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Old 05-15-2013, 09:08 AM   #21
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Originally Posted by Capt. Mike View Post
I have a lot of experience with Everstart deep-cycle batteries from Wal-Mart on boats that I and friends have owned. You are over 3 years on that battery, and regardless of what the warranty is or how long Wal-Mart says it will last, you are on borrowed time with a 3 year old Everstart battery. We had three batteries in our boat, and we simply figured on replacing one every year, and then starting over again....and again...and again.
Have to agree here. My boat eats batteries too. It has two, and they have to be high CCA to roll over the 383 stroker in it. I went through a couple of evertsrat's with bad results.

Ironically, went ot O'reilly and had them order a different Marine battery, white case, house brand, high CCA, figured the same results, cost the same as wally world anyway. They have held in for 3 years now, which is exactly 2 years more than any everstart I have had.

On this subject - I pulled my battery that came new with our coach last year, it is the same style, a Marine cranking/deep cycle style, or hybrid. As Herk has explained, these are nto really deep cycle at all, but that is how they label them. Was pleased to see it is a local Missouri made battery (The Best Lead in the World according to the logo), but I assume it's fate will be similar, be surprised to get three years out of it and then will swap to a true deep cycle battery.
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Old 05-15-2013, 11:57 AM   #22
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While we're on the subject of battery brands, which brand should I get if I need to replace my current one? I think I've seen Duracell brand batteries at my local Sam's club. Not sure what brand my Advanced Auto Parts store has.
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Old 05-15-2013, 12:04 PM   #23
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To the OP, your electrical center in your trailer, commonly known as
the converter/power center should have make and model number inside
the front lid or front cover.
You or we can google and find owners manual and specs and output with
that information. Otherwise we are guessing.

That guy at batteries plus who said you have a trickle charger in your
rig doesn't know spit about RVs.
Check make and model number and get some good information.
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:05 PM   #24
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My Rockwood is equipped with a World Friendship Company, LTD model 8725 Power Converter. According to the manual I have it says it has a "Rapid Charge Mode". The manual says it should fully charge a battery in 4 hours. I'm thinking my battery must be fully charged at this point. I think I'll take it out and take it somewhere and have them test it for me. If I need to buy a new one what size marine battery should I get?
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:25 PM   #25
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Make sure you check the acid level in the battery, if its dry it is shot. Walmart batteries suck, 2 years tops. I use interstate batteries.
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:07 PM   #26
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My Rockwood is equipped with a World Friendship Company, LTD model 8725 Power Converter. According to the manual I have it says it has a "Rapid Charge Mode". The manual says it should fully charge a battery in 4 hours. I'm thinking my battery must be fully charged at this point. I think I'll take it out and take it somewhere and have them test it for me. If I need to buy a new one what size marine battery should I get?
That's a WFCO converter/charger. It will put out 25 amps, which is generally more than enough for a pup, and has three-stage charging. I think the mode you refer to is the bulk mode. My WFCO doesn't stay in that mode for long and certainly not for four hours. Anyway, the manual shouldn't state that it can fully charge in 4 hours because that is dependent on the size and type of battery.

Speaking of battery, you asked what size and this is dependent on your camping. Do you always have electric sites? If so, then a group 24 is all you need.

Do you often camp without power and for how long before recharging through a generator or on shore power? Depending on those needs, a group 27 or 31 12-volt will provide more capacity for you.

In summary, a small group 24 12-volt is good if you charge frequently while on a trip or are on shore power.

A group 27 or group 31 12-volt battery is a nice upgrade and will add capacity if you camp for more than a night or two (or are very frugal) before recharging.

You can look at a couple of 12-volts in parallel or 6-volts in series for even more capacity, but it gets more costly and heavy seeing as these are true deep-cycle batteries with thick plates.

So, the size of battery really depends on your power needs and the type of camping you do.
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:15 PM   #27
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I would say in most cases I camp at sites that have electric hook-ups. Although, this fall I am planning on going on a camping trip at a state park that does not have any hook-ups at all. My next question is how do I know if my battery is not sealed and might need water added?
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:38 PM   #28
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My next question is how do I know if my battery is not sealed and might need water added?
What is the make and model?

This should help you understand more that is important to batteries...

http://www.batteriesinaflash.com/deep-cycle-battery-faq
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:03 PM   #29
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It's an EverStart Maxx-29 Marine battery. I'm guessing it's a sealed battery because it says on the battery "do not open".
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:15 PM   #30
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My 2 cents:

If you did manage to hook the battery up backwards, the reverse polarity fuses in the converter will blow to prevent a dead short; thus no charging or 12 volt items working with the battery removed on shore power.

Also since incandescent DC house lights do not care about polarity; they will light just fine. Anything polarity dependent (like LEDs or the radio) won't work.

Lights pull 1.2 amps per bulb and a few lights on will kill a low capacity battery pretty quickly (even though "they look bright"). Remember a battery that is 50% discharged will have a resting voltage of about 12 volts and a fully charged battery will only register 0.7 volts higher. A completely dead battery (now dim) will read 11 volts or so.

That is not a lot of difference.

Hope this helps.
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:22 PM   #31
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I'm 100% sure I did not hook the battery up wrong. I've pulled the battery out and will take it somewhere tomorrow and have it tested. I have this sinking feeling I'll be buying a new battery.
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:32 PM   #32
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I'm 100% sure I did not hook the battery up wrong. I've pulled the battery out and will take it somewhere tomorrow and have it tested. I have this sinking feeling I'll be buying a new battery.
Just remember. If you have to replace it, buy a good one. A battery is not the place to try and save a few bucks. Your asking for trouble down the road if you do....
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Old 05-15-2013, 10:34 PM   #33
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Yeah, I plan to shop around. I know one thing I won't be buying it at Wal-Mart.
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Old 05-15-2013, 11:12 PM   #34
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Sears is having a sale on their batteries right now. I bought mine online last year for my Landcruiser and picked it up for free.

The DieHard Platinums are rebadged Odyssey batteries.
http://www.sears.com/automotive-batt...ries/s-1100201
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Old 05-16-2013, 07:14 AM   #35
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Thanks for the info on the Sears battery sale. Sears was one of the places I was going check out along with a local tire and battery store and a local auto parts store. Not planning on going to Walmart or Sam's Club.
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:09 PM   #36
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My battery was toast. I bought a new Exide Nautilus Marine Deep Cycle. Hopefully this one will last a few years.
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:14 PM   #37
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Hate to hear it but glad you solved the problem. Happy camping!
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:29 PM   #38
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My Rockwood is equipped with a World Friendship Company, LTD model 8725 Power Converter. According to the manual I have it says it has a "Rapid Charge Mode". The manual says it should fully charge a battery in 4 hours. I'm thinking my battery must be fully charged at this point. I think I'll take it out and take it somewhere and have them test it for me. If I need to buy a new one what size marine battery should I get?
That's a 25 amp charger, and get as big a battery as you can fit
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:30 PM   #39
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Thanks you. I feel better now that I have a good battery for my camping trip Memorial Day weekend. Hey and I was on the Exide website and my new battery qualifies for a $10 rebate. The battery cost me $89.99 plus tax. Not too bad.
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