Battery Theft and replacement questions

[RRZNagas]

So on New Years Eve or Day, we're not sure yet, on of our 2 batteries was stolen from my Jayco while it was in storage. They cut the strap, and the wires, and just lifted it out, leaving behind the other one. They have both been used over the last 16 months.

My question is should I replace the one they left behind and get two new batteries, or can I get away with just buying one, since the other one should have a few good years left?

Yeah, so Happy New Years to us...

[Ralph_Cramden]

nineoaks2004 wrote:
I would buy 2 batteries, if #2 is the least bit weak the weak one will tend to drain the new one.

Unless the old battery is really in bad shape or old, most people don't need to worry about that BS. If the old still holds a full charge, even if it's a different group size and age, the possible detrimental effects on the new are so minimal, you would have to do a scientific ANALysis to see it. Just the same is the parallel connection arrangement, either each lead to the + on one and the - on the other, or vice versa. Both are good practice but not the end of the world or the batteries.

IMO it's A lot of internet fodder by people who have nothing better to do than sit around in RV's taking voltage measurements. The vast majority of people with RVs who have added a 2nd battery never visit one of these forums or anything else. They add it and use it. Do they get a little less lifetime out of one or the other or both........maybe?

I once had a trailer that came from the dealer with a no name Chinese group 24 battery which I added a group 27 Interstate to the 2nd year. I used it for two seasons afterwards then sold it. The buyer, whom I work with, is still using those same two batteries and does mostly dry camping, way more than we ever did. They're now over 6 years old if not 7.

[nineoaks2004]

I would buy 2 batteries, if #2 is the least bit weak the weak one will tend to drain the new one.

[pianotuna]

Recount on number of bulbs. It is 25. That's more than my converter can put out. Ergo a battery is a necessary evil.

[westend]

SoundGuy wrote:

RRZNagas wrote:
I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

westend wrote:
If you have two GC2 6V golf cart batteries, you might be able to run your CPAP machine for a few nights, away from a pedestal. That may broaden your camping experiences.

The OP has already told us these are 12 volt batteries, in which case they'd at best offer ~ 150 AH @ the 20Hr rate, half of which is usable. With so little understanding of how this all works it's unlikely he's going to devise a system for running a CPAP machine using the batteries as source power and will instead continue to camp where shore power is available. He also said in a previous post he wanted to accomplish this as cheaply as possible, my point being there's no need in his particular situation to even replace the stolen 12 volt battery as the one he still has will serve his purposes just fine. Another example where forum pundits are so willing to spend someone else's money $$$ when it's totally unnecessary. :R

My post was about suggestions and possible scenarios that the OP might not have envisioned. If you read the first sentence where I related "problem solved", I'm not advocating that he do anything else, just relating alternatives. How is that a problem?

[mobeewan]

Worth $22.00 off for core charge trade in on a new battery here.

[rbpru]

A battery in any condition is worth $10.00 at the local scrap yard. Can't say thieves are deep thinkers.

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
totally unnecessary.

#1nobby wrote:
That's not the only thing that's totally unnecessary on this forum.

I guess you mean "logic" and "common sense", eh? :W

[DiskDoctr]

RRZNagas wrote:
I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

Glad you solved your issue! Hopefully your stolen one tipped in the thief's car and melted his car floor 😉

[_1nobby]

SoundGuy wrote:
totally unnecessary.

That's not the only thing that's totally unnecessary on this forum.

[SoundGuy]

RRZNagas wrote:
I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

westend wrote:
If you have two GC2 6V golf cart batteries, you might be able to run your CPAP machine for a few nights, away from a pedestal. That may broaden your camping experiences.

The OP has already told us these are 12 volt batteries, in which case they'd at best offer ~ 150 AH @ the 20Hr rate, half of which is usable. With so little understanding of how this all works it's unlikely he's going to devise a system for running a CPAP machine using the batteries as source power and will instead continue to camp where shore power is available. He also said in a previous post he wanted to accomplish this as cheaply as possible, my point being there's no need in his particular situation to even replace the stolen 12 volt battery as the one he still has will serve his purposes just fine. Another example where forum pundits are so willing to spend someone else's money $$$ when it's totally unnecessary. :R

[SoundGuy]

RRZNagas wrote:
I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

Although there can always be an exception trailers don't generally "come" with any batteries at all ... usually the battery is added by the dealer. In most cases that means a basic G24 battery unless otherwise requested by the buyer to install more or that he/she may want AGM instead of flooded, etc. In your case, if you always camp where shore power is available you need no more than a basic G24 battery.

[westend]

RRZNagas wrote:
I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

Good deal, problem solved. 🙂
If you have two GC2 6V golf cart batteries, you might be able to run your CPAP machine for a few nights, away from a pedestal. That may broaden your camping experiences.

There have been a few discussions in the "Tech Issues" section of this Forum about CPAP operation. Many solutions to running a CPAP from either 120V or 12V.

Having two batteries is a good operational scheme. The two batteries will cycle down less than a single, therefore, longevity should be increased. It's always better to start with two alike batteries than a combination of used and new but circumstances sometimes come into play. I'd suggest to really charge the single battery you have. Do an equalization charge on it (16V until boiling electrolyte, stop). Finally, if you have a hydrometer or the rig is in a shop, dip all the cells and accurately assess the battery's health.

Good luck with the battery and theft situation.

[RRZNagas]

I’m not an electrician or rv battery specialist, so when the Jayco comes with two batteries, I assume that it’s for a reason. So I got one to replace the stolen one.

[SoundGuy]

pianotuna wrote:
My OEM converter is 40 amps. That's twenty 1156 bulbs. I have 16. If they all are turned on then the converter won't be too happy. Therefore a working battery is often a good thing to have.

What has this got to do with anything? :h The OP finally confirmed he had two 12 volt batteries, one was stolen, so he still has one left. He also said they "don't boondock" so my question was - if that means they never camp without shore power why replace the stolen battery? Now five pages of discussion and the OP still hasn't answered this question. :R