Replacing 2 12v deep cycle batteries for the RV.Almost never set up without 30 or 50 amp service.Would like to keep the cost at less than $180 for the pair.What suggestions/recommendations do you have for reasonably priced 12v deep cycle batteries, limiting size to about 12 inches wide?TIA

Walmart has all sorts of cheap batteries. If you dont need the power simply buy one and be done with it.

Wal mart x2. I have used the same 2 WalMart Marine Deep Cycle batteries for the RV and the boat for 4-5 years. I take them out of the RV to use in the boat to troll with the electric motor and start the big engine. When I take them out I put a battery I keep around for the tractor in the RV. It is about a 10 yr old 750 cold cranking amp wal mart car battery but still starts the tractor every year.I have had two Wal Mart batteries in the Silverado for 6 years.I tried 6V Golf Cart batteries from Sams Club for a few years but they are so heavy, big and if one goes south you should buy two new ones to replace it. They only lasted about 4 years before one quit holding a charge.

I think you will have a tough time trying to find true 12v deep cycle batteries for $90 each. You could get two GC-2 (6 volt - 220-230 AH) deep cycle for about $180.

Winged One wrote:Almost never set up without 30 or 50 amp service.You only need one cheap battery! No need to buy two, and an expensive true deep cycle is not necessary. All you need is a 12 volt battery to supply 12 volts when not connected to shore power (which is almost never).

Just curious, why do you need two if you're never without hookups?

Looking for input on economical 12v deep cycle batteries.

18 Replies

valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 24, 2018
Never away from shore power: A single cheap 12v starting battery will do fine.

A little boondocking: A pair of 6v to produce 12v is the cheapest option for true deep cycle batteries.
GordonThree
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
If you can find an Interstate warehouse, you can sometimes buy cosmetic reject batteries for cheap. Stuff like a broken carry handle or torn / missing information label makes it hard to sell in a retail store.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Disconnected from shore power a pair of group 27 batteries will do just fine for 500-road-miles powering the refrigerator. But not suitable for say two overnights on the road. A single scrimping night, yes. But no large loads. Three lights max at a time on for no more than three hours.

I have to concur with Mex. For a single overnight followed by a proper charging, your good.

Sam's Club has their Group 27 marine "dual purpose" batteries on sale until the end of the month for LESS than the regular automotive starting batteries.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
Seldom boondocks, wants thrifty service. A pair of engine starting batteries subjected to HALF the cycle depth will last eight times as long as a pseudo cycle RV battery. A 20% DOD with a pair of CAR group 27's is a lot of energy.

How long is the free exchange with a Costco auto battery?
substantial price difference between an auto group 27 and an RV group 27.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
NMDriver wrote:
I have used the same 2 WalMart Marine Deep Cycle batteries for the RV and the boat for 4-5 years.

I am glad they work for you, but those are not TRUE deep cycle batteries. They are dual purpose.

Boon Docker wrote:
I think you will have a tough time trying to find true 12v deep cycle batteries for $90 each.
You could get two GC-2 (6 volt - 220-230 AH) deep cycle for about $180.

If you want cost effective, TRUE deep cycle batteries, you can not beat a pair of 6V golf cart batteries.
camper19709
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
If your rig is set up for 2 batteries get 2 marine deep cycle batteries from COSTCO, SAMS Club or Walmart. Should be good to go.
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2018
Look at an Interstate dealer's for an "Econo-Power" 27DC. I got one for less than half price of a new 27DC at Walmart, and it seems to be just as good when put in service.

If on full hook-ups that will get you by for years. If you have a trailer you do need a battery if you ever move (DOT Law) so your emergency breakaway will work, so you need some sort of 12v battery.
Almot
Explorer III
Mar 24, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
If you dont need the power simply buy one and be done with it.

x2. Buy one. The cheapest you find.
billyray50
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
midnightsadie wrote:
I,ve used wal mart marine deep cycle batteries for years they hold up just fine, remember twice a year pull out and check the water level ,no water in any battery will kill it.

Good advice but instead of pulling out batteries I installed this system.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Mar 24, 2018
A pair of COSTCO

Automobile starting batteries

Size group 27

You definitely do not need expensive almost deep cycle batteries

Disconnected from shore power a pair of group 27 batteries will do just fine for 500- road-miles powering the refrigerator. But not suitable for say two overnights on the road. A single scrimping night, yes. But no large loads. Three lights max at a time on for no more than three hours.

The batteries will have a multi-year warranty plus Costco's refund "The colors clash" policy. Take the refund and buy Cyclable RV batteries next time.

Engine starting batteries use less water than RV batteries.

They are a deal-maker according to your budget.