Battery question

[cbsheaf13]

I need to replace the battery on my Roo 233. Any suggestions on kind, size, etc. would be greatly appreciated! We dry camp and will be using the heater on some of these cool fall weekends. Thanks.

cb

[Dave_Monica]

The furnace fan draws lots of amps. If you dry camp frequently, why not look a installing 2 - 6V golf cart batterys in series. You'll have much more capacity.

Dave

[Triguy]

I installed two Trojan T-145 batteries. These are the biggest 6-volt batteries that I could fit on the tongue of my 233S. They fit in two group-27 battery boxes but I will need to verify that.

There are larger 6-volt batteries and much larger, heavier and expensive 12-volt batteries that will give you more capacity but I do not believe you can use them on your trailer without modifying the battery tray. Even then, be aware of the weight to the tongue.

The T-145s wired in series provide 260Ah. If you have completed an energy audit, you will be able to estimate how long you will have on average before you hit the 50% mark.

I also installed a Blue Sea battery disconnect switch (model 6006m) onto the tongue (right under the propane tanks). These batteries are heavy so you either want the disconnect so you can leave them on the tongue or you can buy a battery puller to help with taking them off in the winter.

[pixleys]

I sized up to a #27 deep cycle battery which is 1/2 again bigger than stock (at walmart for $80? - 130 amp/hr?) and bought a bigger black plastic box to fit it in. The stock battery would be dead by morning just running the heat every 1/2 hour set at 60 deg when 45 outside. The bigger battery lasts 1.5 nights so I bring both. Honestly bring warmer sleeping bags and only opening up the end near the heat makes a big difference in temperature inside. I also use these (PopupGizmos) which make a huge difference below 50 deg. The fridge, smoke detectors, water pump and light use is all you can really do comfortably on batteries unless you buy some monster golfcart type units which weight a ton and cost a bundle. Remember you don't want the batteries to get anywhere near dead or you can damage them so count on 2/3 of their rated capacity max. Think of it as tent camping with a bathroom instead of trying to stay warm and toasty. Back to nature and all that s@%#. Enjoy and bring you're thermies.

[Triguy]

I second the ideas above.

There are other things you can do to help conserve your battery. I would think of these items along with a bigger battery.

Sleeping bags and warmer clothes
Catalytic heater
Pugs
Insulation in bed windows
Leave the awning in to avoid the power draw
LED light bulbs
Install a digital thermostat

I agree 100% with the concept of thinking of this as tent camping.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by Triguy

I agree 100% with the concept of thinking of this as tent camping.

Thanks, you're reconfirming why we don't dry camp!

Dave

[pixleys]

Full hook-ups...the only way to live!

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

Thanks, you're reconfirming why we don't dry camp!

Dave

[bikendan]

since our state parks in California have less than 1% with hookups, dry camping out here, is a way of life.
we use two 12v deep cycle batteries and a Honda 2000.

would have done the 6v thing but they are taller and i have clearance issues with my electric tongue jack.

we can go 4-5 days without needing a recharge from the Honda.

[mbvell]

We've dry camped successfully in fairly cold (high 30s) with nothing more than 2 batteries. But we are hearty folk and don't turn the heat on at night at all. These days I am a little more liberal with the furnace because I have 2 Goal Zero 30 panels that I use to keep my batteries topped off. Lights! Heat! What luxury....