6V vs 12 V & Flooded vs AGM vs Lithium Poll

[tpastorini]

Hope I do this right. Seeing a lot of debate on batteries. I would like to conduct a poll.

Do you have 6 Volt Batteries or 12 Volt?

What type of battery do you have?

Lead Acid, AGM or Lithium ION

[Jagiven]

Just switched to 12V AMG.

Would have liked dual 6V, but have tongue restrictions.

[GeorgiaRV]

I have used flooded lead, AGM and now Lithium batteries. The lithium hands down are the best performing batteries out there!

[prm99v6]

Running six 6-volt AGMs. At the time Battleborn was pretty much the only game in drop-in replacement lithium and were $1k each. The six lead acid (US Battery) batteries in my other trailer lasted almost ten years before I switched to AGM. My AGMs are Lifeline batteries and given their reputation hopefully will last a long time as well.

In October Costco had Lion Energy lithium batteries on sale for 699.50. If that had been the case three years ago, I would have bought four of these instead of six AGMs. It’s the second time they have gone on sale for that price.

A lot has changed over the last three years. When it’s time to replace my AGMs it will be with lithium.

[Bookemdanno]

two 12v lithium here.

[Jay2504]

Currently 1 group 31 12volt FLA battery that is a little over 5 years old. In the spring I will have either 1 or 2 AGM batteries, size not yet determined. Jay

[SmokerBill]

I just replaced my 8 year old Trojan T-105's with a new pair of the same type of Trojans. The old ones would drop down to 12 volts with minimal use. The new ones are still at 12.3 to 12.4 volts after a night of using the furnace.

[Mahatnmacoat]

I voted lithium but at the moment I have 12 volt FLA in the motor home. At almost the same day I bought the MH I came into five brand new G27 FLA batteries, (Walmart). After the first one dies it's lithium for us.

[JFlightRisk]

Only one 12 volt FLA, the original now 8 years old and still going strong. We don't boondock, so it's sufficient. When it gives up, an AGM will replace it.

[MichaelO]

I have two 6 volt batteries in mine. Next I plan to go with lithium ion. I’m thinking about buying some cells and building my own.

[pconroy]

12V flooded. battery #3 - the first two got abused out of my ignorance.


Once I'm confident I won't kill it, I may spend more and go AGM.

[ranchosinvacas]

My original 12 volt Interstate group 24 lead acid battery lasted a full 6 years.
Always unhooked it from the TT and stored it while connected to a trickle charger.
My newly purchased 12 volt O'Reilly's group 27 lead acid battery is always taken off the TT when not in use and is also connected to a trickle charger.
The initial battery did not fail, I just figured it was time for a new battery.
We usually camp with full hook-ups, but if not we always take along a generator.

[Duke4857]

I have flooded led acid batteries. We have a 2 12 volt bank of Interstate batteries that camp with the TT. I added another bank of 2 6 volt Trogon 105 batteries that came off the camp trailer we traded in on the Jayco. I have switches to run only one bank at a time since they are different voltages. If we were full time or spent a lot of time in the TT, I would consider something different.

[gypsmjim]

I have used them all. As far as cost performance, a Lead Acid is the best. The extra cost of an AGM does not provide proportionally longer life. They must be maintained though.

For locally available easy to find batteries, Auto Zone sells the best. But, for an all out superior product Trojan makes the best RV battery.

YMMV. My opinion is based on owning boats and RVs since 1968.

[tpastorini]

Thanks to everyone participating. seems like for most of us, this is an economic issue and for others that absolutely need the off-grid performance, they are willing to pay for the upgrade.

all comments have been appreciated.

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by tpastorini

Thanks to everyone participating. seems like for most of us, this is an economic issue and for others that absolutely need the off-grid performance, they are willing to pay for the upgrade.

all comments have been appreciated.

We have been Off-grid for 27 years. When I retired I finally broke down and paid to have a power pole installed. I'm pretty thrifty, you see....LOL. That was 4 years ago.

At one time I had 2 boats, a car and an RV on AGM. Funny thing they all crapped out about the same time.

I have a charging regimen and I can tell a year ahead when I need to replace a battery. After being disappointed with my AGMs I switched back.

I must say that my Trojan Lead Acid is the best battery I ever bought. It costs as much as an AGM, maybe even more, but that sucker really has some guts.

For me its not economics. At my age its not what it costs, its eliminating hassle.

[Duke4857]

There is some great information on this thread. Thank you for starting tpastorini.

[Stingray75]

Have a pair of group27 12v interstate batteries. With the trailer at the dealer again, I’m sure they will be dead for the second time in about a year. Good info here to help me decide what my next move will be.

[jimmoore13]

My choice:
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc115
A pair of these delivers 115 USABLE amp hours...a bit more than a pair of 12 volt The price is right, and both Duracell and Batteries Plus Bulbs back them up.
They also sold specific battery boxes meant to fit in the tongue rack on most small campers.

400 watts of solar on the roof. In sunny Colorado, 400 watts of solar has the batteries topped off by about 1 PM, so I have essentially unlimited battery power for as long as my black tank holds out. I even use an inverter to run an electric blanket for about 20 minutes to take the chill off the bed -- at the expense of about 10 AH.

I do have a generator to run the microwave and latte machine. You know, roughing it.

If you have a Batteries Plus Bulbs near you, that's a great option.

[Sbrinson]

I had used dual deep cycle 12 Vot FLA's for several years. Substantial off-grid boondocking during hunting season. Some on-site solar panels for recharging during good weather. Replaced them with two 6 Volt Trojan T-105 FLA's. The improvement has been noticeable.