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Battery finally died at about 9-1/2 years old

travelnutz
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have five 12 volt group 31 deep cycle/marine batteries in our Carriage Carrilite 5th wheel and one died. Purchase date for that Energizer battery was 12/09 on the sticker on the battery so it's about 9-1/2 years old. The other 4 are Meijer Pro-cell (Now called Power cell) and the sticker on them is 1/10 (a month newer than the Energizer) and all 4 are still going strong. Also have the 2 Meijer same batteries in the bed of the diesel tow truck and were purchased the same time and still are good. Gave us 7 batteries with 110 AH each for our 2500 watt 5th wheel inverter.

I normally replace RV and/or Boat batteries when 6-7 years old but wanted to see how long the would really last this time so the 6 will still be in use. Maybe I have been replacing my RV and boat batteries way too soon?

So glad I didn't go to 6 volt GC batteries as when one fails you lose the use of 2 as it takes two 6 volt batteries to make 12 volts. so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

Sure not complaining at all about the one 12v battery going bad as 9-1/2 years of constant use is excellent and just wondering how long the other 6 will last now. I do run an "Reconditioning Cycle" from my standalone 40 amp charger each year on each battery isolated so maybe that really does help.

Wife just reminded me that the 6 Meijer batteries were on sale when I bought them in January 2010 before we left for Florida.. Price was $99.95 each and was on sale for $89.99 and then used our senior 15% off coupon on them so my final cost was $76.50 each. Not bad and they lasted so long!
A superb CC LB 4X4, GM HD Diesel, airbags, Rancho's, lots more
Lance Legend TC 11' 4", loaded including 3400 PP generator and my deluxe 2' X 7' rear porch
29 ft Carriage Carri-lite 5'er - a specially built gem
A like new '07 Sunline Solaris 26' TT
20 REPLIES 20

ppine
Explorer II
Explorer II
Keep them charged in winter. Use a 4 stage charger. Let them go down a ways once in awhile. Add some water. My boat batteries have lasted 8 years several times.

I am working on a solar system for my RV. The world of AGM and lithium batteries is amazing.

travelnutz
Explorer II
Explorer II
Yes we do draw heavily from our batteries and why we have so many for/in our RV's. Using the microwave, toaster, and other appliances and items for days at a time. Also the large screen various tv's as in the past before LED tv's they drew a lot more watts and on many hours at a time. We do stay quite often off grid (no hookups) in our 5th wheel and our Lance TC. We just prefer quiet and nature surroundings.

The 2 group 31 batteries in the truck's bed on the side ahead of the rear wheel well for when the Lance is on connect to the group 31 battery in our Lance which gives us 3 batteries to power our 1500 watt inverter in the TC. Has 330 amps available but we very seldom ever draw the batteries below 50% before recharging them. The diesel truck was ordered with dual large alternators so recharging is real quick if needed.

Both of our RV's have a generator but we don't like or want the noise so we almost always just use the silent inverters for off grid electric power. The generators are a backup for charging if needed though. Honda 2000 on the 5th wheel and a 3400 watt built in propane generator on the Lance and has 2 - 30lb propane tanks. We really prefer boondocking where we want to rather than having to be in an overpriced cramped "CG slot" for like up to a week's stay.

I wire the truck when new with both + and - fused at both ends and a control high current switch for the positive side #2ga fine strand welder wire cable going from the dual alternators under the truck back to the 2 bed batteries and junction block which also is there for the 2 - #2ga wire leads coming from the 5th wheel which is controlled by a 500 amp mounted marine barrel switch. We live in the RV's when traveling etc for up to a week at a time and live just like we had shore power but with having no hookups at all or high CG fees either. We also have Passport America and for more than 20 years and sure do use it too when we want to. Nearly 2000 choices also for an overnight stay when desired.

Not cheap at all as we have plenty of money but we like and prefer quiet and being surrounded by real nature, not by noise and cramped costly quarters. Why? Maybe because having been a long time business owner and wife having been a trainer etc in a major travel corporation. Both at 77 and value our lifestyles and being together anywhere anytime always during our 58 year very happy marriage and our 54 years of serious extensive rv'ing and boating/travel and not about to stop now! Beside we sure do love our Lake Michigan shoreline location home and the area where we live too. Just simply 2 very happy old farts always!
A superb CC LB 4X4, GM HD Diesel, airbags, Rancho's, lots more
Lance Legend TC 11' 4", loaded including 3400 PP generator and my deluxe 2' X 7' rear porch
29 ft Carriage Carri-lite 5'er - a specially built gem
A like new '07 Sunline Solaris 26' TT

Darryl_Rita
Explorer
Explorer
Good returns on your investment. Agree that a little care goes a long way with battery life. Hard usage can be offset by prompt, proper charging.
***UPDATE 2006 3500 SRW MegaCab pulling a 2007 fleetwood 5'er

Sam_Spade
Explorer
Explorer
travelnutz wrote:
so easy to find which is the failed 12 volt battery and just disconnect it!

While that is usually true, it depends on HOW the bad battery failed.
If there is a shorted cell.....or two....BAD things can happen if you don't catch it quickly.

Are you considering replacing all of the remaining ones of about the same age ? Probably should....for reliability and piece of mind.
'07 Damon Outlaw 3611
CanAm Spyder in the "trunk"

Clarryhill
Explorer
Explorer
Now that is what you might call excellent service! Sounds like they ended up being a super deal. Wonder if that is typical of the 31's? Do you ordinarily put a heavy draw on them (i.e. dry camping)? Just curious considering the longevity.
2014 Ford F450 PSD
2017 Lance 1172

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Explorer II
my wal mart batteries in the boat died last month, used for trolling motor lasted 7yrs ,always put on a charger after use, then a battery tender. just a little care goes a long way. I think there are only three company,s that make battery,s ,they just have different tag names.