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King_Hugh's avatar
King_Hugh
Explorer
Apr 18, 2016

Please help with New Battery Purchase

Hello everybody....please help...I think my head is going to explode. :)

The battery (single) on my TT (26' Rvision SuperSport) is dead...dead dead...won't move the needle dead. I'm assuming there is no going back so I'm searching for a new one. The existing one has no lables or anything left on it, I can't find any markings. The seller told me it was original to the TT so it's been around since 2008.

Most of the time we will be plugged in, if my wife gets her way that is..I would love to boondock a bit though and if the battery goes dead the first night it will be the last time I can talk her into "roughing it".

I know that running the AC and the Microwave are out...no matter what battery we buy...A man has got to know his limitations...

Can somebody please recommend a good battery for our needs. I've searched Amazon and places like that and keep coming up with too many choices with too many price points...I don't feel well enough informed to make a decision.

Please...share a brand or a size or both....Also, stick with one or expand to 2 for longer life? Most of our trips will be anywhere from 2-4 nights...any longer and we will absolutely be "plugged in". On the shorter trips I'm ok with hooking up the jumper cables and running the truck for an hour or so to recharge...would that be helpful?

Thank you in advance!!

19 Replies

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  • aguablanco's avatar
    aguablanco
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2016
    When I first needed a battery I was advised to go to Walmart. I thought that was crazy but I saw the logic. If your new battery dies while under warranty there are countless places to go for help. I personally bought 2 DC 29's from Walmart and so far so good.
    RichH
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Apr 18, 2016
    beemerphile1 wrote:
    Most often the dealer installs one group 24 rv/marine battery when selling a new RV. That is probably what you have.

    You could install a pair of 12vdc group 24, a pair of 6vdc golf car batteries, or larger 12vdc batteries such as group 27 or group 29. It is all up to you. The name on the battery isn't greatly important in spite of what advertisers tell you.


    That's good advice and most trailers like yours come with a group 24 battery. What ever you do, I would recommend 2 batteries for the added capacity needed when boondocking. I've always ran dual group 24's because they're cheaper. If you've got the room, go to dual 27's or better yet 2 CG2 6v golf cart batteries.
  • kearlms's avatar
    kearlms
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    WE have had good luck with the Duracell brand from Sams Club. They are 6 volt wet cell, so you have to watch the water. If you are going to be plugged in for long periods, make sure your charging system is a good quality battery maintainer type charger. As far as time, we have been out a good 3-5 days boon docking and never have had to worry about charging them. We do go in cold weather and run the heater during the night with no issues. Your batteries will last as long as they can under your usage needs. We really don't use ours much during the day except for the water pump and fridge. Under strict management we have gone 5 days with power to spare.

    Definitely go with 6 volts. You wont regret it.
  • jake2250's avatar
    jake2250
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    12vAs mentioned, measure the area your battery sits in, see if you can fit two with cases, If not buy the largest group 12v you can fit in there. Unless you are planning on extended camping with out hook ups (electrical) you really don't need the 6v.
    Wal Mart,Sams and Costco seem to be where you get the best deals on batteries.
    If you do plan on boondocking with only one battery you might consider buying a generator to top that battery off.
    Search the forums here for "the 12v side of life" allot of really good information..
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    I'd suggest to measure the battery size, take it with you, visit a Sam's club or Costco and buy a replacement battery. If you camp off-grid and run the battery too low, go back the next week and buy another of the same and connect them together.

    What we don't know is how much power you are going to use, the size of your battery box/tray and the amount of off-grid you're going to do.

    Two 6V GC2 batteries wired in series are the best solution for increased battery capacity. The larger plates and taller case make them more durable for RV use/abuse. The price is often lower than two 12V marine/starter batteries. Trojan batteries are the standard to which others are compared.

    6V GC2 batteries have the same footprint as a BCI group 24 12V battery.
  • King_Hugh's avatar
    King_Hugh
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    Thanks! I think I understand that the "group" is the physical size of the battery itself...is there another number I should be looking for...like what amp hour rating would you consider to be OK in a large battery?

    I definitely prefer a sealed system....I'm terrible with maintenance. Good intentions and all, I'll even put it on the calendar, but in reality I'll add water once or twice, but after that...well, I'll be buying a new battery again. :) Not proud, it's just my truth.

    I saw another post about adding a second battery and the issue of sufficient space came up...that would be an issue for me too...pretty tight in there and I just bought this thing....haven't even camped in it yet so I don't know that I know enough to be taking it to a metal fabricator to make a custom mount for a second battery.

    Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!



    beemerphile1 wrote:
    Most often the dealer installs one group 24 rv/marine battery when selling a new RV. That is probably what you have.

    You could install a pair of 12vdc group 24, a pair of 6vdc golf car batteries, or larger 12vdc batteries such as group 27 or group 29. It is all up to you. The name on the battery isn't greatly important in spite of what advertisers tell you.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    Most often the dealer installs one group 24 rv/marine battery when selling a new RV. That is probably what you have.

    You could install a pair of 12vdc group 24, a pair of 6vdc golf car batteries, or larger 12vdc batteries such as group 27 or group 29. It is all up to you. The name on the battery isn't greatly important in spite of what advertisers tell you.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    I use a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries in my fifth wheel, and that's my recommendation. Mine are Interstate brand that I got from Costco for about $85 each. I think Sam's Club has them for a similar price. They're wet so you have to add water periodically, but that's a pretty minor inconvenience.

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