Replacement Battery Choice

Daughter has a new trailer and was given batteries, which were old to start with and now completely shot. She almost always camps where there is shore power. I would like suggestions as to what replacement batterie(s) she should get. Thanks in advance-somehow I have been named the "expert"!

[ShrimpBurrito]

Since she usually has shore power, battery choice isn't critical. I currently have 2 Trojan 6-volts since we usually boondock, but if I were to get a 12-volt, I think I would get the Wal-Mart EverStart Maxx Trolling battery. It is my understanding that they are true deep-cycle (and thus have no cranking capacity), so they last longer than your typical deep-cycle hyrbids that sell for the same price, and can be discharged lower without damage. I think I've seen them for $60-$70.

Dave

I put one of these batteries in my popup - it went dead after the first year, but it had a 1 year warranty and Walmart replaced it for free. Fortunately there was a WalMart about 30 miles from the campground when we discovered it was dead. Probably leaving it on the trailer all winter didn't help! The second battery lasted several years and was still going well when I sold the popup. I started storing it in my garage with a trickle charger on it during the winter.

[commodor47]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

. . . I think I would get the Wal-Mart EverStart Maxx Trolling battery. It is my understanding that they are true deep-cycle (and thus have no cranking capacity), so they last longer than your typical deep-cycle hyrbids that sell for the same price, and can be discharged lower without damage. I think I've seen them for $60-$70.

Dave

Here is a photo of the label on our EverStart Deep Cycle battery. We've had since 2004 and it is still going strong.

Dick

[commodor47]

Follow-up on my 12V EverStart (part number) 27DC-6.

We purchased our unit in February 2004 from a private party in Wilmington, NC. The seller didn’t realize there was a parasitic drain on the battery while the trailer was being stored in his garage. He ended up with a useless battery. Fortunately the dealer replaced the dead battery . . . with an EverStart 27DC-6 . . . in 2003. That battery served us well considering most of our traveling finds us set up with full hookups. However, on two occasions we found ourselves with a nearly dead battery, basically not good – for the battery, nor the travelers. I replaced the EverStart 27DC-6 (production date of 2003) with a new 27DC-6 in September of 2008.

In the past I’ve noticed the battery check monitor (mounted below the kitchen sink) would display all 4 colored lights (L, F, G, C) while connected to shore power. Yet, when on battery power alone, only the 3 lowest lights (L, F, G) would display in the “test” mode. I assumed that was normal. Normal, that is, until a few weeks ago.

We usually leave our unit open and connected to shore power as needed. Two weeks ago, in preparation for service at the TM dealer on Cape Cod, I unplugged shore power. I didn’t want to over charge the new 27DC-6 (boil off the liquid). Two days later I pushed the test rocker switch and did a double take when all 4 colored lights displayed. That had never happened before. The day before we left for the Cape, I again checked the battery status and it still registered all 4 lights. And that was after the unit sat in the driveway unconnected to shore power for nearly two weeks.

Dick

An inexpensive digital volt meter will provide more useful information than the idiot lights near the sink.

Have you read "The 12 volt side of life"?

Do you understand what equalizing and desulfating a battery means, and when to perform those operations, and what you need to do to accomplish that?

You do understand that it is illegal (at least in most states) to tow the trailer with a dead or missing battery.

[commodor47]

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

An inexpensive digital volt meter will provide more useful information than the idiot lights near the sink.

Yes, your point is well taken. My intent was to relate a simple observation.

Have you read "The 12 volt side of life"?

Yes, definitely a worthwhile read.

Do you understand what equalizing and desulfating a battery means, and when to perform those operations, and what you need to do to accomplish that?

Yes, I am familiar with the process.

You do understand that it is illegal (at least in most states) to tow the trailer with a dead or missing battery.

Definitely not a good idea to tow with a dead or missing battery.

Dick

[Bill]

Well, I, for one, am impressed that the battery would do this. I've never seen a four-light indication, either, and like Dick, I assumed that it could not happen. What it means, of course, is that the Everstart charged up to a slightly higher voltage - which I take to mean that it has taken more charge in some sense. I think this is indicative of why the solar-power people like this battery so much. There may be better batteries, but only for a tremendous increase in cost.

Bill

Unless you are in and out of your TM a lot when it is parked at home, here is another suggestion. Get a Deltran "Battery Tender" and keep the battery on that when stored. It is computer controlled and specifically designed to be left connected to the battery for long periods of time without overcharging. It will switch automatically to charge when needed. I have them om my TM, Garden tractor and Motorcycles. I had a motorcycle battery start the bike with a 9yr old battery that was on the battery Tender whenever I was not riding. There is a pigtail that connects to the Battery with a plug that runs outside the shell so it can be connected or removed with the TM closed. I enclosed mine in a small wooden box with vent holes drilled and placed it under the TM. It has survived hurricanes, snow and leaves with no problem.

[commodor47]

Rumbleweed,

The use of a battery Tender (or similar product) is a very good suggestion. I do have one, bought it several years ago to maintain my lawn tractor battery. Never thought to use it on the TM. Any chance you could post photos of your setup?

Dick