RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: Interstate Battery

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Topic: Interstate Battery - only two years??

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/06/11 02:10pm

Bought an Marine Interstate Battery two years ago -- and it's haad pretty heavy use on the road, discharge and charge pretty frequent. Does that seem right - two years??

Battery is a SRM29 ... and it sits in my truck camper. It only services lights, igniters, and heater etc. Never starts the vehicle ...

So, what do I buy ?? Deep Cycle-cranking?? Marine-RV??

Two models available --

SRM and SC (?) don't know what each category means ... can someone explain this 'simply' not in depth.

Monkey44
Cape Cod Ma & Central Fla
Chevy 2500HD 4x4 DC-SB
2008 Lance 845
Back-country camping fanatic

Posted By: pianotuna on 07/06/11 02:19pm

Hi,

Buy the biggest meanest deep cycle battery that will fit without over loading the weight capacity of the compartment.

If longevity is desired do not discharge past 50% of the capacity.

A modest solar system may make a big difference too.

Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/06/11 02:31pm

Right - but which type ... there are two Interstate deep cycle categories ... see OP.

SRM and SC -- What is the difference? And why do I buy one instead of the other?

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/content/product_info/marine_f.asp

Posted By: pianotuna on 07/06/11 02:36pm

Hi monkey44,

I use Walmart batteries.

Posted By: manley on 07/06/11 02:54pm

I don't spend a lot of money on batteries. It has been my experience that due to increased environmental concerns and involvement in the manufacturing process, the life of a battery is "on average" about 2 years. Over the last ten years or so, I have observed this to be the case. I buy auto zone or discount auto parts batteries with a 2-year replacement warranty before the pro-rating begins. About half the time, they have to replace the battery (for free) and the other half of the time, I am 6 months or so out of warranty when the battery craps out.

I know this isn't really helpful, but hope that my experience will provide a little bit of perspective for you.

2021 F250 XLT FX4 SCREW Godzilla 7.3L
Hensley Arrow
2017 Open Range Light 272RLS

Posted By: mena661 on 07/06/11 02:55pm

monkey44 wrote:

Unless you make it a habit of charging your batteries back 100% as soon as you can after a camping trip and you use a hydrometer to see if you're actually at 100% charge, your batteries will not last long. Both of those are designations are just Interstate speak for two types of batteries they sell. Those "SC" batteries are Optima's which are AGM type batteries. See HERE for a description of AGM's. Feel free to read the rest. I would stick to the SRM's which are just regular lead acid batteries. They're cheaper and have more capacity than those AGM's. Unless you need to mount them in weird positions or can't access them for maintenance, AGM's aren't worth the money IMO. Like PT said, put as much amp-hours as you can fit in the space and you can afford.

2009 Newmar Canyon Star 3205, Ford F53 V10
Trojan L16 6V's 740 Amp-hours

Posted By: mena661 on 07/06/11 02:59pm

manley wrote:

Most of the time, batteries become useless after 2 years because they are heavily sulfated from incomplete charging AND from not running some kind of desulfation "program" after repeated cycling to restore them to an actual 100%.

Posted By: manley on 07/06/11 03:06pm

And I am not an engineer, nor do I have time to become an expert on batteries! Therefore, I buy cheap batteries! lol...

Posted By: CJW8 on 07/06/11 03:24pm

Walmart, Costco or Sam's club will be the best bang for the buck for your batteries. Define "hard use on the road" It means a lot of things to a lot of different people. Running them down to 11-12 volts each cycle is hard use, well abuse really. They will be happier if you run them down to 12.1 or 12.2 volts then recharge. When one poster said take your batteries down to 50%, that means 12.06 volts. If you take them down to 11.75 volts, that is down to 30%. Doing this a few times in a batteries life isn't the end of the world but doing it a lot of times and you are sucking the life out of your batteries quick. Worse yet is letting them sit for long periods of time at a low state of charge. They should be stored fully charged. This is probably the biggest killer of batteries.

2003 Forest River Sierra M-37SP Toy Hauler- Traded in
2015 Keystone Raptor 332TS 5th wheel toy Hauler (sold)
2004 Winnebago Vectra. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad

Posted By: Dick_B on 07/06/11 03:49pm

An RV mechanic of my acquaintance says to stay away from Interstate Deep Cycle Batteries and get what is on sale at Walmart. I's also look at Batteries Plus.

Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)

Posted By: wa8yxm on 07/06/11 07:06pm

You spoke of what it powers.. What feeds it?

