Two batteries or one?

[wnelsonfl]

We are setting out on a three month journey in May. I am sure some where along the line we will be parked without an electrical connection. Does anyone have an opinion on using an extra battery and if so what battery would be best? We have recently purchased a Flagstaff Micro lite 21FRBS.

[VikingFan4evr]

All dealers i have talked to have always said 2 batteries. Deep cycle are the best with the higher CCA number the better. It also depends on how much you use lights, AC, etc. because they can drain batteries substantially. If you are going boondocking a generator to charge batteries is nice to have. Good Luck on your trip.

[GlacierGus]

wnelsonfl, I have basically the same TT as you do. Last summer I took it to Alaska for 3 months. I have two batteries. I like to have the extra battery capacity because I often boondock for 2 or 3 days at a time. Just cheap insurance that you will have electricity. Have a great trip!

[grayfox]

Originally Posted by wnelsonfl

We are setting out on a three month journey in May. I am sure some where along the line we will be parked without an electrical connection. Does anyone have an opinion on using an extra battery and if so what battery would be best? We have recently purchased a Flagstaff Micro lite 21FRBS.

Plenty of info on the forum. Just doe a search and you'll find alot of info. on the subject.

[bikendan]

if you rarely dry camp or boondock and will only be staying one night, then one battery is fine.

if you plan on dry camping or boondocking for more than a couple of nights, then you should go to a two batteries setup. and think about an inverter generator to recharge the batteries.

we almost always dry camp so we have two 12v deep cycle batteries and a Honda 2000w inverter generator.

[TeresaInCAL]

I think two is a must! Sooner or later, it's likely you're going to be boondocking, and need the 2nd battery.

[raspivey]

Originally Posted by VikingFan4evr

Deep cycle are the best with the higher CCA number the better. It also depends on how much you use lights, AC, etc. because they can drain batteries substantially.

If it has a CCA number on it stay away. Those are generally (with the exception of some hybrid batteries ) starting batteries and aren't really suitable for this application. You won't be using anything but lights / fans / furnace / fridge controls on 12V but some of that can draw a good amount of power. Just be careful with usage. If that's a new Micro Lite it should have LED lighting for the most part and that will help out. What's normally put on a trailer at the dealership is a marine type battery that's not quite as good as a true deep cycle but will do the job fine as long as you take care of them. I've had good luck so far ( 4 years on two trailers with the same two batteries ) just adding a group 24 marine battery from Wal Mart right after I bought my first one. About the same size and age...or close enough that it hasn't made a difference. I get a good three days if I watch it without dropping to less than around 60% charge. I only use it about three times a year on battery but I consider it worth it.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by VikingFan4evr

Deep cycle are the best with the higher CCA number the better.

this is incorrect. CCA stands for cold cranking amps, which are useless for a deep cycle battery and for a trailer. it's only useful for starting an engine.

you want at least Amp Hour Capacity or Reserve Capacity for a true deep cycle battery, which is the best for a trailer.

this should be required reading for anyone wanting to learn about batteries and RV's, should read this:

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

there's also a Part II.

[Herk7769]

For "house batteries" like ours, amp hour rating is what to look for.

As stated CCA is the ability to deliver a lot of amps in a short period of time to start a cold engine. Usually minutes till dead.

RC is also measured in minutes of life but is more indicative of capacity. It will give you an idea of how long the battery will last if your alternator dies.

Only AH rating should be used when buying storage batteries.

RC can be converted to AH for comparison purposes be multiplying the RC in minutes by 0.4167