New member battery question

[likestrucks]

Hi everyone. Just joined the forum, recently acquired a new to us 2005 Keystone Hornet Lite 24 RSL. Question is about the battery, the only real information I can read off the label on the battery is that it is a Group 48. Is this even a deep cycle battery? From what I can find online, this is a European sized car battery and I cannot find any deep cycle batteries sold in a Group 48. Did I get this trailer with a starting battery instead of a deep cycle? Is there any way to visually tell the difference between a starting battery and a deep cycle battery? Any input is appreciated.

[likestrucks]

Thanks for all the information.

[BubbaChris]

likestrucks wrote:
I saw that Coleman 200 watt solar kit at Costco, looks like a good deal. Would they just delay the discharge or would they keep the batteries topped off indefinitely? When we camp we basically only sleep in the trailer and then we are out and about, so light usage is pretty minimal, no TV, just need the batteries to run the water pump and the circuits for the fridge while it burns LP.

If you end up running the heater at night, the blower will also be drawing from your battery.

[Dakota98]

likestrucks wrote:
Thanks for the info Dakota98. Everywhere I read says to only discharge the battery by 30-50%, how do you monitor that? I am used to hookups but I am venturing into the world without electricity, so I am trying to figure out how to best set myself up

Yes, 50% SOC is the sweet spot, not below.

Get a hand held volt meter & measure the battery SOC @ the terminals.
Whenever you're connected to shore power, disconnect from it before taking a reading.

Depending on how often & for how many days at a time you boondock, I believe you need bigger batteries & a method for charging them. Generator, maybe a portable battery charger, Solar.

Here's a chart for reference, which I believe is also in the article "12 volt side of life".

[pianotuna]

200 watt for $669

A little bit pricy.

Try here: solar wholesaler

[ewarnerusa]

likestrucks wrote:
I saw that Coleman 200 watt solar kit at Costco, looks like a good deal. Would they just delay the discharge or would they keep the batteries topped off indefinitely? When we camp we basically only sleep in the trailer and then we are out and about, so light usage is pretty minimal, no TV, just need the batteries to run the water pump and the circuits for the fridge while it burns LP.

I'm not sure what kit you are talking about, but 200 watts of solar seems like a good match with your description of power use and the existing single battery. If the panels are in the sun all day, I think it would easily keep pace with your energy demand and have your battery topped off daily. Even if you were to upgrade to 2 batteries, 200 watts might be on the low side of necessary watts but it will still do a good job. Swap out your incandescent bulbs to LEDs and your power usage will noticeably drop.

"Kits" are almost always more expensive than pricing out components individually and putting your own system together. If it costs more than $500 I would certainly look into building it yourself.

[Lance72]

i got a car battery with mine. I always have electric hookup where I go so I am not too concerned with the battery.

[3oaks]

old guy wrote:
you would be very surprised on how many TT right off the dealers lot that come with car batteries on them.

That's because car batteries don't cost them as much as a true deep cycle battery. Anything to meet electric brake requirements and get you off the lot. :R

[likestrucks]

I saw that Coleman 200 watt solar kit at Costco, looks like a good deal. Would they just delay the discharge or would they keep the batteries topped off indefinitely? When we camp we basically only sleep in the trailer and then we are out and about, so light usage is pretty minimal, no TV, just need the batteries to run the water pump and the circuits for the fridge while it burns LP.

[rbpru]

X2 on the battery disconnect. The phantom loads will draw my battery down in 4 or 5 days. I pull the ground wire when I am not on shore power.

[old_guy]

you would be very surprised on how many TT right off the dealers lot that come with car batteries on them.

[Crazy_Ray]

use volt meter. jmo

[RoyB]

You best bang for the bucks would be to get two 6VDC GOLF CART batteries and connect in series to get 12VDC. This will give around 220AHs of capacity for around $180 plus old cores. Usually they don't care what the two old cores are - just bring along two old dead batteries...

You will need at least two batteries if you plan on camping off the power grid any. Even better if you add a couple of 120WATT SOLAR PANELS to this setup it wil work out for you just fine camping off the power grid...

You can get Get this price at COSTCO or SAM'CLUB - Don't know if you can do up north or not????

Roy Ken

[likestrucks]

Thanks for the info Dakota98. Everywhere I read says to only discharge the battery by 30-50%, how do you monitor that? I am used to hookups but I am venturing into the world without electricity, so I am trying to figure out how to best set myself up

[Dakota98]

I did some searching also & it appears depending on what web site you visit, it indicates that they are primarily a starting battery but can be used in deep cycle applications.

I did see them rated at about 70Ah, which isn't very much.

You'll use about 35 amps a day just running the frig & sensors, nothing else. that would drain the battery to 50% SOC & would need re-charging at that point

If you're always connected to shore power, it will work, otherwise replace it.

Also, if the TT doesn't already have a battery disconnect switch, I highly encourage you to install one.