There are 3 (or 4) things that kill batteries fast;

1: BAD CHARGER. over charging for example
2: NOT charging (Not recharging promptly)
3: Deep, and I mean DEEP discharge
4: Freezing when not charged
Oh, and 5: (Only applies to some batteries) Lack of proper watering or improper watering. bb

Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times

Posted By: garym114 on 07/06/11 04:35pm

See my signature.

2000 Sea Breeze F53 V10 - CR-V Toad
Some RV batteries live a long and useful life, some are murdered.
Get a Digital Multimeter and Learn How to Use It

Posted By: skipnchar on 07/06/11 04:35pm

Marine batteries are made for starting boat engines. A marine/RV battery is a starting battery with slightly larger plates and about two years is probably average if you actually USE the battery much. Works GREAT for someone who camps with electric hook ups most of the time.

Any starting battery is not going to stand up well to repeated deep discharges (by deep I mean something like 50%) which is common in dry camping.

don't get me wrong, Interstate is a very good battery but not a good MODEL for dry camping use. If you're intending to be a serious dry camper look at Golv cart Batteries like the Trojan T 105. I dry camp most of the time and my Trojan 6 volts are well into their eighth year and still going strong.

Good luck / Skip

2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer

US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population

Posted By: mena661 on 07/06/11 04:38pm

manley wrote:

And I am not an engineer, nor do I have time to become an expert on batteries! Therefore, I buy cheap batteries! lol...

I'm not an engineer either nor am I an expert on batteries. I just charge my batteries until they read "FULL" then stick my hydrometer in the acid and take a reading. If it reads 1.270, the batteries are at 100%. If not, I hook up my Harbor Freight manual charger until it reads 1.270. I have to admit, I thought this would be a PITA but it's not.

Posted By: MEXICOWANDERER on 07/06/11 04:43pm

2nd The Following Of Mena661's advice.

Not an expert on women, whisky, and politics, but learned just enough to stay away from obvious pitfalls. Same with batteries.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/06/11 04:47pm

QUOTE: "... put as much amp-hours as you can fit in the space and you can afford."

The "29" is the largest one I can fit in the battery space - and only one will fit unless I do something under the wheel-wells ... So, am stuck with one space.

Hard use - yes, fulltime for this last two years in my TC, and boondock about 50-60% of the time. So, lots of charge and discharge.

If two years is average for that use, then I'll stay with Interstate and it worked really well - and suddenly began discharging overnight instead of two-three days (which is okay with me). I'm pretty careful and watch the use rate best I can, and charge as often as I can - usually driving because frequently have no HU's - although, have recently begun staying in HU sites as age catches up with me.

So, will probably buy another same size and rate - I thought it was short-life, 24 months, but guess not with the hard use it had.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/06/11 04:50pm

Skip Quote: "...don't get me wrong, Interstate is a very good battery but not a good MODEL for dry camping use. If you're intending to be a serious dry camper look at Golv cart Batteries like the Trojan T 105. I dry camp most of the time and my Trojan 6 volts are well into their eighth year and still going strong."

But, JFMI, how do I use golf-cart 6v batteries in a 12v system, particularly when I have room for only one, can't link two for 12v. Hmmmmm ?

Posted By: mena661 on 07/06/11 09:23pm

monkey44 wrote:

But, JFMI, how do I use golf-cart 6v batteries in a 12v system, particularly when I have room for only one, can't link two for 12v. Hmmmmm ?

If you can't fit two 6V's, then that won't work. If you can only fit one group 24, then that's pretty much it. If you can fit two group 24's, then do that. Two group 24's is better than one group 27 in your case. What kind of generator do you have?

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/07/11 07:16am

mena661 wrote:

monkey44 wrote:

But, JFMI, how do I use golf-cart 6v batteries in a 12v system, particularly when I have room for only one, can't link two for 12v. Hmmmmm ?

No generator ... I charge with FHU or driving the truck, in some cases, idling the truck (not often). But drive most days enough to charge, even when bookdocking.

I see group 24 or 27? IS that a size? and what I had was a group 29, thinking that was 'bigger' - is that right?

Can't fit two batteries, or I would do that too, but a Truck Camper is pretty small and space limited. Altho I could 'rig something' for two - it would give me more time, but still the same problems with charging regardless.

Posted By: mena661 on 07/07/11 08:19am

monkey44 wrote:

I see group 24 or 27? IS that a size? and what I had was a group 29, thinking that was 'bigger' - is that right?

Can't fit two batteries, or I would do that too, but a Truck Camper is pretty small and space limited. Altho I could 'rig something' for two - it would give me more time, but still the same problems with charging regardless.

