Best battery
I need a new battery for the fiver, I only camp with full hookups. I still would like the best longest lasting battery possible. My last Wally world battery only lasted 15 months. Suggestions please. ...
Forum Discussion
wa8yxm wrote:thank you for staying on topic. Great info
Ok batteries for RV use come in A few "Flavors"
FLooded wet Cell.
On these you need to check them at least once a month (When new) and add DISTILLED water from time to time.. Once you learn how "Thirsty" they are you can stretch the time between checking up a bit but as they age they get thirstier and thirstier so stick with at least once a quarter.
The most popular battery in this class is the venerable GC-2 Golf Car battery. you need two in series to make a 12 volt battery bank (or 4,6 8 .. Even number in series/parallel).
Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid (Maintenance free) Most of the RV batteries in this class are MARINE/deep cycle.. **** in my not very humble opinion and I suggest against. More as to why later.
AGM.. Sub set of Sealed VRLA abobe.. now you can get these in DEEP CYCLE Which is good. but EXPENSIVE
Exotic: IE LIthium) EXPENSIVE!!!!!
Deep Cycle batteries like the Golf Car types can be run down to half full and if promptly recharged suffer normal aging only Mine lasted 9 years
Sealed VRLA MARING/deep cycle need to be kept 3/4 full or more or they suffer rapid aging.
On a Flooded wet cell. if you let 'em run dry. By By Battery. So check 'em monthly
AGM's Many brag about long life.. Tried 'em.. Not all that impressed they were the youngest batteries in the RV and the first to go. (THey were on a independent loop and properly charged)
THe other advantage of the GC-2 is that it is a very very very popular battery.. Golf courses from here to there and back again buy 'em by the small truck load.. The lines do not shut down for re-tooling nearly as often as the 12 volt lines (Re-toolign adds to the cost)
THus.. best Bang for the Buck.
