Another battery question

[07IDCLASSIC]

I know that this has probably been beat to death but it seems every where I look or anyone I talk to I get a different answer. Bought the camper with group 27 sealed batteries and they are dying so looking to replace. Camper is an 08 AF 860. I've read that I can fit group 31s in the trays and it looks like it by the measurements (10"h x 14.5"d x 13" w). It's hard to find group 31 in AK as most places stock 27. I did find some 6v at Napa that are part number 7204 or I can order 31 AGM for $400 for a pair from Universal shipped up here. They say 9.75" high though so not sure if that is to the top of the plastic or top of the post. Normal wet cell deep cycle batteries that you have to service up here are about $185 a piece. So which type of battery should I go with? The 6v from Napa, the 12 v AGMs group 31 or 27, or deep cycle wet cell 12v I can get around town? Thanks for any help still a newbie trying to figure out this whole camper thing but it is fun.

Edited.... Sorry there wasn't really a question in there I guess.

[CAJW]

Bob B wrote:
I also have a 2013 DRW Duramax that I want to do this to .... could you provide more details on how you did this .... could even do a new thread so we don't hijack this one.

CAJW wrote:
You haven't filled out your profile so we don't know what year Duramax you're dealing with. I just finished installing a BlueSeas ACR and 50 amp breaker to keep the house and truck batteries tied together while the engine is running and separated when not. During that research I found my truck (signature) requires a 40 amp fuse in the aux 12v slot to charge your house batteries. You'll need to refer to your fuse schematic for the location of that fuse. If it was charging and now it isn't, that fuse would be the first thing I'd check.

Will do. ACR install

[Bob__B]

I also have a 2013 DRW Duramax that I want to do this to .... could you provide more details on how you did this .... could even do a new thread so we don't hijack this one.

CAJW wrote:
You haven't filled out your profile so we don't know what year Duramax you're dealing with. I just finished installing a BlueSeas ACR and 50 amp breaker to keep the house and truck batteries tied together while the engine is running and separated when not. During that research I found my truck (signature) requires a 40 amp fuse in the aux 12v slot to charge your house batteries. You'll need to refer to your fuse schematic for the location of that fuse. If it was charging and now it isn't, that fuse would be the first thing I'd check.

[Kayteg1]

The rule of thumb is that you should recharge the battery at 10% of it ah rating.
Meaning average 100 Ah battery should be recharged with 10 amp.
#10 wire can carry 50 amps easy.
Per my experience the 7-plugs are weak link. The blades bend, oxidize, burn and make no connection, while annoyingly can send "ghost voltage"
Other point to check is grounding.

[mkirsch]

If you are using the standard trailer plug to connect to the camper, go under the hood to the fuse panel on the driver's side, remove the cover, and check the fuse for STUD #1.

On the GMT900's (1999-2007 Classic) that is the fuse that powers the 12V charging circuit to the trailer plug. When the truck is new there is a dummy fuse in that position. You need to install a real 40A fuse in that position to activate the charging circuit.

Even with that activated, the wire is only 10 gauge, which limits the charging current. Many TC owners install a dedicated charge line to the camper directly from the alternator using a heavy 2 gauge cable.

[07IDCLASSIC]

The last time I ran everything was in the fall and I've kept the TC plugged in all winter so I'm hoping the batteries have been keeping a charge good. So how long of a drive does it take to charge the batteries would you say? When I started the truck though the truck batteries and everything should have given off enough juice though to work the jacks even if the TC batteries where dead right? Thanks for the help and I'll take a look at everything when I get home just trying to get an idea of where to start to make it go faster and make sure we can have heat through the weekend.

[narcodog]

07IDCLASSIC wrote:
So I'm having an issue now with my batteries not charging off my truck or I believe that is the issue anyways. Last time I had the camper on the truck the Happijacs wouldn't go down even with the truck running. I had to plug it into the wall to get them to work. I've heard there maybe a wire or a fuse on the duramaxes that you have to plug in or something. Last time we went out we went out for a couple days and ran the heat for a while and everything but then it was a solid 2.5 hour drive back so I figure the batteries should have been charged by then. These are new batteries too. I'm not near the truck or camper right now as I'm on the slope but trying to get some ideas as the gf wants to take the camper to Homer the day after I come off Slope. Thanks again for all the help guys!

