Replacing Batteries

[bob.capt.bob]

we have a 2002 Clasic 30' with a slide out. it is time to replace the batteries. Question is replace one a a time or both?

[nvestysly]

Definitely both at the same time with exactly the same battery (brand, rating, etc.) preferably with the same date code but that's getting pretty detailed.

Trailers with two or more batteries need to be charged and discharged at the same rate. This happens automatically when the batteries are the same. You can imagine it doesn't work at all if the batteries are different - one "better" than the other.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Indeed replace them both.

If the converter / charger dates to 2002, it might be worth considering it for an upgrade. A lot depends on how crazy you go on the batteries. On sale this week at Costco is not quite the investment that a giant bank of super duper AGM's would be ....

Bob

[waninae39]

IMHO, replace with Lion batteries. over their lifetime, the TCO (total cost of operation) is less than lead acid. as will, the are MUCH lighter.

we replaced our stock converter with a Victron 3k inverter, converter. it is a much better solution plus allows both inet online and phone monitoring

We use battleBorn Lion batteries and are happy with them. As they don't off gas, we were able to move them under the bed, inside of outside by the gas tank

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by waninae39

IMHO, replace with Lion batteries.

Pretty bold statement with so little to go on. Good that they apparently work so well for you. Not the right battery for everyone all the time.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The gotcha with TCO calculations is that they make assumptions. How long will you own the RV? How much do you use the RV off grid? How much do you use the RV at all?

Some people are happy with 10 year old lead acid batteries. They may only have 40% capacity left and die a week after they come off the trickle charger. For their usage, that's all plenty good enough. All they need something to keep the fridge running for a few hours and to fire the break away in a disaster.

If you get 10 years out of "on sale at Costco", in 20 years you may have spent a total of $300. It's *very* hard to argue with those numbers. If you "only" get 5 years, you are at $600 for the 20 years. Again, not enough to put in a single lithium. Sell or trade the trailer in 5 years and the math only gets worse .....

Indeed I have 400AH (usable, so same as 800AH of "on sale at Costco") of lithium in my trailer. It fits my needs / usage pattern / expected ownership very well. I do believe that the way I use things, there is a significant cost savings. That does *not* mean that there is a savings in all cases / for everybody.

Bob