Batteries

[SJ Brown]

I just purchased a 1987 27' Argosy and while it has space for 2 batteries it only has a single one currently. Is there anything I need to know to add a second Battery? Also is there a recommended brand or type to add?
Thanks

[easyride]

Not Knowing how old your existing battery is ,I would probably buy 2 new batteries,and just wire in parrell + to+&-to-.Some people have preference,but 2 deep cycle batteries will do the job,and put in as big as a battery that will fit,with the most amp hrs. Dave

[azflycaster]

The two batteries should be as close as possible in size and condition. Buying two new batteries at this time make sense to me.

[SJ Brown]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll get 2 new batteries. Should they be sealed or does it matter?

[davidz71]

If your current battery is mounted inside the trailer with no external venting then sealed makes sense. If they are to be mounted on the tongue or in battery boxes with an outside door then you can go either way. While some are sold on Lifeline AGM sealed batteries, I won't spend the extra money. I've had good luck with maintenance free Delco Voyager batteries (some people claim up to 10 year battery life if kept properly charged i.e. NO UNIVOLT) and Trojan flooded batteries. I pointed a friend who owns a 5th wheel to the Trojan grp 27 battery 27TMX or 27TMC which he bought 5 years ago and it is going strong.

Search 12 volt batteries and you will get all kinds of comments and opinions.

[SJ Brown]

Thanks Craig. What does the NO UNIVOLT mean? Is this the onboard charging system?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by SJ Brown

Thanks Craig. What does the NO UNIVOLT mean? Is this the onboard charging system?

A 'univolt' is the on-board, ferro-resonant power converter that Airstream used to use. It was a constant voltage charger, and will fry your batteries, overcharging them and boiling them dry if left connected for extended periods.

If you have one, your first call should be to Randy at BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics and get yourself a brandy new, electronic switch-mode converter with 3 stage charging. Your batteries will thank you for it!

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by SJ Brown

Thanks Craig. What does the NO UNIVOLT mean? Is this the onboard charging system?

Lew is giving you the straight scoop on chargers. My '86 has an Intellipower unit with external Charge Wizzard plugged in. Intellipower has a model now with built in Charge Wizzard. If you go to Randy's website it should show you different models. Call him and he can give you a recommendation on which model to choose or even give you a recommendation on another model. I think you will be pleased.

[jdalrymple]

Welcome to the forums!

I have upgraded my univolt to a new 3 stage converter/charger. I also spent the bucks and got two AGM sealed batteries. I have tried all others, including 6 volt golf cart batteries, and I like the AGM the best. the seem to have more capacity than any thing else I have tried.

Good Luck!

[SJ Brown]

Thanks for your input. I talked to Randy at Best Converter today and he recommended the Xantrex 60 AMP converter. It sounds like I need to swap that out before I install the new batteries. I need to look at the trailer tonight to see how big of a project this is.
Again thank you.