dfoxhoven
Elizabethtown, Pa
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So my batter wasn't holding a charge (no big deal as I don't dry camp), and I took it in to have it checked and I was told it has a bad cell and I need to replace (2009 camper). Do I REALLY need to get a new battery if I'm always going to camp plugged in? What are the ramifications/risks if I do not? Just have lots of medical bills right now and wondering if it's a necessary expenditure or if it can wait and I can continue to camp without for a while?
Thanks,
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
If there are electric brakes they don't operate too well without power.
Some converters rely on the battery to "condition" the power as well as provide "boost" energy for operating some items such as a slide.
The good news is that almost any 12 volt battery will meet those needs--since you never deep cycle it. Ask about a "blemished" battery or even a rebuilt unit.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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Let me explain the above posters comment about brakes better. Your trailer brakes will work just fine with no battery on the trailer as long as it remains hitched to the truck. If your trailer ever comes unhitched the break-away switch is supposed to engage the trailer brakes and keep the trailer from rolling freely down the road out of control. This will ONLY work if you have a good battery on the trailer.
An inspection mechanic worth his job will not issue an inspection sticker to a trailer with no break-away brake battery.
Get a battery.
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PenMan
New Mexico
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KD4UPL wrote:Let me explain the above posters comment about brakes better. Your trailer brakes will work just fine with no battery on the trailer as long as it remains hitched to the truck. If your trailer ever comes unhitched the break-away switch is supposed to engage the trailer brakes and keep the trailer from rolling freely down the road out of control. This will ONLY work if you have a good battery on the trailer.
An inspection mechanic worth his job will not issue an inspection sticker to a trailer with no break-away brake battery.
Get a battery.
And to give just a little more info. In most states (maybe all states) you are required by law to have a battery because of this possibility. Get a battery.
Chris and Jane and two boys (and a DDIL) who prefer tents
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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I'd fill the cells with distilled water, and go camping.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
If he does have a bad cell this may be singularly bad advice. The converter will run flat out non stop trying to charge that battery. That will cause the battery to heat and gas. It may, given enough time, destroy the converter.
coolbreeze01 wrote:I'd fill the cells with distilled water, and go camping.
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PenMan
New Mexico
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coolbreeze01 wrote:I'd fill the cells with distilled water, and go camping.
This is BAD advice (except the go camping part).
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Maybe more information will help the OP make an informed decision.....progressivedyn.com/battery_basics.html
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi coolbreeze01,
That's an excellent page.
No amount of information will cure a shorted cell.
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thib2722
Eunice, LA
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Most slide outs require the battery to be connected to work. At least mine do.
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