Hello All!I just purchased a 2005 Timberland Riverside TT. I got a heck of a deal on it and could not say no. I have a few questions, probably stupid ones, but hoping I can get some help on here. I need to replace the battery... How do I tell what size battery or what type of battery I need? My other question.. If I am not plugged in, do I have to find a switch or anything to get power from my battery or does it just default to the battery if you are not plugged in. Should I keep my battery hooked up when I am not using it or take unhook it from the TT? If anyone has any tips or suggestions for someone new to using a TT, please let me know!! I will post some pics of the new toy when I figure out how to! Thanks!!!!!Nick

If you were not a boondocker, I would say the least expensive deep cycle battery would be fine, because all its really used for is the breakaway cable for the brakes. But since you do boondock, you'll need something more substantial than a cheap battery. We don't boondock anymore, so I'll let someone more knowledgeable answer that.Yes, it defaults to using the battery. That's because many things in the trailer are 12 volt, the lights, vent fans, heat, and a few other things. There is a power convertor that runs when connected to shore power and converts the AC into 12 volt DC. It knows when you are plugged into shore power or running off the battery. I have always disconnected my battery when not in use, especially with our new trailer. You can buy inline switches that attach to the outside of the battery box to make it easier. For tips and suggestions, you'll pick up a lot just by perusing these forums. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Most folks here are very helpful and have a lot of experience.

Campfire Time wrote:If you were not a boondocker, I would say the least expensive deep cycle battery would be fine, because all its really used for is the breakaway cable for the brakes. That is quite inaccurate. Actually the battery will power all 12v accessories, that may include other things that are pretty important such as the CO and propane detectors. It may also be necessary to operate your reefer when not plugged in. Although the reefer does run off propane, there is also a computer circuit board in there that needs 12v. Unless you have a REALLY old unit the reefer won't run without 12v. How about your tongue jack? Is it electric or are you considering getting one? Does the TT have a slide out? There isn't a whole lot of difference in the price between a Group 24 (smaller) and a Group 27 (larger.) do make certain you purchase a deep cycle battery in either case, not a car battery.

Check Batteries Plus on Beechmont just east of 5 mile rd. They have every battery you can think of as well as one and two stage chargers. That's all they sell and they know their stuff. Also quick disconnect connectors for when your RV is stored.

Disconnect your battery when it won't be used. There are parasitic loads, such as the radio and Co detector that will drain it.jack L

thanks everyone, very helpful! I really appreciate an exact store Jim, I will head over there tomorrow hopefully!

Brand new to anything but tent camping | Good Sam Community

nickhornback
Explorer
May 10, 2014
Thanks so much everyone! On my off days, I was able to grab just about everything. Got the TT all cleaned up and ready to roll, cant wait to get out!
RJCorazza
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Although addressed in other posts, my prefernce is a moderate 230ah battery bank of (2) 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries. I don't boondock, but want the option if necessary. Assuming your rig is 30a, get the 15a and 50 adapters, an extra 25' 30a cord, water hose made for drinking water, a tank filling nozzle if required for filling the tank, and a regulator if hooking up to the city water connection.
Also park power is notoriously poor, so consider a surge guard that also disconnects under low or high voltage. While pricey, an power boosting transformer can also allow you to use low voltage park power, which has saved us on several occasions.
TerryandKim
Explorer
May 03, 2014
NanciL wrote:
Disconnect your battery when it won't be used.
There are parasitic loads, such as the radio and Co detector that will drain it.

It's also a good idea, depending how your trailer is stored, to remove the batteries if there are in an outside box. Outside, as in out of the trailer itself, such as on the tongue. On our tent trailer, which we have sold and moved up to a TT!, I had the batteries disconnected but still in the boxes. Someone came through our suburban residential area one night and cut the straps on the boxes, cut the wires to the batteries (which were disconnected anyways - you don't have to be smart to be a criminal) and took the batteries. They were well prepared as they took five others in our area - very brazen.
Once removed be sure not to store them on concrete as that drains the batteries also, put a scrap of plywood under the batteries if stored in the garage. my 2 cents, worth about 2 bits with inflation.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
May 02, 2014
jmcgsd wrote:

That is quite inaccurate. Actually the battery will power all 12v accessories, that may include other things that are pretty important such as the CO and propane detectors. It may also be necessary to operate your reefer when not plugged in. Although the reefer does run off propane, there is also a computer circuit board in there that needs 12v. Unless you have a REALLY old unit the reefer won't run without 12v.

Actually I am accurate. Please note I said, "if you were not a boondocker". When plugged into shore power the convertor handles the 12v stuff. I Usually don't put my battery back right away in the spring as I'm bringing the trailer out of hibernation. Everything works perfectly fine on shore power without the battery.

Of course, if you do boon dock, which we did for many years, then yes, you need a battery to power everything you listed.
Tvov
Explorer II
May 02, 2014
nickhornback wrote:
Another couple probably pretty dumb questions I thought of to ask you all while its on my mind.. Are there any certain hoses and cords/adapters I need to get? I obviously never hooked up to water or anything like that so feeling a little lost there!

Walmart will probably carry an RV cord that will work. Double check on the plug, make sure it will plug into your camper. Also pickup an adapter for the RV cord so you can plug it into a standard household outlet - this is for just using low power things like lights and fans on the camper, especially when you are home loading up for a trip. I carry two 30amp cords for my camper, every so often a campsite will have the electrical connections far away and the extra cord is nice to have.

I carry two 25ft white "drinking water" hoses, also from Walmart. These are usually white with a blue stripe. They are (supposed to be, at least) made from rubber that will not impart the "hose" taste to water. I also carry two standard green garden hoses to use as "grey water" drains - this is just for the grey tank, or shower and sink water, NOT toilet water. Many campgrounds have grey water drains, makes it nice to be able to take long showers without worrying about filling up your grey tank.

Keep reading these forums, and feel free to ask questions! Everyone has their own way of doing things, and prefer different setups for camping. You'll figure out what you like as time goes on.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
May 02, 2014
Jim Shoe wrote:
Check Batteries Plus on Beechmont just east of 5 mile rd. They have every battery you can think of as well as one and two stage chargers. That's all they sell and they know their stuff. Also quick disconnect connectors for when your RV is stored.
Yea - and bring all your money! I went to this store to get rechargable batteries for the home phone - $13.99 each! Got 4 on ebay for 7 bucks.
Murphsmom
Explorer
May 02, 2014
If you are hooked up to park water, you may need to get a water pressure regulator. Pressure usually isn't a problem, but we did find out one time when we stayed in a large, but mostly empty park, that the water pressure was so high it blew right through our system. Big wet mess. We never traveled without one after that.

You will probably need a dedicated hose for potable water, too. One of those white ones.
diazr2
Explorer
May 02, 2014
You probably have thirty amp on the TT so it would be useful to you to get a 120 adapter. The water inlet just needs a regular garden hose it should screw right on there. To fill the tank if the nozzle doesn't fit just cut off a small peace of hose from something put a garden hose fitting on it and you will be all set.
nickhornback
Explorer
May 02, 2014
Another couple probably pretty dumb questions I thought of to ask you all while its on my mind.. Are there any certain hoses and cords/adapters I need to get? I obviously never hooked up to water or anything like that so feeling a little lost there!
bsinmich
Explorer
May 01, 2014
size and Cold cranking amps (CCA) or amp capacity. The heavier the battery the more plates and power you will get from it. Check the size of your battery compartment.

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