that is this amazing forum.
The latest issue I’m lost about is a LOT more complicated (and expensive) than I expected. I have studied past threads on the subject and need some advice, as the trial and error method would just be too painful.
Here’s the problem I’m trying to solve: Wife and I will be leaving in a month or so for a six month trip in our 14 month old 2016 model Jayco 26 ft TT. We took several trips over the last year, but never camped without an electric hookup more than a few one-nighters.
Last weekend we went on a three day dry camp, and found that our battery (cheap one that came with the unit, an Interstate flooded cell HD24-DP Marine/RV, 405 CCA,505 MCA) lasted less than 48hours. We were as frugal as possible, running the water pump, fridge, water heater (occasionally) and very little lighting (LEDs). In comparing notes with fellow campers I learned that the fridge, while on propane, still uses electricity. I assume the WH does too (?)
On our upcoming trip we were planning to boondock about 25% of the time, for up to 3-4 days at a time. While we can make do without using the TT’s lights and water heater, the fridge and water pump are pretty much a necessity.
The solutions I’ve read about involve two 6V batteries ($500), an upgraded charger ($250), or a generator ($$$) or a large-amp solar system ($$$). For economic and other reasons I’m not willing or able to do any of these. I am able to spend about $200 or maybe a little more on a new AGM 12V 100ah deep charge battery. I have found two (made in China, on Amazon) for about $175ish.
My question - would this really give us much more power than what we have now? Previous threads seem to say that without a stronger charger (another $250) we won’t get the full potential of the better battery. Also, since we didn’t know any better, we probably ran our existing battery lower than the 50% level. If we do buy the better battery and use it only to the 50% discharge point, will we get even 48 hours out of it?
Last part of the question – If we get a better battery (or even just keep the old one), will one of the 100amp basic solar kits for about $125 help keep a usable charge?
I do have room to add a 2nd battery, BTW.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
The latest issue I’m lost about is a LOT more complicated (and expensive) than I expected. I have studied past threads on the subject and need some advice, as the trial and error method would just be too painful.
Here’s the problem I’m trying to solve: Wife and I will be leaving in a month or so for a six month trip in our 14 month old 2016 model Jayco 26 ft TT. We took several trips over the last year, but never camped without an electric hookup more than a few one-nighters.
Last weekend we went on a three day dry camp, and found that our battery (cheap one that came with the unit, an Interstate flooded cell HD24-DP Marine/RV, 405 CCA,505 MCA) lasted less than 48hours. We were as frugal as possible, running the water pump, fridge, water heater (occasionally) and very little lighting (LEDs). In comparing notes with fellow campers I learned that the fridge, while on propane, still uses electricity. I assume the WH does too (?)
On our upcoming trip we were planning to boondock about 25% of the time, for up to 3-4 days at a time. While we can make do without using the TT’s lights and water heater, the fridge and water pump are pretty much a necessity.
The solutions I’ve read about involve two 6V batteries ($500), an upgraded charger ($250), or a generator ($$$) or a large-amp solar system ($$$). For economic and other reasons I’m not willing or able to do any of these. I am able to spend about $200 or maybe a little more on a new AGM 12V 100ah deep charge battery. I have found two (made in China, on Amazon) for about $175ish.
My question - would this really give us much more power than what we have now? Previous threads seem to say that without a stronger charger (another $250) we won’t get the full potential of the better battery. Also, since we didn’t know any better, we probably ran our existing battery lower than the 50% level. If we do buy the better battery and use it only to the 50% discharge point, will we get even 48 hours out of it?
Last part of the question – If we get a better battery (or even just keep the old one), will one of the 100amp basic solar kits for about $125 help keep a usable charge?
I do have room to add a 2nd battery, BTW.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
