My TC has shown, without a doubt, that it needs a new battery. Despite all encouragement from the T105/L16 crowd, my battery bay is only 14.5x11x7 inches, and I am unwilling to create additional battery bays. Our usual camping mission is 3-4 days of dry camping, with occasional moderate loads (water, a few lights, furnace/fan as needed, and movies on the laptop), and no generator usage if possible.
The best battery I have identified so far for this role is a Trojan SCS225. Does anyone know of a higher-rated battery that I might consider?
2001 Lance 1121 TC loaded / 1996 Chev K2500HD Std 5.7L
Better pass me now, I ain't gettin' any faster!
Check with Trojan. Besides the best 6 and 8 volt batteries for golf carts, they also make a really good line of 12 volt batteries too.
I installed a 5SP in a manlift to replace a group 31 that just did not have enough storage capacity. I think the group 31 was around 125 AH - 130 AH, while the 5 SP was about 165 - 185 AH. It was not to much bigger than the group 31, but I remember it being about 75-80 pounds.
More lead = more storage capacity. That is why I won't buy a group 8D - they are about 130 pounds, but prefer the T-105 or T-125 battery that is 1/2 the weight but the same AH capacity (because two of them make up a 134 pound battery pack yet are "Easy" or easier to lift.
The water pump braely uses any power. I can empty a 100 gallon water tank at 4 GPM and only 10 amps per hour in only 25 minutes, or less than 5 AH. Try changing your "Main" light to a 8W florescent. Most typical lights are around 1.1 amps per hour. You can also get smaller bulbs, they are not has harsh on the eyes when you turn them on at night, put them near the bed and perhaps in the bathroom to try them out. I think they are rated at .8 amps. While you don't want to read with them, I don't like to run the really bright bulbs at night if I can turn on a lower wattage one now.
You might also want to consider a solar panel - especially if you can not leave the RV plugged in while in storage. If the battery is "Full" all the time, it will last for years. Mine where 9 when I gave them to a friend who is still using them 2 years later.
Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche or Country Coach!
I believe the series you need in Deep Cycle 12 volt batteries are one of these...Group 70 amp series 24, 85 amp series 27 or 95 amps series 31 which meet your size requirements. Walmart.
The best battery I have identified so far for this role is a Trojan SCS225. Does anyone know of a higher-rated battery that I might consider?
Scott,
We have a similar sized battery-hole; last season we replaced our worn-out group 27 with a Trojan T1275; I too came to the same conclusion about the SCS225 until I discovered the T1275 (150 Ah); more amp hours than the SCS225.
The AGM type battery is a great choice if you have the $. Here is a link to the size and spec of the Universal battery gp 31 that Bestconverter offers. Best Converter Universal battery
You would loose about 20 AH but gain no maintenance and will still give you 55 ah before recharge. I have one and have pushed it pretty hard in testing and use. Life Line is another AGM mfg. You can check them out at Bestconverter too.
Let us know what you decide.
The trimetric battery monitor is really a great add on too. Once programed you don't have to guess the status of your battery.
Is you converter a multi-stage charger....I don't know what the 01 lances came with?
Jim
94 F-250 ex cab,460, E40D tranny,airbags w/pump,bilstein shocks, 2000 Bigfoot 9.6 2500 camper, Progressive Dynamics 9260, Trimetric monitor and an eu2000i honda genny.
Wife and Molly- Ausie,Queensland healer
I had a group 31 trojan when I had my 2003 Lance it was a good battery,now I have 2 group 29 interstates that I,m told are made by Trogan there rated at 210 min each. I ,ve used both batteries over the years and have had no problems with either. After calling a few trojan dealers it seems like the price went way up like every other thing.
bigfootford wrote: The AGM type battery is a great choice if you have the $. Here is a link to the size and spec of the Universal battery gp 31 that Bestconverter offers. Best Converter Universal battery
You would loose about 20 AH but gain no maintenance
Jim
I agree; furthermore, AGM is newer technology, and it can be cycled deeper and still recover. Yeah, if I'd had the money, I would have gone with the exact battery you have. However, since I didn't, by far the less costly (albeit more work with maintenance) a Trojan Floor Sweeper Battery was a better choice.
Bottom line Scott, if money isn't an issue, AGM is the best choice!
When I replaced my batteries I opted for Lifeline AGM batteries. The batteries sat untouched for over 6 months and still have a strong charge. For me, it was work losing a little capacity for not having to maintain them. It was also worth spending a little more for them to last a little longer.
Lifeline batteries can be purchase by calling the number on there website.
Here's another vote for an AGM, I selected a Group 31 from DEKA, you might find them very competitive, and they are great for a Consta-volt or basic charger, as I tried them out on a 31ft Sea-Ray boat with three batteries, and they have been good for some years. They charge up quickly, and fit in a confined space as on a Truck Camper.
1998 Dodge CTD,4x4,longbed,Firestone air bags,front hitch,Honda 2000i,2001 Lance835 with all the comforts.
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