Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-26-2013, 01:46 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Selecting House battery replacements

I know this subject has been talked around but I feel it is one that can't be bypassed and should be on everyones minds year round.

The standard 12 volt Class 27 batteries that are installed in Georgetowns are basic batteries. Life expectance varies on climate, use and maintenance.

Now the Class 27 size are basically the same
They all have 6 cells
They are lead acid type

They all are made by a few manufacturers
The biggest being Johnson Controls who make them for
Walmart
Sams Club
Costco
Interstate

The differences are price and amperages.
The reason why is the Retailers label and the thickness of the actual cell plates.
The heavier the battery the thicker the plates which in turn makes a longer living battery that can handle and hold voltage longer.


We can also talk compare sealed AGM deep cycle batteries.


This should be really exciting




What is the main difference between a starting and a deep cycle battery?
1. A starting battery is designed for the purpose of starting the engine... thats it!
2. A marine/RV deep cycle battery is designed to have the capability of many deep discharges.
3. The deep cycle battery can handle hundreds of full discharges where a starting battery is usually in the 20-50 range.
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 02:01 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
I will start this off with

Sears who sell Diehard Batteries

They have 3 models and all 3 batteries are exactly the same price of $108 plus old battery exchange.

They are lead acid and are the same physical size.

Now here is the difference

Model 33027, 750 Cold Cranking Amps with 135 amps reserve, 50 lbs

Model 50727, 825 Cold Cranking Amps with 140 amps reserve, 49.5 lbs

Model 50527, 750 Cold Cranking Amps with 140 amps reserve, 48 lbs

As you can see they all are close but not sure which I would pick.. Do you?
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 02:18 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Tips to make your batteries last longer

Here are some great battery tips I found that can help all of us.

Top 7 Tips for Saving your RV Batteries

Did you know that almost 85 percent of all 12-volt batteries manufactured in the United States will die before they should?
The two most common causes for RV battery failure are undercharging and overcharging. Undercharging is a result of batteries being repeatedly discharged and not fully recharged between cycles. If a battery is not recharged the sulfate material that attaches to the discharged portions of the plates begins to harden into crystals. Over time, this sulfate cannot be converted back into active plate material and the battery is ruined. This also occurs when a battery remains discharged for an extended period of time. Sulfation is the number one cause of battery failure.


The second leading cause of battery failure is overcharging. Overcharging batteries results in severe water loss and plate corrosion. This is especially true when it comes to RV batteries. The RV converter has a built-in battery charger. Most owners are under the impression that if you leave the RV plugged in when it is being stored, the converter will keep the batteries topped off.


The problem is many converter chargers provide a constant charge of about 13.5 volts, which is too high for fully charged batteries, and the electrolyte is boiled off. The result is an early death for the batteries. The good news is both of these problems are avoidable.


Here are my Top 7 quick tips to help prevent your RV batteries from becoming a statistic.


1. Sulfation will occur when a battery’s state of charge drops below 80 percent, or 12.4 volts. Recharging a battery at an 80 percent state of charge will prevent sulfation. Using a battery charger, maintainer and conditioner like the Battery Minder will prevent sulfation, too.


2. Never let a battery discharge below 10.5 volts.


3. Reducing the battery’s depth of discharge will increase the life of the battery. A battery discharged to 50 percent every day (50 percent capacity remaining) will last twice as long as it would if it’s cycled to 80 percent (20 percent capacity remaining).


4. RVs have parasitic loads that will discharge the battery over time. Some, but not all, of these loads are LP-gas leak detectors, the TV antenna power booster, clocks, stereos and appliance circuit boards. If your RV is equipped with a battery disconnect switch, make sure it is in the OFF position when you’re not using the RV or when it is in storage. Batteries in storage will self discharge.
It’s not uncommon for a battery to discharge up to 10 percent a month. Check and recharge batteries in storage as required.


5. Hot temperatures and overcharging kill batteries. During hot weather or during high usage check the batteries frequently. Checking the electrolyte levels and adding distilled water as required can save your lead acid batteries.


6. Properly charging your batteries needs to be done in stages. A bulk charge should be performed to return the battery to 90 percent of a full charge in the first few hours. An absorption charge is used for the remaining 10 percent, and then a float charge to keep the battery fully charged.


