maggie blair Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 I have two nine year old house batteries that are not holding a charge. Does it matter the type of batteries I buy to replace the old ones. I have heard golf cart batteries or marine batteries. Any suggestions? Maggie Blair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 You want your batteries to be true, deep cycle batteries. If it were me, I would buy two, 6v golf cart batteries and then connect them in series. You may now have either 6v or 12v batteries and the first are wired in series while the second would be in parallel. If you are not sure, you can easily tell which you have by looking at the top of the batteries. See the pictures, first a 6V and second is a 12v. Notice that the 6v has only one gang of three cell openings while the 12v has two gangs of three cell openings each, for a total of 6 cells. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 Might want to look into AGM. They are more money but don't off gas. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 You want your batteries to be true, deep cycle batteries. If it were me, I would buy two, 6v golf cart batteries and then connect them in series. Agreed. Depending on the size of your battery compartment there may be some limitations on what size of battery you can actually carry.. measure first, but a true deep cycle battery is going to be the best option for a "house" battery bank. Marine batteries are what some call a "hybrid" battery. A cross between a standard starter battery.. like you would use in an automobile... and a deep cycle. "Big box" stores like Sam's club or Costco sell a fairly inexpensive 6v "golf cart" deep cycle battery that is suitable. For full timers I would generally recommend moving up a class and going with something more like a trojan. They DO cost more, but taken care of properly will last longer, provide more storage capacity over the life of the battery and are generally more reliable. Unless there is a specific 'need' for AGM's, or you're willing to pay more for the convenience of not having to check water levels from time to time, they are generally not worth the additional cost. Just a general comparison... 2-6v "big box" deep cycle batteries will run you right around $160. Trojan class.. $250. AGM's... $600. Doubling that for 4 - 6v's (which is quite common among full timers) you can see the price differences can sting a little right quick. One additional consideration would be availability in the event of a battery failure. With "big box" batteries a single battery replacement of the same make may not always be available. Ie., the golf cart battery sold by Sam's in Florida may not necessarily be the same battery being sold by Sam's in Texas. With Trojan's or the like.. they will be available just about anywhere and a trojan's a trojan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 One other area where an AGM might be a good buy is if you recharge using a generator and have a high amperage charger. The faster charge rate of an AGM in that situation can cut generator run time so you have less stink, vibration and noise. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 The faster charge rate of an AGM in that situation can cut generator run time Quite true. The lower self discharge rates (1.5-2% vs 10-15%/30) are a plus as well. They can sit for months with no need for "tending". They certainly have distinct advantages if the price doesn't scare you. Even on solar.. with a system capable of producing sufficient current, charge times are significantly reduced. With the way prices are coming down on LFP's though it probably won't be long before the choices narrow to deep cycle wet cells or LFP's over AGM's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayco1 Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 I like less stink, vibration, and noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newt Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 Maggie, if your batteries have lasted 9 years, you're doing something right. Newt 2012 HitchHiker Discover America 345 LKSB 2009 Dodge/Cummins LIVINGSTON TX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 Maggie, if your batteries have lasted 9 years, you're doing something right. Newt X2! Maggie, I would buy exactly the same brand, group#, and specs as the old ones. Stay with what has worked very well for you. 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 Maggie, if your batteries have lasted 9 years, you're doing something right. I believe that Maggie just recently bought the RV and those batteries are in it, but don't hold a charge. Who knows how long it may have been since they were last properly cared for and did hold sufficient charge? Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sehc Posted July 18, 2016 Report Share Posted July 18, 2016 I purchased six volt golf cart batteries from Batteries Plus Bulbs. $109 each. 230 amp hour rated. Labeled Duracell. Made by East Penn, Deka Battery. Very happy with them during this past year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Quiet Assassin Posted July 19, 2016 Report Share Posted July 19, 2016 Wet cell golf cart batteries are known to give the most bang for your storage buck.Yes they do need to be check regularly and topped up with distilled water. AGM batteries need less attention but need a slightly different charge regime. make sure your charger has the appropriate settings. Not all AGM batteries tolerate deep cycling. Beware of batteries labelled leasure generally they are not really tolerant of deep cycling. If anyone tries to sell you lithium based batteries be really really sure you fully understand the required very specialized charging and individual cell equalizing required. FT since September 2007 Safari Trek + M/C http://johncarolandcharro.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 Quite true. The lower self discharge rates (1.5-2% vs 10-15%/30) are a plus as well. They can sit for months with no need for "tending". They certainly have distinct advantages if the price doesn't scare you. Even on solar.. with a system capable of producing sufficient current, charge times are significantly reduced. With the way prices are coming down on LFP's though it probably won't be long before the choices narrow to deep cycle wet cells or LFP's over AGM's. Michael & Layne Future Full Time DRV 5th Wheel Owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 What is a "LFP"? Michael & Layne Future Full Time DRV 5th Wheel Owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 Breed of Lithium battery. LiFePo in longhand. I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRich Posted August 28, 2016 Report Share Posted August 28, 2016 I have personally used the Trojan 6v, T-105-RE (If you're really on a budget, the T-105 can be had for about $119) with huge success, plus the price is right! I got my entire 200w solar kit and two Trojan 6v deep cycle flooded batteries for about $850 complete. I used the great folks at Solar Penny, solarpenny.com, in Mesa AZ. If you're just looking for batteries, give the Trojans a try. I'm at four years with this set and they're still doing fine. If there isn't a Trojan dealer in your area, call the main office and they can help you. http://rtrvg.com/blog/ 2004 Coachman, F-53, 36' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olyeller Posted September 8, 2016 Report Share Posted September 8, 2016 I just bought 2 new 12V Interstate Group 74 Deep Cycle batteries at Costco for $79 each. They also had Group 72's for $72 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
297550 Posted September 15, 2016 Report Share Posted September 15, 2016 Might want to look into AGM. They are more money but don't off gas. Glenn's right ... ZERO maintenance on AGM's and they can be mounted in any orientation. Pricey, but when they say maintenance free, they're not kidding. I use Lifeline, but there are other good manufacturers. 2017 KZ Durango Gold 381REF, 8K morRYDE IS, Disc brakes, 17.5" Hi Spec Aluminum Wheels w Goodyear G114 H rated tires 2016 F350 King Ranch DRW, 3.73, 4x4, Super Duty Crew Cab, 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel. 26,760 CGVW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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