Battery Replacement

[drk98]

We're at the 3 year mark of owning our Redhawk. The engine battery is toast and the coach battery would barely start it, even though it stays plugged into power. I guess it's time to replace both.

What have you'll decided to use as a replacement for the coach battery? We rarely dry camp and don't use solar, so I just want a good solid replacement that doesn't require changing the inverter/charger. I don't mind spending the money on a top quality replacement but don't won't to go overboard.

[RetiredOne]

I had to replace the chassis battery on my brand new unit that was 6 months old. I went with a Everstart Maxx from Walmart. Good ratings, decent warranty, and Walmarts are everywhere...

I added a second coach battery (I had a second slot under the stairs) and went with a Everstart Deep Cycle, for the same reason.

If you don't do a lot of boondocking, you don't need to go crazy with batteries. Some here will tell you to go with 2 - 6 volt golf cart batteries, but if you don't boondock much or rarely run off the batteries for an extended time, you probably don't need to go that route.

[drmike961]

If you do decide on the 2 6 volt cart batteries make sure you measure first. My 2019 24B has the house batteries in the steps and they barely fit 2 group 24 cells. Golf cart batteries are too tall.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by drmike961

If you do decide on the 2 6 volt cart batteries make sure you measure first. My 2019 24B has the house batteries in the steps and they barely fit 2 group 24 cells. Golf cart batteries are too tall.

When I got my 24B, I thought about long term dry camping and battery life. But the reality is, I'd doubt we would ever do that, first, wifey isn't that adventurous, and second, we like to play tourist and travel around an area, so pulling into a CG late in the day is the normal plan. We never plan on staying in one place long term.

So, 2 - Group 24 batteries should be plenty and if I need to give them a juicing, we have multiple ways to do that: run the RV's engine, run the generator, plug into shore power, and 4th choice, get a solar panel set-up. Plus, minding power usage is important too..

[curver900]

Originally Posted by drk98

We're at the 3 year mark of owning our Redhawk. The engine battery is toast and the coach battery would barely start it, even though it stays plugged into power. I guess it's time to replace both.

What have you'll decided to use as a replacement for the coach battery? We rarely dry camp and don't use solar, so I just want a good solid replacement that doesn't require changing the inverter/charger. I don't mind spending the money on a top quality replacement but don't won't to go overboard.

roadrunner batteries make a fine AGM for a reasonable price if it is available in your area...


I just replaced my 2 12v with 2 6v from Costco....

[RogerR]

I would test the coach battery to see if it holds a charge and how much. It is not intended to be used to start the engine and is usually ( not sure about yours) located a long way from the starter with undersized wiring. It may be fine, just not able to do the job due to location and wiring.

No point in replacing unless you really need to if you don't intend to use it anyway. Ours get used for occasional overnights in a parking lot or when the power goes out. Not for extended boondocking.

[drk98]

I’ve measured the battery tray on our Redhawk and there isn’t room for 2 6v batteries. It came with a size 27 but looks like there is room for a 31.

Does anyone have experience with the NAPA or Interstate deep cycle? The optima AGM looks good on paper but the reviews on Amazon are pretty weak of late.

Some sites are suggesting a Renology battery on Amazon. Anyone go this route?

[drk98]

^^^ Any opinions?

[Jagiven]

My only generally speaking I would recommend a true deep cycle battery. However, in a MH where you can use the house battery to start the engine, you may want to consider a dual purpose battery, as it has better cold cranking amps, then a deep cycle.