rdparker
Oregon, USA
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Joined: 07/24/2003
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I currently have a group 24 battery and want to add a second battery. After reading some of the post I've learned that a group 27 battery takes longer to discharge that a group 24, so a group 27 battery would be a better purchase. But, can you mix group 24 and group 27 batteries or do I need to need to purchase two new group 27 batteries and get rid of my group 24 battery?
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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Joined: 01/29/2001
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One rule of thumb...if trying to hook 2 batteries together make sure they are of the same type, size, etc. and also make sure both batteries are new (i.e. if one battery goes bad of the 2 batteries I have I always purchase 2 new batteries) because you never want an old battery in parallel with anew battery.
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rdparker
Oregon, USA
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Joined: 07/24/2003
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If I shouldn't mix group 24 and group 27 batteries what would you recommend? I currently have one NEW group 24 battery that is working fine, but I will be dry camping in a few weeks with three young children and after reading about how quickly the battery goes dead I'm concerned that the group 24 isn't enough. Should I purchase one more group 24 battery or 2 new group 27 batteries? How much longer will the group 27 battery keep working compared to the group 24?
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sneaks
Encinitas CA
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Joined: 03/24/2003
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Get another group 24, same brand same size. There is a difference in discharge time but it isn't worth the effort and expense. When the 24's eventually go south, you can replace them with either 27's or two 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series, which is *really* better for dry camping.
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rdparker
Oregon, USA
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How are 6 volt golf cart batteries better? If they are better wouldn't they be installed with your trailer? What's the down side and how much better is 6 volt?
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k1cd/7
Lemmon Vally, Nevada
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Joined: 02/19/2003
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Anytime you create a bank of batteries, all of the components should be as similar as possible to keep load and charging evenly spread throughout the individual batteries in the bank.
For a discussion of the common issues involved in small battery banks, see
http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/owners-guide/understanding/battery-config.html
there are also links to additional information.
Bryan
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ph39
Michigan
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Joined: 01/02/2003
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How long will you be "dry camping"?what kind of trailer do you have? What kind of power requirements do you have?
I think a typical group 27 battery has about 20% - 25% more power than a group 24. Of course they are bigger (might not fit in your battery box) and cost a little more (about $10 more).
If your going for a couple days and only need lights and occasionally TV and water pump - two well charged group 24 batteries might do it. If your trying to go for a week and you use a lot of power (large TV's, vcr, Furnance blower, 12 volt appliances are biggest power hogs) even two group 27's wont make it and you should be looking for a small generator.
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chuckb1
louisville,co usa
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With conservative use I can go 4-5 days and nights on my two group 24 deep cycles. I just purchased two more group 24's so now I'll be good for 8-10 days of boondocking
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Jim M.
Huntsville, AL, USA
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Joined: 09/04/2001
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Golf cart batteries have to be used in series pairs to achieve 12 volts, so it cost more than the one battery dealers install. Golf cart batteries are superior to standard marine/RV for two important reasons: 1) they have much higher cycle life at 250-500 recharge cycles compared to 100-200 for marine/RV; 2) they have higher amp-hour capacity by virtue of more cell mass and less insulation between cells (only two insulators separating three cells compared to five insulators separating six cells in marine/RV).
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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For everything you ever wanted to know about batteries and RV 12 Volt electrics, go here:
The 12 Volt Side of Life
I replaced my old size 27 battery with a Stowaway Deep Cycle, size 31 (ST31DC205) at Sam's Club for $65.00. It is the same height and depth as the old one but is about 2 inches wider. It fits into the same battery case as my old 27. It has considerably higher ratings. 115 amp. hours, 205 reserve capacity.
Barney
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