Our 31ss came with one smallish 12v house battery. It won't even run our 400 watt inverter for a full length DVD. What's my best option for an upgrade? I've been looking at two large 6 volt golf cart batteries run in series, adding another 12 volt battery, or upgrading to a crazy expensive over sized 12 volt battery. In every case, I'll have to either modify and expand the existing battery box or add a battery somewhere else. it looks like the two 6 volts will give me the best amp hour rating for the money. Also what brands are best? I'm looking at Trojan, Exide, Interstate and I can't recall the exotic 12 v gel cell brand.
I have heard go things about the trojan brand and I would do the 2 6 volt modification. I would search the Hybrid forum or TT they discuss this issue alot.
I added a Lifeline Brand AGM (absorbed glass matt) type because that's what was in it, and if that's what you have, you should stay with it, and not mix types.
There vary handy, in that they dont outgas, so you can mount them anyplace, even on there side if needed. And you never have to check or all water.
You might look on there web site, they have lots of good info on deep cycle batteries.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
you need to do some measuring first to see how much room you have to fit the batterys in there ,the 6 volt ones are tall they would be good if you have the room ,i had to use grp 27 batterys in a seperate battery box i made, the normal battery tray would only hold 2 grp 24 batterys i expanded the tray to hold 3 grp 24s now but im still useing my 4 grp 27s in another box till they go bad.never have run out of power yet with them and solar charges them back up during the day from the night befor.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
My 2 x T105 Trojan's are from 2003 and are still going strong. Your converter/charging unit should be at least 45amp max. 3-stage charger, in order to handle the batteries. My RV works fine on this setup. The batteries have 225 amp/hr. capacity, so generator or shore-power will replentish 50% use within 3 hours.
Mark
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
As you see, there are many choices for upgrading. The elegant and expensive one is one of the AGM types. Forget the "gel cell" types. They offer little advantage and higher cost. The simplest add-on may be simply another 12 volt battery, but it should be of the same type (true deep cycle), and age as its mate, and close to its mate, so there isn't a large difference in voltage drop from the converter to each one. They don't have to be of the same size.
A pair of 6 volt deep cycle "golf cart" batteries is a good solution if there is room for them. Do keep in mind though, that their amp hour rating is stated at 6 volts. Two 225 amp hour T-105's connected in series give just 225 amp hours at 12 volts. They weigh 62 lb each.
We've got 3 large batteries and an inverter in the storage space just to the left of the steps.
The coach battery is still under the steps, but these are tied into a 4-panel solar system too. If you don't mind giving up some storage space, this might work for you too.
Bill, Claudia, and the Paps
* This post was
edited 05/15/08 10:31pm by PapPappy *
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
I have had great luck with 2 T105 Trojans. On my new unit I am trying two SCS225 12v trojans with 260 amps, weight 66lbs. each. I now have the option of adding a third or fourth to this which would give me 390 or 520 amps. I am charging with a PD9160 and a charge wizard. I expect to go with just three so that my charging rate would be closer to the 13 per cent trojan recommends.
Dave
Without major reconstruction, I only have room for one SCS225, but I've been very pleased with its performance. In principle, it may not be as stoutly built as a T-105, at 0.51 lb per AH versus 0.55, but it fits my box. If I do make space for a second one, I'll have a bit more capacity than a pair of T-105's with a lower profile.
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