RV battery recommendations

[Tail_Gunner]

I think I'll be in need of a new battery for the camper this spring. I'm thinking of an Optima. But I'm not sure which one would serve me best, the info I was reading wasn't real clear when it came to RV's.

If anybody has any recommendations for other brands, that'd be great too.

Not everyplace where we like going camping has plug-ins. There are some really neat places that are more "primative". The battery powers more that just the lights. The electronics that control the fridge temps need power even though the fridge will burn propane.

 

[ktpauley]

If you have the room install golfcart (GC) batteries. You need to wire 2 GC batteries in series to get 12 volts. They have a lager amp-hr rating. If you wire 4 GC batteries wire 2 sets in series then wire the 2 sets in parallel. Keith

 

[powerboatr]

Tg
i have always run interstates, yep i know but i have never had any bad things go wrong with them

 

[Crumm]

Does Optima make a deep cycle battery? I have a interstate marine battery in our boat and have run interstate deep cycles in a travel trailer and a camper. Thing I don't like about the interstate is they are always wet on top. A optima deep cycle would be great for the boat but is there such a thing? No matter what brand you get for your RV be sure it is a deep cycle. Normal cranking battery's don't like to be discharged and recharged many times.

 

[Crumm]

Quick search on google tuned up the optima blue top marine/rv battery. Looks like you need a D34M or D31M BlueTop dual-purpose battery. I will be getting two next summer, thanks for the idea. Too bad Motorcraft doesn't make a deep cycle...

 

[s d mills]

I know they're often recommended and a lot of people use deep cycle batteries, but they haven't worked out well for me. I've been told the problem is that I never discharge them enough and they're being constantly recharged. A few years ago I switched to the yellowtop WallyWorld NeverStart 1000s and have swapped the same pair into three trailers.

 

[dmftoy1]

I know they're often recommended and a lot of people use deep cycle batteries, but they haven't worked out well for me. I've been told the problem is that I never discharge them enough and they're being constantly recharged. A few years ago I switched to the yellowtop WallyWorld NeverStart 1000s and have swapped the same pair into three trailers.

I was going through about one RV battery a year before I started charging them with a "Battery Tender" charger instead of the power inverter/charger that was built into the camper. I got 4 years out of the last one and I'm trying to figure out what to do with the next one myself. I was thinking optima yellow top, but I guess I need to do some more reading.

Have a goodone,
Dave

 

[BIG JOE]

Gunner, FWIW... I'v got 2, 750cca (Blue Top) Optimas in my FW. Had'm for a little over a year, No problems. We go to a couple of fishing spots that are "Dry Camping".. I'v run the heater, 12v TV, lights, for 2-3 days with no problem. Could'nt do that with the OEM Batts.

I know I'm talk'n >2< Batts but.... So far, I'm happy with'em.

The Blue tops are Deep Cycle. 2 or 3 cca rateings to chose from. You might want to look into the Yellow Tops... for just 1 Batt.... they are more heavier duty.

Got mine at Sears.

JOE

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Gunner, FWIW... I'v got 2, 750cca (Blue Top) Optimas in my FW. Had'm for a little over a year, No problems....JOE

The thought of 2 batteries had crossed my mind, but I've got a "where to put the 2nd one" problem. The battery box is mounted on the trailer tongue ahead of the LP tanks. If I were to mount 2 side by side where the current single battery is, I'm concerned about clearance problems when making tight turns.

FWIW: I've got pics of my camper in my webshots. The pics were taken before I intalled the battery box just ahead of the LP tanks and behind the tongue jack.

 

[BIG JOE]

Hi Gunner,

I had a Tow Trailer some time back... Came with 1 Battery. I wanted 2. I used a "Ammo Can"*, vented it on the left & right sides, Drilled 3/4" holes in the back side for the 12v lead wires. Then drilled holes in the bottom that lined up with the "V" shape of the tongue, mounted it with "U" bolts made from All thread (so the bends were 90*). Bought 2, 28 series Interstates (Optima's are smaller)... Worked real good.

JMO but, If you "Bent" yer Trailer while backing, tight enough to hit a Battery box.... yer already in Deep Kimchi.

JOE

* Yer RET USAF.... I know you aint lost ALL yer >contacts<.