Forum Discussion

MKirkland's avatar
MKirkland
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020

Batteries - simple question

Have you found the no maintenance (12 volt) batteries worth the price that you pay extra for them? Our RV shop doesn't even carry them, but they came on our 2011 trailer and probably are due to be replaced. I would have to go to a special battery store to get them.

14 Replies

  • Since I enjoy maintaining my TT I don’t mind checking my batteries. Wet is fine for me.
  • X2 on AGM batteries - my 1st experience with them was on a 2008 camper with Lifeline brand. Traded the camper in 9 years later and still had the original batteries. New trailer going on 3 years with Interstate AGM batteries with no problems. In most cases the batteries on rv's are hard to access to check and water levels plus some build up acid on the posts. With AGM, no water to check and no acid to clean. I wouldn't have any other type of battery on an rv even though they costs more. AGM batteries can be shipped by UPS unlike flooded batteries.
  • MKirkland wrote:
    Have you found the no maintenance (12 volt) batteries worth the price that you pay extra for them?


    AGM, YES!

    The batteries in my truck camper were extremely difficult to check / add water to because they sit so high when the camper is on the truck. When I replaced them in 2015 I went AGM and will NEVER use wet call batteries again.

    Look for a DEKA battery dealer.
  • Are you talking about maintenance free flooded batteries or AGM batteries? Personally I wouldn't get maintenance free flooded batteries as I would want to be able to check and add water when needed. I think I could get a few more years of life out of them being able to do that.
    AGM batteries are another matter. If you really use your batteries hard, particularly in cold weather then AGMs are probably worth the expense. If you basically never camp without plugging in then there's no reason to buy expensive batteries.