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Old 08-29-2017, 12:15 PM   #1
DorothynJon
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Batteries - lots of choices!

Been out in our new 5er a few times as we prep for Full Time in November. Reading, researching, getting ourselves educated as much as possible. So here's today's question: Which battery (ies) would you buy?

My guess is the battery that came with the RV is the cheapest acceptable battery on the market and it is located in a very inconvenient location to try to maintain properly. Since we are planning on doing a fair amount of boondocking, I want to make sure we've got good batteries. I've pretty well decided on getting AGMs since they seem to be the best on the market right now. I was looking at getting it/them at Batteries + Bulbs since they are a nationwide chain.

1. Is there a particular brand/size AGM you would recommend?
2. Is there a better store to buy from?
3. Would you get one or two?

Any other thoughts/suggestions on the subject would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Old 08-29-2017, 12:27 PM   #2
Desert185
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I bought two, Costco, 6v, golf cart batteries ($83/each), a NOCO battery box and a 7"-9" battery cable with eyelets on both ends to connect the two together. Those and LED lighting makes for a dramatic difference. Pretty easy modification.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-60431.html
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Old 08-29-2017, 12:35 PM   #3
jamcbride
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Great questions. We don't camp too much off the grid but if I did I would seriously consider solar. They make some great mobile units. I think Zamp is a good one. Check out full time RVers in YouTube. Keep Your Daydream. https://youtu.be/fyui_Tat76c


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Old 08-29-2017, 12:55 PM   #4
JRTJH
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I tried AGM batteries in my ATV's and did not have good success with them. During the winter in Michigan the batteries sit dormant and once they lose a charge, they are pretty much toast. In the RV environment, there is a similar "dormant period" for the batteries. That coupled with the stringent charging requirements make them a "finicky choice" for most RV'ers. I've found (as have many others) that when "bang for the buck" and "longevity" are major factors in choosing a battery system, golf cart batteries sort of rise to the top of the list. Mine are 4 years old, sit in a cold garage during the winter and get used almost constantly during the camping season. They are "as good today" as they were when I installed them back in 2014.

So, if you're wanting to boondock, discharge your batteries repetitively, use a quick charge system to recharge them during those trips and expect them to be a good investment that you won't be replacing every year, I'd urge you to consider a 6 volt golf cart battery system. Big, heavy, reliable and they will take the "beating" you'll be giving them in a "boondocking environment".....
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Old 08-29-2017, 01:07 PM   #5
Festus2
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My advice would be to go with 2 6v golf cart type batteries and I would recommend the Trojan line - I have had T104's since '09 and they are still performing very well. The disadvantages of 6v's are their initial cost and the weight. Both of these are minor when you consider their longevity and performance. Another drawback is that if one of 6v batteries "goes" you are left with no juice until the dead one is recharged or replaced.
Otherwise, the benefits, to me, outweigh the disadvantages.
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Old 08-29-2017, 03:50 PM   #6
Outback 325BH
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Another vote for 6v Trojan T105 batteries.

Also, the "drawback" of having only one 6v if one goes dead isn't really a disadvantage from a 12v scenario. If a 12v goes dead, odds are the other one has been drained dead by the bad battery before you discover the problem.


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Old 08-29-2017, 04:03 PM   #7
B-O-B'03
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I made this post recently in another thread.

I am very happy with my decision.

-Brian
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