Need new batteries

[jvbak]

I just purchased a 1989 Excella 25' trailer that needs new batteries. What are the best batteries for my trailer?

[Mike Leary]

AC Delco "Voyager" have worked great for us.

[Janets Husband]

Originally Posted by jvbak

I just purchased a 1989 Excella 25' trailer that needs new batteries. What are the best batteries for my trailer?

If you are going to Boondock think about a Glassmat battery. You can Google it and there are many choices. One thing I would look at, is your charging system. Being 20 years old you charger may not be up to snuff. Some of the newer multi-stage chargers will take care of your new purchase.

[Mexray]

Lot's of info here about batteries...use the 'search' feature for more reading material that you can imagine...

Go for the highest Amp Hour rated, Deep Cycle batteries you can find that fit your rig...You'll probably be looking for Group 27 size batteries, they are the 12 inch long ones...

Most flooded cell (the one's with liquid acid inside, some have removable cell caps, and some don't have cell access) Gp27's are around 105 Amp hours, and are the most econimcal...

The AGM (absorbed glass mat) varieties are around 75 amp hour rated, are completely sealed, and cost about twice what flooded cell batteries cost.

True GEL batteries are also sealed, but need special charging equipment to assure they aren't over charged...they are charge voltage sensitive...mainly used for stand by type equipment, not RV's.

If you have an older converter/charger, you might be subjecting your batteries to an overcharge condition if your RV is plugged in all the time...if so, check out someone like Bestconverter.com for a good, three stage converter/charger to care for your new batteries properly...they cost about what your two new batteries will cost, but will extend the life of your batteries...

Hope that helps...I always advise getting in touch with a Battery Specialist in your area for the best, straight talk when it comes to batteries...it's their business, and they have the stuff to keep going.

[RoadKingMoe]

Originally Posted by Mexray

The AGM (absorbed glass mat) varieties are around 75 amp hour rated, are completely sealed, and cost about twice what flooded cell batteries cost.

Group 27 AGM batteries in the same style case as flooded cells are typically 100 amp-hour. It's the Group 24 AGMs that are 75 amp-hour. "Optima" brand AGM batteries with the "six-pack" design make less efficient use of the length times width times height volume, and have lower amp-hour ratings than those with a conventional case.

AGM batteries have much lower self-discharge, charge faster, and are sealed. They don't vent corrosive mist when charging normally, a benefit for aluminum skinned Airstreams. They're too expensive to use with the factory single-stage battery-cooker converters, which also don't take advantage of their faster charging. If you're going to invest in AGMs, also invest in a good 3-stage converter.

[Soyboy]

Don't know if they will fit, but after futzing around with batteries over the years, last year I switched to Trojan T-105 batteries and they have been working great. They can take abuse (drawing down too low of voltage etc.) that kills other wet deep cycle batteries (I know this from experience!).

[StingrayL82]

AGM batteries are good, but like everyone else has said, make sure you have a good converter. When I had our '71 restored, the restoration company installed an Iota Converter, a DLS-30 I believe, with the IQ Smart Charger. They also installed a Blue Top Optima.

Last summer, when I was at a campground just outside of Fort Huachuca, I woke up in the middle of the night to a hissing sound and the smell of rotten eggs. In a panic, I opened all the windows, ran outside and turned off the LP tanks....hiss was still there, so I traced it to the rear compartment. When I opened the rear compartment door, I found the culprit.

The Optima had blown the little solid grey vent cover (about the size of a dime), and it was venting out and hot to the touch, so I disconnected the power to it, vented everything out real good, then went back to sleep. For the remainder of my stay, I kept the battery disconnected and just used shore power.

When I got to San Angelo, I went to AutoZone and bought a new Optima Blue Top. Our rig has stayed plugged in, since we moved to our new house, and I haven't had a problem since.

The point of this winded post is that, just because you buy an Optima and you have a new converter, don't assume that you'll have no more problems. All my wiring was new; maybe I just got a bad battery, who knows.

Good luck.

[DKDarrow]

For me, I just go to Wally World and get a deep discharge that will fit. They install and all has gone well. First time I did this they lasted for 5 years and the current set is now on it's 2nd.
I leave the trailer plugged in about as much as not while in storage. Usually I will leave a 12V light on or perhaps one of the fantastic fans. This eats a bit of the extra amperage up that is put out by the charger.
Currently, and I do this a lot, the trailer is unplugged but a fantastic fan has been running for 4 days. The trailer is my hideout when the maid comes twice a week so I am in and out of there at least that often. I have tried; but the indicator above the stove says full even after MANY days with the fan left on...........So, do the batteries work? Yes............Do I need to worry about it?.........Why should I?........If they fail head out to Wally World for a couple of more.......To much to be concerned with in this world besides a battery system that works for me..........Dennis