Time for new batteries for my AF811
The last 2 years or so, the original batteries in my 2010 AF811 have pretty much been useless. I haven't used the camper much during the summer of 2013 and 2014, and most of the time I had shore powe...
Forum Discussion
It is always great getting information on some of the best batteries, types and sizes. But it really comes down to why would one invest in expensive batteries that will be challenged in being kept charged (S.O.C) and cycled and maintained. If you have lots of money, sure. Then I would get the DEKA or Lifeline.
Age of batteries are subjective. A battery that is lightly used can and does last years, no matter what type or manufacturer it is. It all depends on maintenance and number of cycles. Basically the more you start your car/truck the more cycles your battery will have and last the least amount of time. I am still on my OEM battery in my truck and it is a 2008. But I don't start my truck often. Same for your camper battery. If you are not cycling your batteries down to 12.2-12.4 and then charge them back up to 90%+ then you are not cycling your batteries sufficiently. For me, I have them, why not use them! I monitor them every day, because I cycle my batteries everyday (12.2 to 14.9v adjusted for batt temp). I am seeing replacement, of these batteries, at 4-5 years. When I abused my cheaper batteries and discharged them completely (11.9-11.1v), they lasted less than a year. It was during this period (before solar) I just bought the cheapest and easiest replaceable batteries, Group 27 from Wal-Mart and just replaced them. If I had the Lifeline, at $400+, they would have been abused just as the cheaper ones were. It was just the period I was in, at that time, trying to make things work.
So my question to you, are you guaranteeing that your days of lack of monitoring and maintenance are behind you? Are you going to have the batteries plugged into a trickle charger and for FWC batteries check the fluid every month, during periods that your camper is not being used? If so, go spend $400+ a battery, for the Lifeline/Deka. If not, just purchase the largest Group Battery that will fit in the area where your battery fits, at your nearest battery seller for lower cost. You can get a lot of battery for the cost and replace them often, compared to the cost of the more expensive one. They are just being replaced as often as the expensive ones when the environment will be a history of marginal maintenance and attention. So why spend the money when a cheaper one will perform just as well? (I currently have 1,460 AmpH of battery banks, in 12 batteries (ten 6v FWC, two 6v AGM))
Be sure to post what your decision is and how they work for you, in upcoming posts.
b
Age of batteries are subjective. A battery that is lightly used can and does last years, no matter what type or manufacturer it is. It all depends on maintenance and number of cycles. Basically the more you start your car/truck the more cycles your battery will have and last the least amount of time. I am still on my OEM battery in my truck and it is a 2008. But I don't start my truck often. Same for your camper battery. If you are not cycling your batteries down to 12.2-12.4 and then charge them back up to 90%+ then you are not cycling your batteries sufficiently. For me, I have them, why not use them! I monitor them every day, because I cycle my batteries everyday (12.2 to 14.9v adjusted for batt temp). I am seeing replacement, of these batteries, at 4-5 years. When I abused my cheaper batteries and discharged them completely (11.9-11.1v), they lasted less than a year. It was during this period (before solar) I just bought the cheapest and easiest replaceable batteries, Group 27 from Wal-Mart and just replaced them. If I had the Lifeline, at $400+, they would have been abused just as the cheaper ones were. It was just the period I was in, at that time, trying to make things work.
So my question to you, are you guaranteeing that your days of lack of monitoring and maintenance are behind you? Are you going to have the batteries plugged into a trickle charger and for FWC batteries check the fluid every month, during periods that your camper is not being used? If so, go spend $400+ a battery, for the Lifeline/Deka. If not, just purchase the largest Group Battery that will fit in the area where your battery fits, at your nearest battery seller for lower cost. You can get a lot of battery for the cost and replace them often, compared to the cost of the more expensive one. They are just being replaced as often as the expensive ones when the environment will be a history of marginal maintenance and attention. So why spend the money when a cheaper one will perform just as well? (I currently have 1,460 AmpH of battery banks, in 12 batteries (ten 6v FWC, two 6v AGM))
Be sure to post what your decision is and how they work for you, in upcoming posts.
b