21/2 hours driving will not charge your battery's, especially in cold weather,it will put a charge in them. Get you multi meter out and see if there is a charge coming through. Check your battery cut off switch also.

The optimum charging temperature is 72* now being Alaska I doubt if you have seen that temp in awhile. :). Here's an idea for when you get home get a couple of battery warmers or blankets. Most auto parts should sell them, they run off 110 and will help in getting your battery's a little warmer. Plug the warmers in an hour or so before you start charging you batterys.

Just a couple of thoughts.

[07IDCLASSIC]

My bad it's an 07 classic. I want to say I thought it was charging before I swapped the batteries out but I'm still new to the whole TC deal so I'm not sure. I'll check that fuse when I get home and hopefully it's an easy fix. Thanks again for all the help.

[CAJW]

You haven't filled out your profile so we don't know what year Duramax you're dealing with. I just finished installing a BlueSeas ACR and 50 amp breaker to keep the house and truck batteries tied together while the engine is running and separated when not. During that research I found my truck (signature) requires a 40 amp fuse in the aux 12v slot to charge your house batteries. You'll need to refer to your fuse schematic for the location of that fuse. If it was charging and now it isn't, that fuse would be the first thing I'd check.

[07IDCLASSIC]

So I'm having an issue now with my batteries not charging off my truck or I believe that is the issue anyways. Last time I had the camper on the truck the Happijacs wouldn't go down even with the truck running. I had to plug it into the wall to get them to work. I've heard there maybe a wire or a fuse on the duramaxes that you have to plug in or something. Last time we went out we went out for a couple days and ran the heat for a while and everything but then it was a solid 2.5 hour drive back so I figure the batteries should have been charged by then. These are new batteries too. I'm not near the truck or camper right now as I'm on the slope but trying to get some ideas as the gf wants to take the camper to Homer the day after I come off Slope. Thanks again for all the help guys!

[07IDCLASSIC]

Morsno, we don't have a generator yet but the girl wants one to work the microwave. I could care less on that. We did 3 nights at Nancy Lake, quite the interesting crowd that rolls in on Friday nights there. Haven't been to Eureka yet though. I don't dare go out on the big holidays as I'm not into the crowds so much. Going to have to start flying out on big weekends or pack in off thre roadway. Thanks again for the advice.

[MORSNOW]

07IDCLASSIC wrote:
Thanks guys for all the help. Ended up going with 2 group 31s from batteries plus. They just barely squeak in but they fit. Didn't have to turn the furnace on but went out for 3 nights and everything lasted great. Morsnow thanks for the heads up on the location.

You're welcome, I'm glad it worked out for you. I went up to Eureka for the weekend and didn't use the generator at all, new 6V's lasted all weekend with hardly any drop.

[07IDCLASSIC]

Thanks guys for all the help. Ended up going with 2 group 31s from batteries plus. They just barely squeak in but they fit. Didn't have to turn the furnace on but went out for 3 nights and everything lasted great. Morsnow thanks for the heads up on the location.

[tbltony]

the 2 6volt wet batteries will give you the most amp hrs. 225 .2 size 31 will give you 210 amp hrs..2 size 29 will supply 200 amp hrs. 2 27 and 24 will have around 150 to 175 amp hrs. if you can get 2 6volt batteries most bang for buck. iwould think in anchorage 2 marine size 31 should be available.personaly i would go 2x6volt if i could .money for 6 volts would be limiting factor .tbltony marine electrican

[MORSNOW]

07IDCLASSIC wrote:
Thanks for all the help guys. Really appreciate it. Morsnow we are in Anchorage. Doesn't look like there is a Batteries Plus except at the airport or out in Wasilla.

Batteries Plus is on International Airport Road between Arctic and Minnesota in Anchorage. They stock everything including pre-made cables to tie the batteries together.