7. Batteries should only be watered after charging, unless the plates are exposed prior to charging. If the plates are exposed, add just enough water to cover the plates. To get a quick picture of the battery’s condition, use a digital voltmeter. A fully charged battery should read about 12.7 volts. A battery reading of 12.4 volts or less should be charged to prevent sulfation. The battery should only be tested after resting for 12 hours. Resting means it has not been charged, or had a load placed on it over a 12-hour time period.

The sad news is most RV batteries only last two to three years. Through some routine maintenance and following some of these quick tips, you can double the life of your RV batteries.
.
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 02:25 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Western New York State
Posts: 1,923
Had my two batteries go on my old rig while in the process of looking for a new(er) rig, now our Georgetown. The Interstate's that were in the old rig were about six years old only. Replacement cost was $180 each! Bought two at Wal Mart for $70 each and I am sure they will last at least as long as the expensive Interstates, though I never did get any use out of them before trading the old rig in.
__________________
sherman12 and The Fabulous Miss Barb
2014 SportsCoach Cross Country 360DL DP
Former 2011 Georgetown 330TS
Kia Sportage on MasterTow Dolly
sherman12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 02:32 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Western New York State
Posts: 1,923
On another point, back in my boating days tooling around Lake Erie (0 to 5 foot waves in minutes) and there was a lot more at stake compared to RV'ing, all I used in my boat were Sears Diehards.
__________________
sherman12 and The Fabulous Miss Barb
2014 SportsCoach Cross Country 360DL DP
Former 2011 Georgetown 330TS
Kia Sportage on MasterTow Dolly
sherman12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 03:39 PM   #6
Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Merritt Island Fl.
Posts: 168
I like my new 6 volt golf cart batteries hooked in series. They are taller , heavier and more expensive than the twelves but I am told they will last a lot longer.
johnnypal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 04:52 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Whitehouse, Texas
Posts: 1,275
Iggy

Thanks for your informative response
I do have a question
I have a Progressive dynamic model pd9270 on my motorhome. When I store my coach I unplug the converter and then plug it into an extension cord so I will be keeping the coach batteries charged up. Is this okay or am I doing any damage to the coach batteries if they are stored this way for 4 to 6 weeks at a time.
The converter says it has an automatic boost mode, normal mode, storage mode and an equalizer mode.
Thanks
__________________
2013 Georgetown XL 378
2008 Honda CR-V
wrapperman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 05:00 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 251
I love you guys and your wisdom... however, what I need is a simple kick in the butt, point me in a direction and statement... "This is the one that you need!" I'm okay with that! ;-)
__________________
Chris
Cumming, GA
2013 Georgetown 351DSF

https://curban.smugmug.com/Urban-Fami...rgetown-351DSF
ChrisMSNT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 05:05 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by wrapperman View Post
Iggy
Thanks for your informative response
I do have a question
I have a Progressive dynamic model pd9270 on my motorhome. When I store my coach I unplug the converter and then plug it into an extension cord so I will be keeping the coach batteries charged up. Is this okay or am I doing any damage to the coach batteries if they are stored this way for 4 to 6 weeks at a time.
The converter says it has an automatic boost mode, normal mode, storage mode and an equalizer mode.
Thanks
I'm no expert but I also shutdown my battery power when stored.
I also have Progressive Dynamics PD9270 which is a smart battery charger. It is a great battery charger and battery conditioner.
It will exercise your battery properly when just plugged in and don't use.
Leave it plugged in but check fluid levels before and after long storage.
Fill with distilled water from grocery store.


Here is what they say from their website.

INTELI-POWER 9200 Series Operation
Progressive Dynamics 9200 Series Electronic Power Converters have several features that differ from other electronic power converters presently marketed to the RV industry. Reliability data over the past eight years on over 400,000 units in the field have proven that these design features increase our reliability and provide the following additional customer benefits.

1. ELECTRONIC CURRENT LIMITING – This safety feature will rapidly reduce the converter output in case of an electrical short or overload condition. This rapid shutdown, similar to a circuit breaker in your house, prevents possible RV wiring and converter damage. The converter automatically returns to normal operation when the short or overload is corrected.

2. VARIABLE SPEED INTELLIGENT COOLING FAN – Solid state temperature sensing and control system automatically monitors converter temperature and activates the fan at speed required. Very slow, quiet speeds are used when demand is low, such as during sleeping hours. Some competitive converters use Electro-mechanical devices to provide temperature sensing and fan control. Electro-mechanical sensors are more subject to failure and may stick in the closed mode causing the fan to operate all the time, resulting in an irritating noise. They can also fail to close during high temperature conditions and prevent the fan from operating. This failure may cause over heating and possible converter failure.

