12Volt Recommendations: Non-Boondocking

[rfield54]

I assume a deep cycle AGM is the way to go. My situation: the trailer lives outside, stationary, and is plugged into shore power 100% of the time. I don't want to transport the battery home to store indoors in the winters (I'm only there 3 weeks at a time, twice a year). It does get a bit cold (SE Utah, down to maybe 0 degrees)...I'm interested in the lowest cost per year, given my circumstances.


PS: I've been running a timer for the shore power, set for on one hour a day while I'm away, but may invest in a battery minder in the future.

[n2916s]

From what you have described, I would buy the least expensive AGM deep cycle battery you can find. Costco? Sam’s?

I don’t know what converter you have. If it is a three-stage, you are good to go. If not, a battery tender would be in order.

[wulfraat]

Agreed. I would put the battery on its own battery minder 24/7.

[rfield54]

Coscto AGM deep cycle and a battery minder it will be...Thanks

[Trnpk Crsr]

If the trailer never moves and you have shore power, do you need a battery?

Cheers, John

[rfield54]

Originally Posted by Trnpk Crsr

If the trailer never moves and you have shore power, do you need a battery?

Cheers, John

Oh yes, without a battery NOTHING works (not even 110 outlets). At least that's what happened when I pulled the dead battery.

[mkarahashi]

Originally Posted by rfield54

Oh yes, without a battery NOTHING works (not even 110 outlets). At least that's what happened when I pulled the dead battery.

That doesn't sound right (for most AS)? Is your AS wired so that all of the outlets are connected to an inverter and it doesn't have a shore power passthrough or something?

For most AS, even if you don't have a battery connected (or it's dead), if you are connected to shore power, the 110v outlets should work, isn't it?

[oldenavy]

If cost is your primary objective, why not go with a single flooded deep cycle battery? Much cheaper purchase price than AGM.

Your 110 outlets should still work w/o a battery installed, as should your 12v stuff (assuming the converter is working properly).

[DaveP]

An advantage of the AGMs, you do not need to maintain the water level in the battery.