Fiver BAttery

[MWelsh]

What is the best battery for a 29ft fiver, we hardly dry camp. Thanks in advance

 

[sonorakitch]

I have a four 6v battery setup and it works great. Keeping a 50w solar panel on the roof while parked, these golf cart batteries last weeks!



~Chris

 

[Prairie Dog]

6v Trojans are the best but if you do very little dry camping then I would suggest getting one 12v Trojan or a 12v EXIDE-GOLD. Trojans are spendy, the EXIDE GOlD has a bit less capacity but it's a lot cheaper.

Stay away from gel type batteries for deep cycling.



Scotty

 

[TowPro]

For best results look for a real deep cycle battery, they will have a longer life then a marine start battery. I have had good luck with Everstart from Walmart. Plus if it ever goes bad there are a trillion walmarts so one should be near you.



Most deep cycle batteries are distroyed by old type RV chargers and leaving them plugged in all the time. My last 2 RV's have had the progressive dynamics chargers with the charge wizard. I leave them plugged in all the time.

 

[RustyJC]

RVs need deep cycle as opposed to starting batteries such as our trucks require. Many people prefer using 2 each 6V batteries in series instead of 1 each 12V battery - these 2 each 6V battery arrangements can then be paralleled as desired to add amp-hour capacity. Our current RV has 2 each 6V deep cycle batteries.



The suggestion to use an intelligent power converter/battery charger such as the Progressive Dynamics Intellipower 91XX or 92XX series is an excellent one. Our previous 5th wheel had a 9155, and our current 5th wheel has a 9180, both with the Charge Wizard accessory. These 5th wheels stay plugged in 24/7 while in storage. Doing this with a typical RV power converter would boil the batteries dry in days or weeks.



Rusty

 

[rluft]

If you rarely dry camp then let me suggest getting marine batteries from Walmart. You can trade them in for new ones for little or no money every two years so you keep fresh batteries in your trailer.

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

I have a paper written by a friend who was an electrical instructor. Very easy to understand comparision of battery types, how much energy stored, charge discharge cycles before replacement.

PM me with an email addy and I will send it to you.

 

[19Kgvw]

RVs need deep cycle as opposed to starting batteries such as our trucks require. Many people prefer using 2 each 6V batteries in series instead of 1 each 12V battery - these 2 each 6V battery arrangements can then be paralleled as desired to add amp-hour capacity. Our current RV has 2 each 6V deep cycle batteries.



Rusty

Trying to get back to my electrical basics..... 2 6V batteries hooked in parrallel ..... the two batteries have jumpers going from "+" to "+" and "-" to "-" ???? Or is it the other way around ... "+" to "-"... series or parrallel, I always get that confused



Please help---- I've always ran with I 12V battery but I'm thinking that I should do the 2 6V route- I dry camp 75% of the time.



Rich

 

[seemore]

Two 6 volt batteries should be hooked in SERIES to make 12 volts. That is +(plus) to -(minus) Then hook the + from one battery to + on your trailer and - to ground or the wire that is left

 

[B.G. Smith]

Trying to get back to my electrical basics..... 2 6V batteries hooked in parrallel ..... the two batteries have jumpers going from "+" to "+" and "-" to "-" ???? Or is it the other way around ... "+" to "-"... series or parrallel, I always get that confused



Please help---- I've always ran with I 12V battery but I'm thinking that I should do the 2 6V route- I dry camp 75% of the time.



Rich

Two six volts in series, "+" to "-" to "+" to "-" or ground = 12 volts. bg

 

[RustyJC]

Read my post again. I said, "Many people prefer using 2 each 6V batteries in series instead of 1 each 12V battery - these 2 each 6V battery arrangements can then be paralleled as desired to add amp-hour capacity. " In other words, the 2 each 6V batteries are connected in series, but if one uses 4 each 6V batteries, one would have 2 each 6V packs, each containing 2 each 6V batteries connected in series. The 2 each 6V packs would then be connected in parallel to add amp-hour capacity. Each 6V pack (2 series-connected batteries) is treated just like a single 12V battery.



Rusty

 

[19Kgvw]

I understand fully now- appreciate everybodies input... .



Any specific type of Trojan 6V batteries, someone mentioned tractor size batteries earlier.

 

[cplanner]

Can you take two 12 volt marine batteries and hook them in parallel?

 

[maxburk]

You can hook two 12v batteries in parallel. I have a better solution for those who have space. I have gone to one group 8D battery. It has the same capacity as 3 group 31's and are very sturdy. We spend long periods of time in Canada and Alaska dry camping and have no problems with battery capacity and there are only two connections to worry about.

 

[p-Bar]

Can you take two 12 volt marine batteries and hook them in parallel?

Yes

My 5er is wired that way

 

[bombero]

Maxburk: What is a group 8d? Do you know the dimensions? I have two group 29s now but would like to add more capacity. Six volts wont fit in my compartment, they are to tall. Info would be appreciated!

 

[terrywerm]

Group 8D batteries are huge - used for heavy equipment. One guy can carry one, but it's better for 2 people to carry them, one on each end. They are approximately 24 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 12 inches tall. Remember, those are approximates! Those batteries are also used in some large trucks, but most over the road trucks just use 3 or 4 group 27s or 24s.

 

[starkmr]

Basic electricity here guys



Series of batteries (+ from one battery to - of the other) doubles the voltage, doesn't matter if your two batteries are 6 volt, 12 volt 24 volt, etc.



Parallel connection (+ from one battery to + of the other, same with negatives) will double the capacity (amp/hr).

 

[maxburk]

An 8D battery is a large marine battery. I have no idea what it is original use may have been. The dimensions are 20 inches long by 11 inches wide by 10 inches high. I came across the thing at an Exide wholesale distributor. I was trying to buy three group 31's when the guy ask if I had space for a large battery. He sold me a second for $64. 00. By the way a second is just a new battery usually with the cover blemished. I could care less about my RV battery appearance so I jumped on the deal immediately.

 

[EricBu12]

I use 4, Interstate 6 volt batteries. I series 2 pair then paralell together. . I have large Double ought cable between the 2 pairs. I have 200 watt solar on roof and get max about 7 amps charge. The Interstates are like $75 at a trailer supply place I go to. I dry camp all the time as I have a toyhauler. this setup has a lot of power for continuous use.