Newbie Battery Question

[renjube]

Hi Guys,

We bought a 2012 Flying Cloud last year. The batteries boiled over within the first few hours after hooking it up. We disconnected them and have been only been using shore power since (my husband was living in the rig while working out of town). It is time to tow it home and we need new batteries. I do not foresee us boondocking ever. Can we get by with one 12 V battery to tow? Do we need 2? Is a cheap battery ok since we will only be using it when we tow?

Thanks for helping!
Karen

[lsbrodsky]

You need one to operate the electric brakes if the trailer separates from the vehicle. After you get it home and evaluate your options.
Larry

[mpsgolf]

“Boiled over” would seem to have a root cause you should look into. But if the batteries are 2012 as well they might be up for replacement anyway.

If you don't boondock then two group 24s will probably do you fine. Get deep cycle not a starter battery.

[kidjedi]

If you're looking for a cheap "get er done" solution, then the Costco deep cycle marine/RV battery for $89 is the way to go. I bought one as a temporary band-aid, so we could get to camping asap when we bought our first Airstream, and we actually used it (as the only battery in the trailer) for two years.

[FYS]

2012? When I did my walk-thru, when picking up my 2016 Flying Cloud, the technician did mention that the battery charger was an older type and isn't the type with the logic circuit to trickle charge as needed. What that means is while plugged into city power, I could easily overy charge the batteries and hence "boiled-over." I has told to utilize the main battery disconnect, until I swap it out for a better battery tender.

[renjube]

Thanks for the info! It was exactly what I needed.