youngtravelers
Baker City , Oregon, USA
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Joined: 01/23/2004
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We are having the same issue about 12-16 months. the battery for the TH keeps dying, and needing replaced, I trickle charge the battery, and keep it in a warm area during the winter (50*) when the TH is not being used, the battery is disconected.
even when the battery was new, when dry camping, it will last maybe 2 days, while using it minimally, then its dead. I will have to hook up the pickup, to get the genset to start, and re-charge the battery.
currently I run a single 12volt RV battery. we use it for lights, and the 12volt Water pump. thats about it when drycamping.
should I get a HD battery? put 2 battery's on the TH, or get some 6 volt batts and set them up for a 12 volt system?
any help or advice is appreciated, Camping season is around the corner.
Young Travelers:C[blue]:)
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youngtravelers
Baker City , Oregon, USA
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posted this and then seen the posting by Sandpiper. so i will run with what everyone is posting there.
THANKS !!!
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midnightsadie
ohio
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Joined: 01/07/2008
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two is always better, but make sure your geting deep cycle batt, from your post it sounds like you have a electric draw some place.just the pump and a light should not kill the battery that fast.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi,
What is killing the battery is deep cycling past 50%. Get something to at least monitor voltage--when it reaches 12.2 volts recharge it for 3 to 4 hours.
Another good way to extend the life cycle is to add a solar system.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Like most things in life, not everything is the same....so it is quite possible that your battery just isn't all that good. You could take two identical batteries, and put them side by side, with same loads and charging, and one would last longer than the other....it's just the way things are.
I bought a new battery at Walmart, and it didn't last me a year. Thankfully, they have a great return policy, and replaced it....second battery has been in RV for 3 years now, without problem.
You are doing all the right things, with regard to charging and disconnecting when not in use....and I agree with Tuna, that running it down too low, is not a good thing.
I don't believe you mentioned what size or type battery you have, and if it's a general starting battery, and not a deep cycle battery, you probably shouldn't expect more than what you are getting.
I would invest in two batteries....preferably 2 6-Volt batteries that you wire in Series, for the 12VDC. They will hold a charge longer than two 12V batteries in Parallel......though you may be paying more for them, and space may be an issue in your RV?
Good luck
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau
RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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chinook507
Fountain
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Joined: 11/16/2009
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I am running 2 Interstate Deep Cycle Batteries. I had one battery go bad and I was able to return it to an Interstate dealer with no problem. I neglected to keep an eye on my liquid level inside the battery and believe that was my problem with the one that went bad.
I have been watching my batteries very closely and have had no problems for the past 2 years now.
My TH stays plugged in at my house and I keep the tops clean and lubed with a battery spray. Seems to help or maybe I am getting lucky.
Dont know if this will help, Good Luck
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IOWASTROKER
rocky mountians
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Joined: 11/20/2009
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I have a Battery Tender Junior on ever toy that has a battery. $25 trickle charger. Does not "burn" my water out) Solar is good, but somewhat expensive..AND...if you can plug it in, then you have power to run the Battery Tender.
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Dirtclods
Newport Beach
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Joined: 02/19/2007
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Just get rid of your 12 volts you won't look back and go with two 6 volts.
Great info: http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi Dirtclods,
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.
For my further thoughts on battery banks surf here:
Battery Selection
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