Coach Batteries

[Kaz]

The coach batteries in my motorhome are starting to show their age (6 years old) (accelerated because I once accidentally drained them to dead-zero) and I need a couple replacements. The current ones are a no-name (Harris) cheapo Group 27 lead-acid battery with a reserve capacity of 160 minutes at 25 amps (which actually isn't bad and translates to an AH rating of about 67 AH, plus or minus). We don't boondock and use the batteries only for lights, fans, etc., at night when power isn't available for some reason. We don't even have an inverter, so that's not an issue. I check the water level and clean the terminals every six months.

Therefore, I think all I need are basic lead-acid batteries. I certainly don't need AGM and unless I'm missing something, I don't even need gel. My first instinct was Wal-Mart, but those don't get very good reviews. Some other options are DieHard ($91 for 135 RC), Duracell ($99 for 90AH @ rate not specified), Duralast ($95 for 180 RC), and so on. Comparisons among such alternatives are hard because it seems like no one rates batteries using the same parameters and/or don't publish the full specs. G-r-r-r. For my purposes, though, maybe it doesn't matter anyway and I'm just being pointy-headed.

Anyway, I thought I'd check here to see if anyone wants to chime in. Otherwise, I'll just go with whatever impulse strikes me at the moment. Thoughts?

Skip

[pianotuna]

Get a maintenance free 12 volt battery. For your use, one will be just fine. The other route is to go AGM. Again, one will be just fine.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

smlranger wrote:
Since you indicate you don't need a lot of battery reserve (don't have an inverter), I would just shop for a good truly deep cycle group 27 or 31 battery. Interstate, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts.... shop for the best warranty.

Consider AGM's if your battery access is difficult (for watering).

X2

And if two in parallel make sure that they are connected to the coach in a balanced manner: obviously positive to positive and negative to negative to parallel the batteries then connect the leads from the coach: negative to one battery and positive to the other. Although with low current draw or charging it is less important, but there are no extra costs (unless the leads you have don't reach).

[Matt_Colie]

Kaz,

You keep referring to batteries as plural. If you have more than one and they are strapped in parallel, that is part of your problem. Lead/Acid batteries do not like to play nice in parallel. If you are going replace the bank, get a pair of golf cart batteries. These are designed to be abused by people that are more interested in playing golf than taking care of the batteries. Two in series makes a nominal 12V and they compatible with everything you have and even if you drain them real dead, they will stay and play at least a while.

If you do drain them dead, start the recharge out slowly and when they get their breath back then you can charge them faster.

Matt

[lj2654]

if you have a rural king in your area they have some good deals on batteries.

[smlranger]

Since you indicate you don't need a lot of battery reserve (don't have an inverter), I would just shop for a good truly deep cycle group 27 or 31 battery. Interstate, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts.... shop for the best warranty.

Consider AGM's if your battery access is difficult (for watering).

[Ivylog]

Not sure how you have six-year-old batteries in the 2013 motorhome? For your usage I would go back with a single AGM battery and forget about it for six or eight years. Yes, I know you said no AGMs but once you've had them you'll never go back to the regular lead acid batteries.