I'm looking to replace my coach batteries and would like as much input as I can get on which ones to purchase. My current batteries are Napa 8146 GC2 6 volts. I believe they are 130 RC. I would like to up the RC to around 145/150. Trojan has a 145, Interstates information is cryptic and tough to nail down the spec I'm looking for. I have noticed that the weight of the battery tells a lot when comparing amphours. Do any of you have any suggestions or any insight as to which battery I should get? Brand name isn't all that important as Jonhson Controls makes the majority of batteries on the market. Thanks.
You are correct about weight being a good indicator as to how well a battery will work for you. Heavy is Heavy-Duty!!
As you also noted, most of these batteries are made by the same mfgr., so I'd be looking for the best price for the most battery you can get.
You may find that Costco or Sams has a better price on those 6V batteries....and if you aren't a member, you can usually get a Visitors pass, or just call and see what the price is, as it may be cost effective to pay the membership and buy the batteries....and still save some money
good luck
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
There are many variable and factors to consider.
Do you boon dock/dry camp at all ? Do you only park where electricity is available?
Do you have solar panels? When you RV is in storage, do you keep a trickle charger on the batteries? Does your RV have a invertercharger? Does your RV have a built in generator or portable?
How much battery space is available? Does your RV have have addition battery space? What Type Batteries do you prefer - Wet, sealed, Jell, AGM Absorbed Glass Mat?
JoJam, if you're willing to take the ferry, the Interstate Distributor in Lynnwood sells "blemished" batteries for about 60% of retail. The blemished batteries are those that sat on the dealer's shelf for three months and are being replaced by "fresh" stock. The distributor checks the battery to make sure it is still good before selling it to you. Give them a call to see if they have any.
Other than that, try what PapPappy suggested and go to Costco.
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Hummer, and Honda VT1100C Shadow
JoJam,
I recently changed from (3) Interstate 12V SRM 429 Deep Cycle/Marine to (4) Costco, 6V Golf Cart batteries. I was one that was having not too good luck with Interstates so, they had to go. Costco had the best price I could come up with because we're not members of Sams Club. I paid right at $90.00 each for those 220 AH 6V units. We've been camping a couple of times, remotely and so far, I can say no bad things about those batteries. I'm really happy with them so far.
Scott
Scott and Karla SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 White Honda CRV EX-L,4WD w/NAV Toad 2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing KI60ND
PapPappy and Fire Up: I've checked with Costco and though their prices are the best around, the reserve amps are lower than the batteries I currently have in my coach and they offer nothing higher. Bikerk9: Yes we dry camp about 30/40% of out outings, it has a 90w solal panal, it's stored undercover at our home plugged into 30amp power. The coach has a 2000w inverted/charger. The battery bank is backed up by a 7kw onan that can be set to start automatically when the batteries drop to a predetermined volt setting. There is room only for the four 6 volts I'm trying to replace, and wet cell are what I've been looking at thus far. Bob (Fishinghat): Joe and Nancy here; we also didn't make Yuma this year. Tell me more about the blemished batteries. I'm having a tough time determining which Interstate is comparible to the Trojan T145, and do you know that if that's the way I go, would they have as many as four of them on the floor?
Can anyone in the Delaware, PA, NJ, MD area tell me if they know of a Costco that carries the 6v Golf Cart batteries.
I live in DE and the Costco in Christiana does not carry them. I made a wasted trip there tonight. A little drive to another Costco would still be cheaper than a couple of Trojans.
Anyone personally found them at the Costco in Mount Laurel NJ?
Dave
'98 Fleetwood Bounder 35'
Chevy 7.4L
Delaware
I live in Denver and the Costco's in Colorado don't sell the 6 volt battery. I called their HQ in Seattle and they are shipping 4 to my local Costco. Try them. The battery is #245725 and is about the same dimensions & post configuration as the Interstate U2200 I am replacing. Costco HQ phone #425-313-8100.
2002 DutchStar 350 Cummins/Spartan Chassis, 2012 Ford Explorer
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