Batteries

[gaiaenviro]

I'm sure this has been answered before, but here goes anyway. The batteries in the moho could stand replacement (all of them). Any suggestions for best bang for the buck? Don't really do too much boondocking, and it gets parked in a heated air conditioned barn with 50A hookup, but if I had to leave it sit overnight relying on the batteries I'd like to know the 12V system would work....Thanks!

I should add that it travels 3 miles down a gravel road each time it goes out and returns so vibration is ultimately an issue,,,,

[dadstoy]

I am using 6 volt batteries and I wouldn't do anything else. Trojan's are the best, but I'm using Interstate and I'm very happy with them.

[idroba]

I also like golf cart type batteries but when I had my '83 310 motorhome the #27 batteries were in an exterior drawer on the road side of the rig. Unfortunately there was not enough depth in the drawer to put the 1.5 inch taller golf cart type in, so when I replaced mine I put a pair of #27's in for the coach, and the engine battery was a side terminal GM stile starting battery.

I don't know if there were any changes made in location or type of battery in you later motorhome. My experience with the original batteries was OK, and since you don't boondock much, you would probably be fine with duplicating the original batteries. A better converter/charger such as a PD 9260 might be in order though.

[gaiaenviro]

The univolt has been replaced by way of a fire. I was debating on 6volt vs the two 12volts that are ther now. Anybody have experience with tractor type 6 volts? Specifically would they have the same sort of reserve capacity as a golf cart battery? I have one golf cart battery, and could get another 6Volt tractor battery easily, but not sure if they would mix well. I know in the golf cart you're reduced to the weakest battery, but the specs of tractor batteries and golf cart batteries list different info. Thanks!
-Bill

[switz]

Best to have identical batteries acquired at the same time. An older battery could pull down a new battery to it's chargable status.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by idroba

I also like golf cart type batteries but when I had my '83 310 motorhome the #27 batteries were in an exterior drawer on the road side of the rig. Unfortunately there was not enough depth in the drawer to put the 1.5 inch taller golf cart type in.....

I was in the same boat; had plans to change to 6V Trojans, but even with a new/custom battery tray they couldn't be made to fit in the original location, and in a 20ft Argosy there is no room inside. Had to go with Group 27s.

[lewster]

Lifeline GPL-4CT 6VDC 220 amp/hour golf cart batteries will fit if placed on their side......which is no problem for these AGM batteries.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by lewster

Lifeline GPL-4CT 6VDC 220 amp/hour golf cart batteries will fit if placed on their side......which is no problem for these AGM batteries.

Oppsssss.......I needed to know that about two weeks ago before the new battery tray was welded back in!!!!

[Zil]

The tractor battery is a starter battery. The golf cart battery are true deep cycle battery.

[gaiaenviro]

Thanks all! As it turn out, when I got into it, the negative terminals were shot on the end of the cables. they looked tight and the bolts were tight, but you could still move them, I replaced the coach cable ends with copper lugs, and a new engine battery and it seems to be working well. We'll see how it goes next weekend on a beach trip.....

[Waipio Rim]

If you're still having trouble, check the other ends of the cable terminals where they connect to the switch and solenoid on the back of the battery box. I replaced two batteries that I probably didn't need to before finding a cable terminal there that had given up from the cable being flexed by opening and closing the battery box.

[Alechemist]

I left the MH plugged in all summer last year, and the Univolt cooked the old liquid cell batteries. I just installed a pair of Group 31 Discover Energy 12v AGMs (EV31A-A). They're used- spent one year in a floor buffer, but I only paid $75 each. They're taller than the 27s that came out, but still fit in the drawer of my 1985 325. I'm also putting in a Powermax Boondocker 4 stage 60a converter.