New Replacement Batteries

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by lewster

Be careful when buying a 'marine deep cycle' battery. These are essentially hybrids and are not true deep cycle units, as they are called on to perform double duty as a marine engine starter AND a deep cycle for lights, nav. equipment, etc.

Look for a true DEEP CYCLE battery for RV use.

Agreed, and good advice. You don't want the starter/trolling combo batteries.

Deka marine deep cycle / RV batteries are true deep cycle.
East Penn Manufacturing | Recreational vehicle batteries

I suggest the Deka deep cycle marine/RV because the OP didn't spend a lot of time dry camping. He was looking for a good second choice. The Deka marine deep cycle takes a lot of punishment. When you're bass fishing you use the trolling motor a lot and bring the battery level down pretty far, day after day. They are less costly and available through Lowes.

Deka also makes an AGM but if you're going that route I'd get the Lifeline or Trojan brand. I opted for Lifeline and have been pleased.

[grizbear]

I replaced my converter/charger with the PD4655 with the charge wizard appx. $230.00 and batteries with 2 6 volt deep cycle wet cell batteries $300.00. So for less than the $555.00 for the diehards I now have a much better system than original system from AS very happy keeps batteries charged and in line within battery requirements from battery maker. I also put together a small 180 watt portable solar system two panels $300.00 morningstar charge controller about $60.00 and about $75.00 wires and connectors. I'm able to park AS in shade and place panels in the sun away from camper. With this system I'm able to stay out until the water runs out or the waste tanks fill. Rand

[acstokes]

I replaced my converter/charger with the PD4655 with the charge wizard appx. $230.00 and batteries with 2 6 volt deep cycle wet cell batteries $300.00. So for less than the $555.00 for the diehards I now have a much better system than original system from AS very happy keeps batteries charged and in line within battery requirements from battery maker. I also put together a small 180 watt portable solar system two panels $300.00 morningstar charge controller about $60.00 and about $75.00 wires and connectors. I'm able to park AS in shade and place panels in the sun away from camper. With this system I'm able to stay out until the water runs out or the waste tanks fill. Rand

Sounds like you've made some nice improvements.

[Rich W]

Wow! I just started reading at #1 and never noticed the thread dates back to 2009. These old ones should be closed, accessible as read-only, but closed.

[Glenritas]

Originally Posted by richw46

Wow! I just started reading at #1 and never noticed the thread dates back to 2009. These old ones should be closed, accessible as read-only, but closed.

Why ? The info is still good and new people seem to join in on them.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by richw46

Wow! I just started reading at #1 and never noticed the thread dates back to 2009. These old ones should be closed, accessible as read-only, but closed.

My reply #17 explained the dilemma - there are literally hundreds of battery threads - many of which are similar and I didn't want to open a new one - so I had to pick an old one ...

Thanks for the info, gang. I went with the version the local RV dealer had in stock (similar stats to the original Interstate group 24s I replaced).

When we retire, I'm calling Lewster to discuss something completely different :-)

[Rich W]

[QUOTE=SteveSueMac;1601462]My reply #17 explained the dilemma - there are literally hundreds of battery threads - many of which are similar and I didn't want to open a new one - so I had to pick an old one ...
QUOTE]

I should have noticed since I started at #1. Sometimes I get distracted and forget to check the dates. I must have missed your #17 but I did see it after I posted my reply.

My mistake, not yours.

[NavyCorpsman]

Buy a MADE IN TEXAS Interstate green top RV Deep Cycle battery! You wont be disappointed. The store branded batteries are not made to last. They are "cheaper" because they are built that way. Interstate backs up their goods with the best and easiest warranty replacement, period.

[lewster]

Interesting that I replace more Interstates due to premature failure than any other brand.

Just sayin'..............


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[Gene]

Lew got us Lifelines several years ago and we have had no problems. But Steve' seems to want a temporary fix. If you go out a lot even though it is weekends, maybe investing in better batteries is a good idea. Do you take longer trips once a year too? How long before you retire and can travel more? Will cheap or mediocre batteries last that long? Are you going to upgrade your converter so that you don't overcharge your batteries, no matter which kind you have?

If you are boondocking, it seems better batteries are worth it, but maybe you have a generator to recharge them every day. Depending on your circumstances, the answer may differ.

