What battery should I buy?

[jstaffon]

My new Rockwood came with two Exide batteries, 12v wired in parallel. I've thought about going to 6 volt batteries in series but they are too heavy for me to lift in and out of my 5th wheel...not to mention the cost. I'm interested in everyone's opinion on the best brand and configuration. I've looked at Trojan 27TMX and SCS225 and other brands like Interstate and Exide. Haven't been too impressed with my current Exides. Someone also told me about "Deka Marine/RV" but haven't ever heard of it. Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[westend]

I'd bet putting the CCA rating on the case is probably a marketing tool.


I own a couple of East Penn's Pure Lead AGM batteries. They work out fine. I don't know if it is still published but Deka had a whole white paper w/testing about their AGM batteries. It was pretty eye-opening at the extremes they went to, to test batteries.

[Crazy_Ray]

CROWN 6 VOLTS 235 Amp Hours

[marcsbigfoot20b]

Well they do have 2 types of batteries. Only one of them is dual purpose on the AGM chart.
Even the 6 volt AGM deep cycle has CCA rating.

Intimidator Starting and Cycling Service batteries
means high starting and moderate deep cycle power.
Ideal for boaters that want high cranking power and
still enjoy dependable power for more electronic
accessories.

The Sams club battery is the 8A31DTM but it is branded as Duracell 31DTMAGM heavy duty deep cycle.
Intimidator Heavy-Duty Deep Cycle batteries have
more fish-finding trolling and accessory power. Ideal
for heavy deep cycle demands, with moderate
starting power. Provides advanced protection against
the typical deep discharge of extended trolling use.

East Penn / Dekka AGM batteries

[pianotuna]

Lifeline Deep Cycle AGM quote an cold cranking amp number. So do Rolls.

theoldwizard1 wrote:

To me, any battery that advertises a Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating is NOT a true deep discharge battery.

[theoldwizard1]

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:


Theses batteries made by East Penn don’t need water so you won’t have to move them to check. Good reviews. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-agm-deep-cycle-marine-and-rv-battery-group-size-31dtmagm/prod...

To me, any battery that advertises a Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating is NOT a true deep discharge battery.

[Jim2007]

Hi.. We camp with hookup all the time.. I use 12 volt interstate battery and usually get about 5 years of service.. Jim2007

[gdavidg]

I would look at Interstate batteries in 12V. If you lose one 6V battery you are out of luck. I have 2 Group 24 12V in my camper from 2012 and they still are going strong. I may have jinxed them!!! Ha.

Do a little shopping to get best prices, I got two size 94 for my Dodge 1 ton and got quotes for $250 each and found them at a local auto parts store for $165 each.

[babock]

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:
Theses batteries made by East Penn don’t need water so you won’t have to move them to check. Good reviews. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-agm-deep-cycle-marine-and-rv-battery-group-size-31dtmagm/prod...

Yep...that is the company that makes the Deka battery. Very good battery if you stick with 12V.

[marcsbigfoot20b]

jstaffon wrote:

marcsbigfoot20b27 wrote:
How much money is too much for a battery? as in what is your budget per battery?
Why do you have to move the batteries so much? .....to fill them with water?

For $180 each you can get an AGM deep cycle 105 amp hour 12 volt made by East Penn/Dekka that has almost ZERO maintenance and is more forgiving than flooded batteries....made in USA.

I guess I don't move them much but when I do move them it's very hard for me to bend over with that much weight. I've had a couple back surgeries. I guess the more I think about it, I only moved them in my old camper. My new Rockwood has a switch to isolate the camper from the batteries so I can leave them in the camper. $180/each is well within my budget. Would the DC31DT be a comparable battery?

Theses batteries made by East Penn don’t need water so you won’t have to move them to check. Good reviews. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-agm-deep-cycle-marine-and-rv-battery-group-size-31dtmagm/prod...

[Lwiddis]

“I guess the more I think about it,..”

[theoldwizard1]

3oaks wrote:
I would go with 12v Interstate batteries. They were always my preference.

What ever you choose, make sure they are TRUE deep cycle batteries. They will last longer than dual purpose "marine/RV" batteries.

[3oaks]

I would go with 12v Interstate batteries. They were always my preference.

So there you go, we all have our own personal preferences. The choice is yours. :@

[theoldwizard1]

According to Trojan specs their T105 (GC2) battery weight 62 lbs

SC225 weights 66 lbs
27TMX weights 55 lbs

Druacell GC2 are 60 lbs

time2roll wrote:
Get the 6 volters. Get help if needed to put them in.

Concur !

[time2roll]

Get the 6 volters. Get help if needed to put them in.