Yes, I did a search. Our coach is just over three years old. I know there will probably be a wide difference in opinions. What I'm trying to determine is the best point to replace all my batteries. The battery maintenance has been kept up since new. They are on a float charger ( only charges when required). There is a battery watering system that is used to top off the battery's when needed. Voltage is tested before each watering and all batteries test good. So it boils down to this, instead of waiting for a failure ( which isn't the way I maintain things) what do you think is the best time to switch them out? I'm thinking 4 or 5 years? Thoughts? Thanks

If that makes you happy AND you can spare the money then HAVE AT HER. If you maintain the batteries they should not suffer a catastrophic failure just a slow decline. Eventually you will notice that they do not last as long or they do not charge all the way up when tested

Heat is what kills batteries. You can have a golf cart up north that might go 10 years while down in the deep south the batteries might only last 3. If you're in MI I'm thinking 5-7.

Do a load test and see how they hold up. Judge from there if they can make it another season. If not, then replace.

darsben1 wrote:If that makes you happy AND you can spare the money then HAVE AT HER. If you maintain the batteries they should not suffer a catastrophic failure just a slow decline. Eventually you will notice that they do not last as long or they do not charge all the way up when testedThis.

House batteries on my pace arrow are going on ten years. Still taking and holding a charge. Two 6 volt golf cart batteries. Minimal maintance, charged every now and then. Disconnected when motorhome is stored.Tim

So, how old are your batteries? | Good Sam Community

MrWizard
Moderator
Sep 09, 2016
People often talk in years, I answered that way the first time.
But we full-time and we dry camp almost 99% of the time
10 years of occasional weekends
Is not the same as 5 years everyday
When these battery time threads come up I ask " How Many Charge Discharge Cycle's"
Our batteries had approx 2000 cycles on them when I replaced then

50 weekends of dry camping equal 50 cycles if you recharge at home,even ten years would only be 500 cycles
And if you are a full hookup camper then the battery only does any work when your are in motion going to or coming home
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
John&Joey wrote:
The numbers I gave (which you left out) were when they are properly maintained, but I bet you knew that, and just couldn't help yourself. :B

No I included exactly what I was commenting upon.

Which was your wording that implied that heat is the ONLY thing that kills batteries. It is not.
John_Joey
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
SCVJeff wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
Sam Spade wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
Heat is what kills batteries.

It is one factor but not the only one.
It makes proper use and maintenance more important.

The numbers I gave (which you left out) were when they are properly maintained, but I bet you knew that, and just couldn't help yourself. :B
Geeeeze, really?
I live "down south" in what could be considered high desert and I did just fine cept for ONE cell. The farthest from the engine. So there..

Santa Clarita, CA is in the deep south???? Don't get out much?
SCVJeff
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
John&Joey wrote:
Sam Spade wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
Heat is what kills batteries.

It is one factor but not the only one.
It makes proper use and maintenance more important.

The numbers I gave (which you left out) were when they are properly maintained, but I bet you knew that, and just couldn't help yourself. :B
Geeeeze, really?
I live "down south" in what could be considered high desert and I did just fine cept for ONE cell. The farthest from the engine. So there..
Johnny_G1
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
13 yrs and still strong, fed with 500 watts from day one and never let them get below 12v, also watermizer caps to save fluid.
John_Joey
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
Sam Spade wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
Heat is what kills batteries.

It is one factor but not the only one.
It makes proper use and maintenance more important.

The numbers I gave (which you left out) were when they are properly maintained, but I bet you knew that, and just couldn't help yourself. :B
Thunder_Mountai
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2016
I sold our 2007 HR Endeavor last November on a private sale. I disclosed everything. I'm in contact with the owner answering an occasional email. The original batteries are still going strong. I was meticulous about maintenance and instructed him on how to take care of the batteries. I told him at time of sale to replace them. Certainly barrowed time.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
Ran 4ea. U-2200's and maintained them perfectly (solar float and watering system). Every year before Quartzsite I pull them and look at the SG of each cell, log it on a spreadsheet, and flush the watering system of any debris. At year 7, the ONE battery that was until this point the most promising was the one to start failing. You can find batteries anywhere, so just keep an eye on them and change as a group when needed. We won't think you're slacking off on the maint.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Sep 09, 2016
et2, I just replaced all 3 of my batteries this past week. I asked my tire guy the same question that you just posted, yesterday. My tire guy told me most people change out batteries between 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 years. So your right on with your thinking!
Ivylog
Explorer III
Sep 08, 2016
Like jwmil my interstate chassis battery went 11 years in the MH and then another 3 in a excavator. My AGM house batteries are at 8 years and still going strong.
Buy a hydrometer and checking each cell which will tell you how well your batteries are holding up.

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