Wayne Dohnal
Banks, OR.
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Joined: 03/09/2003
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The only 2 types of car (or rv) sized batteries that you'll find at the stores are flooded wet cell and AGM. Gel Cell types are generally available in only smaller sizes. The majority of the batteries at the store will be flooded wet cell. If you see one that has cylindrical-shaped chambers, it's AGM. An AGM battery will be at the top end of the price ranges. It will probably say 'maintenance free', but this term is also applied to flooded wet cell batteries. You need to look for positive identification if you want an AGM battery. If it says "VRLA" it's not a flooded wet cell type.
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Curtis F.
Mascoutah, IL, USA
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Joined: 11/18/2004
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Battery group size only refers to the physical size of the battery. Battery Group size dimensions Reserve capacity or amp hours can vary widely in a given group size.
Need to know what size battery/ies you have now? That will limit your choices unless you are going to change sizes, like going to 6V golf cart batteries.
A true deep cycle battery won't even mention "Cranking Amps" or "Cold Cranking Amps".
I have 2 group 27 flooded cell batteries with 105 amp hours each. They are dual purpose batteries, but are better at deep cycle than starting. Don't think you have to get the really expensive top of the line batteries. IIRC I came across a group 27 with 200 amp hours for only $2,000.00. Too lazy to look for it right now. I paid about $80.00 each for my batteries.
Here are some more links that explain batteries. Apologies if some are duplicates.
RVerscorner
The 12 volt Side of Life (part 1) Scroll down and you will see a chart of battery group size relative to typical amp hours available.
Phred explains batteries and 12 volts. Lots of words, but very well explained.
Curt
PS UnclePokey - that is a good site you posted also.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Wow.. Caps that can be removed so you can add water (Flood the cell) Flooded wet cell
No removable caps = Maintenance free.. This category includes AGM and GEL as well as "Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid" (Which also includes AGM and Gel) But unless it says AGM or Gel, it is a wet cell, just designed so there is less chance of outgassing, and so that the gas, if any is recombined within the cell.. NOTE: you can put Hydro-Caps on a flooded wet cell and get part way there. (ONLY Part) The chemistery is slightly different as are the voltages.
AGM, described accurately above, The electrolyte is absorbed into a glass mat, this has several structural advantages over the flooded design.
GEL uses a jelly like electrolyte, you should not find this in high capacity as it seems not wo work well there.. Now if you want oh, say 25 amp hours.. Gel cells abound But 250 Amp Hours.. AGM works much better.
As it happens, I've got all the above in my rig.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Old Uncle Dave
Georgia
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Joined: 12/22/2005
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Many thanks to all for the replies. I sort of live in the boonies and dont have to travel far to be there. Walmart and a few auto stores.
No big battery stores close by.
I am working on a project and will soon need a cranking and living area battery.
I now have a better idea of what is at wally world.
OUD
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smkettner
Southern California
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The everstart is fine. Just get the appropriate starting or deep cycle as needed. Stay away from the combo starting and deep cycle if you can.
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AlbertaCruiser
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Joined: 08/08/2004
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If you need some deep cycle batteries with good capacity and you have the room for them, the 6V Trojan T105's are pretty highly recommended for coach batteries. They weigh a ton and sometimes can burst if you neglect them outside in the wintertime, but wow they really can last a long time.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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From what I'm told the batteries at Wally World are not the world's best nor are they necessarly the best choice.. Likewise Sams and Costco (Which are rumored to be Excide) That said the person telling me seems to not like Excide much. I must admit I've not had the best of luck with their starting batteries. (not had the worst either, that was the Sears Die-Eas,, ur, Die-Hard)
I also do not like Wall-mart for other reasons (Too many to list)
I do like the Interstate Work-A-Holics that came with my coach, they have taken a licking and are still tickin as the watch company would say it. I would call them first rate.... Many places sell Interstate though they may have to order the golf cart types (U-220)
Another source might just be your local golf course!!!! At least find out who supplies them They use them in bulk over there.
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CA Traveler
Sun Lakes, AZ
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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I've looked at Golf Cart batteries at one Cosco store and they were made by Johnson. Johnson is a large battery mfg company and makes many brands and probably at different quality levels.
My Interstate U2200 batteries are doing great and I believe Johnson makes them.
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Bob
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PrairieGoat
Colorado Springs, CO
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I bought a set of the Energizer Golf Cart batteries from Sam's Club and I believe these are also made by Johnson Controls. They are still too new for me to speak to performance.
Also.....one way to tell flooded cell batteries from AGM is look at the price. The AGMs will be 2 to 3 times the prices of flooded cell batteries (with varying opinions on whether they are worth it).
Randy
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huskyhauler
AZ, Maybe..
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Joined: 11/16/2004
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well costco, most die hards, sams club, wal-mart, autozone,reileys, and who knows how many more are all made by Johnson control. good batteries. you can spend more on interstate or trojan. you will find out, maintainence will make the battery, not the manufacture. i belived in interstate and trojan 10 years ago, but have found that all batteries are made about the same now adays. you pay more for a battery because they advertise, not because they re-engineered the cell plate..
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