Batteries

[Silvertwinkie]

Well, the old gal still has had her original batteries and they are at the point of being significantly degraded where they will not last more than a day or two under normal use.

Now that I've replaced my converter/charger with a three stage unit it's time to look at getting some new batteries. I was reluctant to replace them sooner since my old converter/charger literally would cook out the batteries (it was only two stage from what I've been told).

So, I have looked and looked heard a few opinions about what the best direction is to go on new batteries. The factory installed Interstates are not bad batteries for the price point, but I'm wondering if there are better batteries that aren't the cost of say lifelines that can be simply dropped into my front dual battery box in a sort of plug an play manner. Any suggestions?

[cortés]

Im sure there are lots of varied opinions & experiences on the subject
but for my money Interstate makes the best battery there is.
Ive had quite a few and the difference is noticeable.

[Silvertwinkie]

Thanks for the input Cortez. The Interstates I have now have served me well and of course I have not maintained them all that well (though I should have).

I just can't see right now spending big bucks for glassmat or other high end batteries for say 3-4 weeks a year in terms of use. Perhaps when I retire (20 to life from now) I may feel differently or if I find more time to boondock. In the absence of any other brands, I may just try to locate some more Interstates. Know of any good places to pick some up? They are not universally available in the immediate Chicago area from their web site.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I'm surprised that your original batteries lasted that long. My trailer is one year model newer than yours and my batteries failed about 1 1/2 years ago. Since I do very little boondocking, practically never, I just bought Costco Deep cycles. [24 group] At the time my batteries failed, I wasn't planning on going anywhere for about six months, so I waited until it was close to time for my next trip to buy my new batteries; I can't see burning up my warranty time with my traler sitting in my driveway, not going anywhere.

[RickDavis]

My 2 Sam's club 6 volt golf cart batteries are now starting into year 7. (about $60. each) I never float them on an AC charger. Have a switch to turn the converter totally off when charging is not needed which is most of the time since we have 250 watts of solar. The pair of 6 volts has worked out better life wise than any of the 12 volt batteries I have used. May just be lucky this time.
I am not convinced the fancy batteries are cost effective all though it would be nice not to have as much maintenance. Usually have to add distilled water twice a year.

[cortés]

Thanks for the input Cortez. The Interstates I have now have served me well and of course I have not maintained them all that well (though I should have).

I just can't see right now spending big bucks for glassmat or other high end batteries for say 3-4 weeks a year in terms of use. Perhaps when I retire (20 to life from now) I may feel differently or if I find more time to boondock. In the absence of any other brands, I may just try to locate some more Interstates. Know of any good places to pick some up? They are not universally available in the immediate Chicago area from their web site.

I'll assume you already found this but just in case:

Interstate Batteries - Chi Town

[Silvertwinkie]

Yea, caught that one...most of those places are a Star Trek away from me. In what I'd spend in gas alone.....

[Mustang]

From what I have learned , when it comes to batteries, is, The heavier the battery, the better the battery. It has to do with the lead plates, and there thickness.

[cortés]

From what I have learned , when it comes to batteries, is, The heavier the battery, the better the battery. It has to do with the lead plates, and there thickness.

There is some truth in that...welcome back mustang

[Silvertwinkie]

Ok, now that spring has sprung, I'm off to get some batteries. Anyone know off hand if the late model Airstream battery box can accommodate group 27s?

I can measure when I get to the Safari next, but figured I'd ask. Seems that the only real difference from group 24 to 27 is length....about 1.5". The 27s do hold a bit more, and since I do boondock, for the few extra bucks, two 27s would be worth it IMHO.