Which battery to buy?

[etex211]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Wouldn't you rather have a "Blue top"? From what I've read, the red tops are great for high energy starting applications (like a motor that's been cammed over) and they charge and discharge very quickly. Just curious how a non-deep cycle is working out for you?

The non-deep cycle batteries are working out great for me. I don't dry camp. When I take my camper somewhere, I either hook up to electricity or I take my generator. When the camper is parked at home, it is always plugged in to my shop.

I hate marine batteries. They require too much maintenance, and they don't live a long life. I understand that deep cycle probably works best for most people and their campers, but not for me. This is what works best for me.

ETA: I probably don't need a second battery, either. I just put the second one on there because there was a place to put it.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by etex211

The non-deep cycle batteries are working out great for me. I don't dry camp. When I take my camper somewhere, I either hook up to electricity or I take my generator. When the camper is parked at home, it is always plugged in to my shop.

I hate marine batteries. They require too much maintenance, and they don't live a long life. I understand that deep cycle probably works best for most people and their campers, but not for me. This is what works best for me.

ETA: I probably don't need a second battery, either. I just put the second one on there because there was a place to put it.

So there you go. Another option for a different usage pattern.

I checked out the Everstarts at WM online. Out of stock across the board.

[Fairenatic]

I do not think anyone mentioned AGM batteries. A great battery if want to move the batteries off of the tongue of the trailer and inside a conditioned space, reduce charging damage during extreme temperatures, and increase Amp hours, have limited space and laying them on their side is required, they are also a solution to look into.

Cutting edge is Lithium Ion, but only for the solar nuts and heavy boondocking.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

I do not think anyone mentioned AGM batteries. A great battery if want to move the batteries off of the tongue of the trailer and inside a conditioned space, reduce charging damage during extreme temperatures, and increase Amp hours, have limited space and laying them on their side is required, they are also a solution to look into.

Cutting edge is Lithium Ion, but only for the solar nuts and heavy boondocking.

I completely agree. But the AGMs are pretty expensive for true deep cycles. On the site that I linked before, they run about 2x that of a regular flooded cell deep cycle battery.

I put an AGM in DW's car because we don't drive it that much, and it has worked out GREAT. Even that battery was about $170, which is a little rich for my blood, but worth it IMO for us for that application.

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

I completely agree. But the AGMs are pretty expensive for true deep cycles. On the site that I linked before, they run about 2x that of a regular flooded cell deep cycle battery.

I put an AGM in DW's car because we don't drive it that much, and it has worked out GREAT. Even that battery was about $170, which is a little rich for my blood, but worth it IMO for us for that application.

I run an AGM in my daily driver but that is because the battery is in the trunk (no dangerous hydrogen gasses that need to be vented, no spilling or corrosion, no maintenance). I am on year seven. Being in a climate controlled environment really makes a huge difference in battery life which can more than offset its higher initial cost.

Like others have said, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what your needs are. Tongue weights can be a real concern. Moving the standard location for batteries is just a smart thing to do if you are already on the limit with your TV or tongue weight like I am.

People really need to read the fine print on hitch limits. I was amazed at what I found on my RAM, even though it seems like overkill to some.

[Bassdogs]

Don't think anyone answered the 6v vs 12 v ??. Not sure I'm qualified but from my understanding the 6V cart batteries have larger plates and the extra lead is evident in the weight and this translates into more storage potential. The cart battery is designed for regular heavy use on a golf cart and are recharged daily and last a very long time. 12v deep cycles are good if you get one with high ah rating but they are not designed to get the abuse of a cart battery.

True if you a 6v goes bad you will lose house power in your RV. Keep in mind that if one of your 12v's goes bad it will quickly draw down the charge in the good one. In any regard, you have the TV to supply emergency power to retract slides etc.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

I do not think anyone mentioned AGM batteries

Just curious, what's the weight difference between an AGM and a flooded cell deep cycle?

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Just curious, what's the weight difference between an AGM and a flooded cell deep cycle?

Kinda hard to answer that one. It really depends on their rated capacity in Amp Hours.

This link should give you an idea though.

PDC Deep Cycle Series Battery Specifications Data