Next battery

[Atsushi]

We have had to park our 2016FC23D on a slope on our property (maybe 10% grade).

I've just thought about what that's going to do to the batteries. They appear to be what originally came with the AS with fluid inside. So obviously, I can't check the fluid level reliably where it's parked.

But because I know nothing about how the previous owner had used the batteries or maintained them, I'm not too stressed about shortening the life of these batteries.

But when we do replace the batteries, I would like them to last at least for a few years.

Q1: Would AGM battery be better if AS has to be parked on a slope?

Q2: Or should we remove the batteries and store them somewhere flat to keep them level regardless?

Q3: For one day boondocking, how much Amp-Hours should our next batteries be rated?

Our needs are small. No AC and no microwave of course. We would use propane to run fridge. But DW does like to keep the TV on as background noise and she likes to use the fan.

Thanks,

Atsushi

[55AS]

AGM batteries are insensitive to angle, since they do not contain liquid. They can even be mounted on their sides. Estimate your daily amp-hour usage and multiply by the number of days you will be without hookups. Add a reasonable margin, then double the number (since batteries should never be discharged more than 50% if possible) to find the battery amp hour capacity you need.

[lsbrodsky]

You also need to consider how you intend to charge after that 1 day of boondocking. The tow vehicle is not very effective, solar depends on the amount of panels and the sun. If you are going home or to a hook up campground after one day of boondocking, the standard 2 Group 24's at a total useful capacity of 80 amp-hours will always be sufficient.

Larry

[Atsushi]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

You also need to consider how you intend to charge after that 1 day of boondocking. The tow vehicle is not very effective, solar depends on the amount of panels and the sun. If you are going home or to a hook up campground after one day of boondocking, the standard 2 Group 24's at a total useful capacity of 80 amp-hours will always be sufficient.

Larry

Yes, if we ever do boondocking for a day, we'll be home on the next day or at a campground to recharge.

So 12V (40 amp-hour) x 2 is good for one day with moderate electrical demand? If so, that's pretty cheap, like around $100 per battery.

[Atsushi]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

AGM batteries are insensitive to angle, since they do not contain liquid. They can even be mounted on their sides. Estimate your daily amp-hour usage and multiply by the number of days you will be without hookups. Add a reasonable margin, then double the number (since batteries should never be discharged more than 50% if possible) to find the battery amp hour capacity you need.

Okay, so it looks like we will need AGM batteries.
Thanks!

[lsbrodsky]

No 2 X 80 amp-hour, standard group 24. But, you can only use 50% of the capacity without degrading the batteries. And you won't get AGM's that cheap.
Larry