6 Volt RV batteries

[Willcamp4]

I have been a fan of Trojan batteries for many years. I have a 2005 Alpenlite and use a bank of four batteries. When the trailer was new I installed a set of T-105s that lasted about 7 years, and I installed a new set. It seems to be time to replace them again as they won't stay charged above about 12.1 volts. The only issue I have is that the Trojans have gotten SO EXPENSIVE. What I'm wondering is whether there is another brand/battery that is reasonably priced and dependable.

[BFL13]

wopachop wrote:
Hmm I have both my 210ah Costco interstates out of the trailer right now. Will weigh them for fun. Safe to assume a "made for costco" version that dies premature would be lighter than a sister battery?

I am told by the Interstate guy that their GC2-HCL-UTL at 210AH and 58 lbs is a Trojan T-605 with the same specs and at 58lbs

The ECL version at 225AH is a T-105.

So it would follow that if you can get the Interstate ones at Sams or Costco at their lower prices, that is a very good deal on a Trojan.

[wopachop]

Hmm I have both my 210ah Costco interstates out of the trailer right now. Will weigh them for fun. Safe to assume a "made for costco" version that dies premature would be lighter than a sister battery?

[red31]

Powertour wrote:

People that have dug deeper have allegedly discovered that the maker of what was the 'good' Costco batts is now the supplier for Sam's (Johnson Controls IIRC). Anyway, here's my disclaimer: I didn't go out & validate that myself but rather took the cumulative info I saw saying the same thing & went with it. YMMV

They change supplies often!!! As best I can tell sams has E Penn Deka (duracell) all across the lower 48.

[Powertour]

wopachop wrote:
What negatives did you read on the interstates? I bought 2 back in Feb.

I did a lot of research (the bulk on the boards here) before I replaced my batts last month. In a nutshell, what I found was A LOT of people are complaining that the Interstate's are not the normal Interstates people have used & mostly loved over the years. Allegedly they're Interstate 'made for Costco' & a lot of people have had then **** the bed after just over a year (which is the warranty period now....1-yr). Costco will not stand behind them after the 1-yr warranty.

People that have dug deeper have allegedly discovered that the maker of what was the 'good' Costco batts is now the supplier for Sam's (Johnson Controls IIRC). Anyway, here's my disclaimer: I didn't go out & validate that myself but rather took the cumulative info I saw saying the same thing & went with it. YMMV

[2oldman]

They were probably just as relatively expensive when you bought them before. Perhaps your view of "expensive" has changed.

[BFL13]

wopachop wrote:
What negatives did you read on the interstates? I bought 2 back in Feb.

Some Interstate 6v are from Trojan anyway. Look for the ones with the same AH as Trojan--225AH, not the 232s like before. There is a lower AH one too, forget the number.

This was confirmed by the Interstate wholesaler here a couple years ago when the 6v were switched from US battery (U-2200s etc with their numbers like 232)

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Sir Beemberphile. A gentle and polite question if I may 🙂

How many days per year average are you vacationing disconnected? Are your batteries constantly maintained at home?

[wopachop]

What negatives did you read on the interstates? I bought 2 back in Feb.

[Powertour]

Picked up 2 Duracell 6v batts at Sam's about a month ago for my Moho's coach 12v needs. Way too much negative feedback on the current Costco Interstate batteries for me to even consider them right now. So far so good on the Duracell's.

I think I paid around $87ea for the Duracells at Sam's.

[camperdave]

I was SHOCKED when I had to replace the starting battery in my car. Battery prices have skyrocketed in the last few years.

Costco/Sams Club is probably the best bet for 6v'ers, though I got a good deal on mine from a local golf cart shop a few years ago when I replaced them. Seem good for ~5 years, but I would not be surprised if today's batteries don't last as long.

[noteven]

bpounds wrote:

BFL13 wrote:
"...and I installed a new set. It seems to be time to replace them again as they won't stay charged above about 12.1 volts"

An amazing statement! If they took a long time to get that bad, and you kept using them till now, then it would seem you might only need one 12v battery to get the job done. Why buy four new 6s if you only actually need one 12v batt?

This is all very peculiar!

Please explain. It would seem you are saying that long battery life means he has more battery capacity than he needs. Or perhaps you meant that he survived on weak batteries for a while, and that this means he has more battery than needed. Neither makes much sense.

4 x 6v only giving 12 v must mean they are half worn out in only 7 years. So one 12 v would be good for umm 3.5 years?

[RJsfishin]

BFL13 wrote:
"

An amazing statement! If they took a long time to get that bad, and you kept using them till now, then it would seem you might only need one 12v battery to get the job done. Why buy four new 6s if you only actually need one 12v batt?

This is all very peculiar!

This statement is both amazing and peculiar !!

[RoyB]

In your search for 6V GOLF CART batteries don't forget to check the prices at the local BATTERIES PLUS STORE... They are around the same price as COSTCO and SAMS CLUB and you don't have to be a member of the store... I got my 4EA DURACELL SLIGC110 215AH GOLF CART Batteries there for $84.99 EACH. The store took my old 12VDC INTERSTATE batteries for cores charge...

Very happy with my purchase there...

Roy Ken

[theoldwizard1]

Compare the specs of a T105 with a Interstate GC2 (Costco) or a Duracell GC2 (Sams). IIRC, you are only giving up about 10% of the capacity.

[Willcamp4]

In answer to the ingrained question...I survived on weak batteries for a long time, most of this season. I was getting by. Thanks for the suggestions. I also found I can get more of the Trojans through golf cart repair companies for alot less money, if I choose to do that.