3. AUTOMATIC THERMAL PROTECTION – This safety feature will reduce converter output in the unlikely event of a fan failure and prevent damage to the converter. This safety feature will also activate if the area where the converter is mounted is too small, has inadequate ventilation, or is accidentally covered by the customer. Please refer to the installation instructions for information regarding spacing and ventilation requirements.

4. LOW VOLTAGE PROTECTION – The Progressive Dynamics 9200 Series Converters will operate at low AC line voltages without damage. This feature is especially important in RV campgrounds where AC line voltage can be as low as 90 volts. Low AC line voltages may damage competitive converters. Low Line Voltage Protection will automatically shut converter down if input voltage is insufficient. This also protects your 12-volt appliances from damaging low voltage irregularities. The converter will automatically return to normal operation when adequate line voltage is available.

5. HIGH VOLTAGE PROTECTION – All converters incorporate our patented High Voltage Shutdown circuitry. This feature automatically shuts the converter down to protect sensitive electronics in the event of high voltage transients on the AC power line, or if the RV generator regulator should momentarily fail. The converter will automatically return to normal operation when the high voltage transient is corrected.

6. REVERSE BATTERY PROTECTION – Our patented Reverse Battery circuitry prevents converter damage and unnecessary warranty calls in the event the customer or dealer accidentally connects the battery in reverse. Simple replacement of the fuse(s) located on the front of the converter restores the unit to normal operation. Some competitive converters can be damaged and require replacement if the battery leads are accidentally reversed.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Trailer Pics 010.jpg
Views:	183
Size:	56.5 KB
ID:	38695  
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 05:17 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Whitehouse, Texas
Posts: 1,275
Thanks Iggy

You seem to have some great tips.
For now I will keep it plugged in and monitor the batteries. We use our coach at least once a month. If I find myself keeping it in storage for more than 2 months I'll unplug it and disconnect the batteries.
__________________
2013 Georgetown XL 378
2008 Honda CR-V
wrapperman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2013, 05:19 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisMSNT View Post
I love you guys and your wisdom... however, what I need is a simple kick in the butt, point me in a direction and statement... "This is the one that you need!" I'm okay with that! ;-)
Their is alway more than one way to skin a cat and finding a replacement battery is like tires.

With all this information my head hurts at times and when the time comes to replace my batteries I plan to pull up to Sam's Club with my motrohome and buy two sealed AGM batteries that fit and let them install. That will be $279 please cash or credit?
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 12:27 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: oregon
Posts: 206
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
Their is alway more than one way to skin a cat and finding a replacement battery is like tires.

With all this information my head hurts at times and when the time comes to replace my batteries I plan to pull up to Sam's Club with my motrohome and buy two sealed AGM batteries that fit and let them install. That will be $279 please cash or credit?
Iggy all your info is great. What I did was go with two 6 volt Trojan batteries hooked in series. Remember cold cranking amps is what you don't want to look at, I looked at amp hours, mine happen to be 220 amp. hours. I learned this from all the guys I hunt with while dry camping. We all use 6 volt.my brothers 6 volt Trojan batteries are 6 years old and still going strong. I installed mine two months ago and ill let everybody know how long they last. All I know is they hold a charge a lot longer. Pete
petey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 12:38 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by petey View Post
Iggy all your info is great. What I did was go with two 6 volt Trojan batteries hooked in series. Remember cold cranking amps is what you don't want to look at, I looked at amp hours, mine happen to be 220 amp. hours. I learned this from all the guys I hunt with while dry camping. We all use 6 volt.my brothers 6 volt Trojan batteries are 6 years old and still going strong. I installed mine two months ago and ill let everybody know how long they last. All I know is they hold a charge a lot longer. Pete

