Battery type?

[charliekauai]

Aloha anyone,
We're upgrading to an Inteli-power 9260 converter/charger. At this time, we are not changing anything in the trailer (1975 tradewind).
Here's my question.
What type battery should I install? The original manual shows a 105 amp., but the Inteli manual mentions a 125 amp.
Thanks, Charlie.

[AirsDream]

Probably too many unknowns here to comment intelligently, so let me comment unintelligently.

IF you don't have solar panels and regularly have power to keep the battery up and don't face freezing conditions (which are hard on any battery ... especially if discharged), then probably standard flooded cell lead acid batteries are the best value proposition for you ... and get one(s) just as large as can fit in your battery box. Generally speaking, weight and size equate to power density, so generally, bigger and heavier is better in terms of how many amp-hours you can get out of them. But of course, heavier is also heavier - a negative for any RV ...

BUT - if you have solar panels, the lower internal resistance of AGM batteries may be worth the extra cost. And AGMS self-discharge much more slowly than conventional flooded cell batteries and (assuming you don't kill them with overcurrent situations), tend to last longer and better tolerate lower discharge levels between charges. But they cost somewhere in the area of 50% to 90% more than flooded cell types.

There are many threads on this topic in the Forums - a little searching will reveal much treasure.

Welcome to the Forums, and happy trailering!

[charliekauai]

Thanks Airsdream,
It's just a no frills electrical system so far and your information was great. Maybe in the future I'll think about a PV system, then upgrade. I've decided on a deep cycle marine battery.
Thanks, Charlie.

[bryanl]

re: "if you have solar panels, the lower internal resistance of AGM batteries may be worth the extra cost." -- this doesn't make sense to me. Since the power available from any RV solar system is relatively small, you won't get near approaching bulk charge current limits in any real sense with any type of battery.

As for type, the choice is between AGM, wet cell, and Gel. AGM tends to cost about twice as much, may last 1.5 times as long, and, as a sealed battery, needs care not to overcharge. Gel is better for float service and isn't considered a good battery type for RV's. Wet cell is usually the most cost effective option.

As for labels, like "Marine/RV" or "deep cycle" -- these only tell you the intended market. They mean little or nothing of any significance as far as performance in an RV is concerned.

Get batteries from a retailer who sells a lot to folks like you and will stand behind what he sells. Use warranty, specifications, and cost to guide your purchase. Watch out for those peddling marketing hype that doesn't have pertinent objective measure or clear definition.

The best thing you have going for your batteries is that 9260. Be sure to keep it plugged in and maintaining your batteries between trips.