Yes those are the sizes of the batteries. Bigger the number, the more amp-hours (capacity) you get. Since you are severely space limited and can't really get more batteries in there, get a portable 2000W generator with a Black and Decker VEC1093DBD portable 40 amp charger. If it was me, I'd get the largest capacity Odyssey AGM battery I could fit in there and charge it with Odyssey's own 50 amp charger. But that's me though. [emoticon]

I think the VEC is the way to go.

* This post was edited 07/07/11 08:27am by mena661 *

Posted By: mkirsch on 07/07/11 08:29am

Group is size. Bigger number is generally bigger battery.

From how you describe your usage, two years is going to be about all you can reasonably expect out of a "marine" battery.

What you really need are golf cart batteries.

Why don't you want to tuck batteries in the truck bed ahead of the wheel well?

Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/07/11 11:13am

"Why don't you want to tuck batteries in the truck bed ahead of the wheel well?"

That is an option ... and have thought about another battery or two in the wheel-well. But then, does it take more 'truck running' to charge more than one battery at a time?

Generator is not an option - I've been camping for fifty years, and in a TC for twelve with no generator, and have no desire to get one now (altho I did think about it for awhile) NO space to carry it or extra fuel.

In fact, one battery is enough, if it charges and stays more than a night or two. This one has done well, but my OP was about battery life - and if two years is normal with this hard use, then I'm okay with buying another one just like it - was wondering if another battery was 'larger' or 'longer hours' ... that's mostly it here. So, if the "29" is larger than the '24' or the '27', I'll stay with it. It's the largest one - dimensions - that will fit in the box.

Have considered solar as well, as battery support - which might be a better alternative to generator ... doesn't take up space and needs no fuel can (more space) - or it uses up propane (another alternative)

But based on this posting info, I'm probably still best off with Interstate "29" size deep cycle battery ... was hoping there was a bigger (amp hours) one out there that fits in the box - probably not tho, as it appears.

One thing tho: Interstae site - as I read it - says ...

1) Interstate Deep Cycle/Cranking - 12 Volt SRM-29 = 21 hrs @ 5 amp

2) Optima - Marine/RV SC31DM = 75 hrs at 20 amp

Unless I'm reading the page incorrectly - so it would seem the Gr 31 battery is MUCH longer life per charge - but is not for "cranking" or starting vehcile, which it does not, it only runs the TC 'stuff'

So, am I understanding this Interstate page correctly - and if so, the Gr 31 is significantly longer 'drain life' than the Gr 29 above. But, is this the right type battery for my use - which is, boondocking and recharging daily or every couple days with truck running and no generator and infrequent shore power.

And weighs 60 lbs, so maybe the Gr 34 at 38 lbs is better - altho too, once installed - it sits until replaced ...

So, is this getting too confusing yet? It is to me a little ... but mostly because I don't know what all the number and letter designations on that Interstate battery page mean.

* This post was edited 07/07/11 11:37am by monkey44 *

Posted By: red31 on 07/07/11 02:11pm

21 hrs @ 5 amps = 105 amp-hr
75 amp-hrs @ 20 hr rate is 75 amp-hr (3.75*20)

210 minutes @ 25A reserve capacity versus 155 minutes @ 25A

Get the SRM 29 @ interstate, It's labeled 29DC at sam's or walmart/maxx

Posted By: mena661 on 07/07/11 12:54pm

21 hrs @ 5 amps is till it's flat dead. Same with 75 hrs @ 20 amps. You can't compare those two numbers. Industry standard is 20 hrs. Compare both 20 hour ratings. Also, looks like you found a solution.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/07/11 07:07pm

Okay - one more Q ...

If I install two batteries, and am driving down the highway at 60-70 mph or cruising the back-country at 10-20 mph, will my truck charge both batteries in approximately the same amount of time it takes to charge one??

I'm thinking yes, because my alternator will put out more than it takes to run truck and to charge batteries (especially when batteries are low) so, both batteries will charge in same time as one on highway -- is that correct, generally... BTW: I have #8g wire from alternator to charging system in camper.

Posted By: mena661 on 07/07/11 10:28pm

It will take longer to charge two batteries than one battery.

Posted By: bigjohnmcvicker on 07/07/11 10:55pm

HERE is some reading for you. Pretty much the "deepcycle" batteries you buy at walmart a cross between TRUE deepcycle and starting hence the name "Deepcycle Cranking" or Marine-RV They are the best of both worlds. Good for boat and RVS not so much TTs if you are serious about battery use. Most TT users(like myself) get by with the Walmart "Marine-RV" batteries just fine with zero issues. But if plan on using alot of battery power for more than a couple days you will get longer life and more amp hours out of your battires if you switch to two 6volt TRUE deepcyle batteries like Trojan.

