How long should a Battery last>

[sandy43]

I have a single 12V Interstate battery that came with the 5vr, 3 1/2 yrs old. It seems to be working just fine. I don't dry camp and always leave it plugged in when not traveling. Just curious what others have experienced and what your opinions might be. Thanks

[Javi]

Last trailer battery lasted about 18 months, never ran it dry, or down.. kept it charged... I'm thinking you're on borrowed time

[Festus2]

How long your battery will live depends upon a number of factors -- its quality, what you use it for, what kind of care and maintenance you give it (including charging rates), etc.

I've had 2 6V Trojans in there since '08 - that's 7 years and they show no signs of packing it in. But like Javi said, maybe they are living on borrowed time.

[Steve S]

I have a friend that's a salesman for Interstate batteries and he always says that if you take care of your batteries they'll take care of you.
I think if you can get 7 or 8 yrs out of high quality batteries then you're doing something right

[chuckster57]

If you leave it plugged in, make sure to check the water level in the cells often.

My previous trailer had a pair of optima blue tops, when I wasn't camping I disconnected them and reconnected and plugged in a couple of days before heading out. They lasted about 8 years, current rig has a pair of Interstate GP 24's. They don't get disconnected, trailer stays plugged in and water checked monthly. They are good and only about 2 1/2 yrs old.

[Steve S]

Hey chuckster, I use distilled water and there's people that use tap water.
What's your opinion on this?

[chuckster57]

I was told NEVER to use tap water as it contains minerals that can react with the lead plates causing premature failure.

Here is a link with tons of great information:

http://www.progressivedyn.com/battery_basics.html

[theeyres]

My one battery is original...now 4 or 5 years old. Still works fine for getting us to campsites. But dry camping? If we are very careful...two nights, maybe? Beyond that I have to get out the generator. Back in the days of more dry camping I wouldn't do it without two 6 volters.

[howard]

We have the same year and model Alpine and we do not dry camp. I suspect you are probably going to be due for a new battery. The Interstate battery lasted a little over 2 years. I bought a replacement at Wal-Mart (their brand) and after about a year and a half it would not hold a charge. Wal-Mart checked it, then replaced it with a new one, no questions asked and no pro-ration. Note however that although the replacement battery was brand new, I was not given a new warranty. The warranty is due to expire on the same day as the original battery I purchased from them. In other RV's I've owned the battery seems to last 2-3 years.

[Cougar1957]

No dry camping here either, and I usually get 5 years out of my batteries no matter the brand. I let mine run down between camping trips because I was told long ago that it is better for a marine/rv battery to let discharge a bit between charging.