Gene

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by lewster

Interesting that I replace more Interstates due to premature failure than any other brand.

Just sayin'..............


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

Probably because they are in trailers with inferior standard chargers that spend most of their life plugged in at RV sites or used once or twice a year and not properly maintained.
My first set lasted 7 years in a Bigfoot, my second in my last A/S were still going strong after 5 years.
My only complaint so far is the low capacity which I will rectify when these one die. But! I know how to maintain them.


George

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

Probably because they are in trailers with inferior standard chargers that spend most of their life plugged in at RV sites or used once or twice a year and not properly maintained.
My first set lasted 7 years in a Bigfoot, my second in my last A/S were still going strong after 5 years.
My only complaint so far is the low capacity which I will rectify when these one die. But! I know how to maintain them.


George

My factory Interstate's failed within 6 months and would not hold a charge. Interstate dealer gave me choice of free replacement or credit; I took credit toward AGM's. Very happy so far.

[gandttimes]

I will amend my last statement regarding my Interstates to say that like you, my original interstates in my 2014 required 2ltrs of top up in the first 6 months, but the replacements have been behaving well for over a year.
I wonder, as there have been a number of 2014's reporting bad batteries, if A/S got some bad ones?
These were the first ones since 1997 that had given me grief.


George

[Landrum]

I don't know if this is true or not, but I was told by a dealer that most RVs don't come with batteries. The dealers add the batteries on the lot. Airstream does install batteries at the factory. Well… The dealers don't keep those airstream batteries charged.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Landrum]

That posted before I was finished. Anyway I suspect a majority of the airstream batteries are damaged before they are ever purchased.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[SteveSueMac]

[QUOTE=richw46;1601629]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

My reply #17 explained the dilemma - there are literally hundreds of battery threads - many of which are similar and I didn't want to open a new one - so I had to pick an old one ...
QUOTE]

I should have noticed since I started at #1. Sometimes I get distracted and forget to check the dates. I must have missed your #17 but I did see it after I posted my reply.

My mistake, not yours.

No biggie at all! :-)

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Gene

Lew got us Lifelines several years ago and we have had no problems. But Steve' seems to want a temporary fix. If you go out a lot even though it is weekends, maybe investing in better batteries is a good idea. Do you take longer trips once a year too? How long before you retire and can travel more? Will cheap or mediocre batteries last that long? Are you going to upgrade your converter so that you don't overcharge your batteries, no matter which kind you have?

If you are boondocking, it seems better batteries are worth it, but maybe you have a generator to recharge them every day. Depending on your circumstances, the answer may differ.

Gene

I bought my 2012 off the lot and picked it up in 2013. It was manufactured in Oct 2011. The batteries were in it when I first saw it in 2012 and I assume came with the trailer when made in 2011. No doubt they weren't cared for until I took the trailer home. So 18 months just sitting there and 2 years of use - I wasn't expecting miracles. :-)

I checked the water every other week - only had to add a few times in 2 years but there came a point where they just wouldn't keep a charge anymore.

With the replacements, I expect to maintain properly, keep on a trickle charger during the winter and get 4-5 years out of them - at which point, I won't quite be ready for retirement but I'll be ready to think about a complete electrical, solar and battery upgrade - gonna have to head to FL to convince Lewster to hook me up :-)

Next week - 2015 first camping trip. It's finally here! AAAAAAHHHH!!!! :-)

[lewster]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I bought my 2012 off the lot and picked it up in 2013. It was manufactured in Oct 2011. The batteries were in it when I first saw it in 2012 and I assume came with the trailer when made in 2011. No doubt they weren't cared for until I took the trailer home. So 18 months just sitting there and 2 years of use - I wasn't expecting miracles. :-)

I checked the water every other week - only had to add a few times in 2 years but there came a point where they just wouldn't keep a charge anymore.

With the replacements, I expect to maintain properly, keep on a trickle charger during the winter and get 4-5 years out of them - at which point, I won't quite be ready for retirement but I'll be ready to think about a complete electrical, solar and battery upgrade - gonna have to head to FL to convince Lewster to hook me up :-)

That won't be very difficult.............I'm easy!!!

[SteveSueMac]

The difficult part is convincing you to come to CT! :-)

[lewster]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

The difficult part is convincing you to come to CT! :-)

True! THAT will be difficult!!!