Its a case of each person has different demands..

Posted By: 7.3 psdman on 07/08/11 01:45am

If you can find an Interstate Bat. place give them a call. You might be doing something wrong like I did. I added too much water to mine and flooded it. They kept the battery for a few days and did some kind of recovery to it. They even loaned me a battery to use while they worked on mine. It has worked great since then. I went in there expecting to have to buy a battery but they saved my old one for me. Hope yours can be saved too. Tom

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/08/11 02:30pm

To be sure eveyone understand here - my TC battery NEVER starts my truck - it's sits in my TC and runs ONLY the lights and ignitors - and pump. The truck battery starts and runs truck -- so, the 'cranking' component is a non-issue.

Anyway, seels like dual 6v GC battery is the way to go if I can fit two in somehow - otherwise, the Gr 29 is the largest I can fit in the box.

Posted By: crah on 07/08/11 02:50pm

Monkey

Google 12 volt side of life. Charging your batteries correctly will make the batteries last longer. Also by just driving and having the truck alternator charge your house battery may take a lot longer for a full charge than you may think. There are many variables to charging batteries including wire size and type of charger. Read the 12 volt side of life as a start. You obviously know how to conserve battery use with your experience of drycamping.

2003 Holiday Rambler Scepter 36PST 3 Slide
Cummins ISC 350/Side Radiator
Banks System
2011 Buick Enclave Towed
Ready Brute/Ready Brake/Blue Ox

Posted By: pianotuna on 07/08/11 09:42pm

Hi,

The whole battery discussion swings on what the goals are.

If you want the minimum number of cells then six individual two volt cells is the best of all worlds (600 amp-hours per cell, and up).

If there is room for an odd number of batteries and the choice is between six volt and twelve volt jars, twelve volt wins on capacity.

If there is room for only two batteries twelve volt wins on redundancy and six volt wins on the number of cells.

If a large inverter (1500 watts and up) is to be run at "full bore" then twelve volt wins even against six six volt (assuming equal amp-hours of capacity), due to the larger voltage drop exhibited by the thicker plates.

Flooded cells remain, for the time being, the "best bang for the buck", but the trade off is regular maintenance and a pair of wool pants.

If one does go to agm chemistry, it would be wise to heed the advice of the particular maker on charging parameters, given that the cost of such batteries may far exceed the cost of a good converter.

Most RV's are woefully low on amp-hours of capacity, and many folks abuse their battery bank by going to far lower states of charge than is good for longevity. To me, it is a no brainer to maximize the capacity.

Balanced wiring for battery banks is often hit and miss (mostly miss, I fear). It should be addressed.

No matter what voltage or chemistry is used, good charging practice need to be followed. If that is done, 2 volt, 12 volt, and 6 volt battery banks may last many years.

So, find out the goals, use what ever works for a battery bank, and go camping (first trip Feb 15, 2011 and I had a fabulous time).

For my further thoughts on battery banks surf here:

Battery Selection

Posted By: pianotuna on 07/08/11 10:01pm

Posted By: red31 on 07/09/11 06:35am

Pianotuna

What about positive grid alloy (antimony-high cycling & calcium) with most 12v being Ca and 6 volt being antimony?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Xebra_EV/message/18871

Posted By: ryanallie1 on 07/09/11 09:31am

Hi All.

Most short Battery Life is the Owners Fault. One way or the other. Most things that kill a Battery sooner, is lack of Distilled Water. Dicharging a Battery to Low, to many times. Not fully re-charging them after dis-charging them. I don't think you are driving around enough between charges to fully recharge your battery. Do that enought times and that will surly hurt your Battery. Sulfation is the #1 Killer of Battery Short Life. What is good, is the type of Conveter/Charger that you have in your RV. What is really needed in most cases is a good 3 or 4 Stage True Smart Converter/Charger. As it completely takes care of your Sulfation issues. And it also takes care of any Battery Boiling issues also. I would have to say, two Battries are better than one Battery. As its to easy to go below the 50% Level to easily. Yes, you might have been able to get away with just usinig one Battery for many many years. Thats part of the reason your Battries don't last you but 2 to 3 years. My last 5er, I only had a Pair of Grouup 27's with a PD9145 amp Converter/Charger, with the Charge Wizard. I installed those group 27's right after I did the PD9145 amp Converter/Charger, with the Charge Wizard Mod, I sold the 5er almost 8 years later, and the Groupe 27's were still going stong. I also did the PD4655 amp Converter/Charger, with the Built-In Charge Wizard in our Motorhome, with a Pair of Interstate 6 Volt Deep Cycle Battries at 232 amp hrs. You need a Good Converter/Charger that is capaible of hitting 14.4 Volts to properly take care of your Battries the right way. I've never gotten only 2 to 3 year of life for any type of Battries in the 45 years as RV'ers. Take good cafre of your Battries and they will take good care of you. With proper care and correct Charging, your Battries should last you a lot longer than they are. You can do a Search here on this Forun, and yoou'll have a whole lot of reading to do for a very long time, about how to properly take good care of Battries. Good Luck. Happy Travels. Dan & Jill