Do you have a Georgetown motorhome or a trailer?
Is the 6 volt Trojans the exact same size as a Class 27 battery?
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 01:05 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: oregon
Posts: 206
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
Do you have a Georgetown motorhome or a trailer?
Is the 6 volt Trojans the exact same size as a Class 27 battery?
yes I have a 2012 378ts.the new 6 volts are a little taller is all and not a issue. I installed these guys myself and was easy. I just hooked in series. we have 4 diesel pusher in camp and 3 gas motor homes all use 6 volt.i think its the way to go. the batteries are 65lb. a piece. Pete
petey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 08:19 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
copsuno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 277
Iggy, I have the original batteries in my coach and according to the sticker on batteries, they are three years old this month. I have had mine boil over two or three times. Two weeks ago the batteries were weak and I checked and they were low on fluid. I refilled with distilled water and charged, unplugged charger and waited three hours for batteries to rest and checked current and it was 12.6 on each battery. I am looking at a three stage inverter / charger, which is supposed to do a better job of charging, without boiling. I ran across some info, a little dated but still relevant you and others might be interested in, plus the wiring diagrams are great. The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1) enjoy.. Good subject matter though
__________________
Logic will carry you from point A to point B. Imagination will carry you everywhere. "Albert Einstein". 2011 Georgetown 360, Bride of 45yrs, and 2014 Chev Equinox toad, what more could you ask for.
copsuno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 09:05 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Quote:
Originally Posted by petey View Post
yes I have a 2012 378ts.the new 6 volts are a little taller is all and not a issue. I installed these guys myself and was easy. I just hooked in series. we have 4 diesel pusher in camp and 3 gas motor homes all use 6 volt.i think its the way to go. the batteries are 65lb. a piece. Pete
The question I have now is....
Do you have two 6 volts becasue you dry camp a lot and need the voltage to high longer or do you feel the 6 volt batteries will have a longer life expectancy than the standard 12 volt?

Also does the taller 6 volt batteries interfear with your hydraulic lines?
Mine are on top now and will definitely have an issie if I get taller ones.

Petey do you know what size/model Trojans you installed so I can see how they fit in the box? Love to see a picture if you can.


I just found the Trojan RV battery catalog and attached it here for you to check which oones you have.

Thanks
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	April 26 2012 043.jpg
Views:	119
Size:	61.5 KB
ID:	38731  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Trojan_Battery_Catalog.pdf (253.0 KB, 53 views)
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 09:24 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,948
Here is what my Intelligent Charger does.
Model PD9270
Would this be called a 3 stage charger or just an intelligent charger?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Capture.jpg
Views:	125
Size:	44.0 KB
ID:	38733  
Iggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 12:19 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Gregg Willow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Northern Minnesota
Posts: 254
I have a TT and there is only room for one battery. With that, I bought a Trojan T-1275 which is a 12 volt with 150 amp hrs and no cold cranking amps listed. It weighs around 85 lbs. so it has big, heavy plates. For those of you who can only have one battery I would suggest this. Two would give you 300 amp hrs, more than the two T-105 or T-145 6 volts would give you. It's a $250 battery though.
__________________
2016 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab XLT EcoBoost
2012 Salem Cruise Lite 221RBXL, Andersen No Sway WDH, (2) Honda EU2000i's
Gregg Willow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2013, 12:58 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
copsuno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 277
Iggy, I would say you have a three stage unit. I have the original Converter / charger, that my coach came with and it will boil the batteries if not constantly monitored. I leave my coach plugged into shore power while parked, as we like to be ready to go when the mood strikes, plus we use it as a get-away camp often. I leave fridge running and stocked for travel. My previous motor home, was a 1998 Southwind, 35ft. This coach used two trojans in series, worked well but with only two 6's, if you dry camp, lose one and you are up creek. To adequately do this you would need 4, 6's. If we lose on battery on road, we still can use all 12vt systems till a replacement is installed. Food for thought.
__________________
Logic will carry you from point A to point B. Imagination will carry you everywhere. "Albert Einstein". 2011 Georgetown 360, Bride of 45yrs, and 2014 Chev Equinox toad, what more could you ask for.
copsuno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2013, 12:10 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: oregon
Posts: 206
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
The question I have now is....
Do you have two 6 volts becasue you dry camp a lot and need the voltage to high longer or do you feel the 6 volt batteries will have a longer life expectancy than the standard 12 volt?

Also does the taller 6 volt batteries interfear with your hydraulic lines?
Mine are on top now and will definitely have an issie if I get taller ones.

Petey do you know what size/model Trojans you installed so I can see how they fit in the box? Love to see a picture if you can.


I just found the Trojan RV battery catalog and attached it here for you to check which oones you have.

Thanks
yes these batteries are taller but will not hit steps. The hyd. lines I used 3 large plastic strips to pull them upwards,clearence now is 3 inch away from batteries. these batteries will hold a lot longer than 12 volts,same problem I had with 36 foot 5th wheel. They are trogan 110 deep cycle golf cart battery. Hope this helps. Pete
petey is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
battery, replacement, select

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:39 AM.