1998-34 ft Rexhall, Rexair SL. 460 EFI. F-53. 7.3 MPG. TST TPMS. HWH Levelers. 5.5G Gen. Convection/Microwave Water Purifier/Water Softner. 2 A/C's. Alarm Systems. Honda EU2000i's W/Kit. Steer-Safe. CR-V W/SMI System. FMCA #F414397 Nam-Vet, 66-67-68&70-71

Posted By: MEXICOWANDERER on 07/09/11 11:37am

I for one am not impressed with the record of calcium-calcium or hybrid calcium batteries in frequent cyclic environments. C/C batteries are excellent for powering emergency telephone equipment sites, where discharging is very infrequent over a period of years, with a very low self discharge rate and extremely low watering (maintenance) requirement.

Delco learned the hard way that their Voyager line of "Deep Cycle" RV batteries was subject to a very short lifespan even when correctly maintained. Like the J.C. Penny "Forever" battery, it almost bankrupted the company.

Posted By: 7.3 psdman on 07/09/11 09:16pm

We had an old Dodge that had a 60 amp altenator and a battery isolator that allowed charging of the truck batteries and charging of the house batteries too. It kept reserve power in the truck starting battery this way. I guess you could switch these manually as well. Tom

Posted By: Monaco Montclair on 07/10/11 09:37am

Had a bat to last bout 3yrs on one and 9yrs on a noter--- pends--happy--camping

Posted By: carringb on 07/10/11 10:00am

monkey44 wrote:

But drive most days enough to charge, even when bookdocking..

Are you sure? I read that some GM trucks only have a 10-amp trailer charge circuit. If this is what you are using to charge your camper battery, you would need 10-12 hours for a full charge.

2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

Posted By: RAS43 on 07/10/11 10:45am

mexbungalows wrote:

Delco learned the hard way that their Voyager line of "Deep Cycle" RV batteries was subject to a very short lifespan even when correctly maintained. Like the J.C. Penny "Forever" battery, it almost bankrupted the company.

I may have been just lucky but the Delco Voyager deep cycle battery in my boat finally failed this year. I bought it in 1997. Powered my trolling motor just fine all these years.

Posted By: mena661 on 07/10/11 11:08am

carringb wrote:

monkey44 wrote:

But drive most days enough to charge, even when bookdocking..

Are you sure? I read that some GM trucks only have a 10-amp trailer charge circuit. If this is what you are using to charge your camper battery, you would need 10-12 hours for a full charge.

Unless that wire has been upgraded and the alternator has been upgraded, most trucks will only have about that much current going through the wire.

Posted By: monkey44 on 07/10/11 12:52pm

carringb wrote:

monkey44 wrote:

But drive most days enough to charge, even when bookdocking..

Are you sure? I read that some GM trucks only have a 10-amp trailer charge circuit. If this is what you are using to charge your camper battery, you would need 10-12 hours for a full charge.

Lance factory (at my request) installed an #8g charging wire from my HD alternator to #8g TC charging circuit ... so it's not the stock wire.

Generally, sitting in CG and running truck, which I need to do occasionally when boondocking, charges the battery to 'near full' in about an hour. But, that's simply using the charge guage in the TC, not testing the actual battery. But, it still charges faster than stock #10g wire.

If my current set-up did not work the way we need it, there are lots of alternatives (apparently, reading RV.net), so we could spend some bucks and upgrade -- but generally, it does what we need when we're camping and traveling, so, will not spend much upgrade money at this time. Altho, we are preparing for an extended x-country trip again, and might go with extra battery (maybe two 6v) or add some solar to support the charging system. Still considering those options as we plan this next trip - Good advice here, thanks to all ... M44

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