Batteries kaput!!!!!!

Hey all!

Well, it was only a matter of time (as I've since found out) but I've fried my batteries. Having the camper next to the house I was plugged into shore power quite a bit and didn't realize the dangers (and/or the poor battery charger) until it was too late! Apparently the old 5er we had was equiped with a good charger/maintainer because we never had this problem on the old camper.

So, now I'm in the need of replacement. My question to you all, what you got!!!!??!??!

I am leaning toward just one standard 12v deep cycle with a Battery Tender and Shut off switch. But I know there are plenty of options out there! (The forementioned probably being the most cost effective) I HAD 2 12v batteries in parallel, but we don't dry camp that much and don't see much of a need for 2 anymore.

I have read about golf cart batteries and 4-6 6v batteries wired in series. What are the advantages/disadvantages of this? Anyone have that set up? Also, do I need to invest in a charger upgrade, similar to this one mentioned in Mopar_earls thread http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/diy-improvements-f3/upgraded-conveter-charger-with-a-4-stage-charger-t2822.htm?highlight=battery+charger.

Would that charger eliminate the need for a shut off switch and battery tender? What size do I need? 35amp?

Thanks in advance and if it's not obvious I am pretty electrically challenged!!!!!!!!!

I use a progressive dynamics 45 amp 4 stage charger, with charge wizard. Fits in original converter charger housing.
Sean

This is what I installed:
http://www.bestconverter.com/60-Amp-RV-ConverterCharger_p_171.html
and
http://www.bestconverter.com/Remote-Pendant_p_174.html

I'd recommend you replace that single 12V battery with 2 - 6V golf cart style batteries. It'll give you more amp hours than a single 12v marine type battery. You might never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you have the extra capacity. I have 4 Trojan T-145 batteries series and parallel to make 12V 520 amps. But, we like to dry camp more than plug in, so we have all the bells and whistles short of solar to fit our needs.

I would also recommend that you add Amsoil to your new batteries to slow down the evaporative process you've already encountered.

As for a charger, you'd do well with a 3 stage. It's much kinder to your batteries.

TC

Leaning toward the Trojan batteries as of now! 2 6v in series. What I'm NOT sure about is upgrading the charger/converter. Just don't have the $500 laying around to upgrade the camper at this point.

Going to price out the less expesive option today and make a decision.

Pay close attention to the specs of the batt's you buy. 2 very good 12v batterys will likely have more reserve time than two cheap 6V's from Cosco. The best route is the 6V Trojans as dragynj said but if one 12v will work fine for you, there may be no need for something heavier and more expensive.

One more question, if upgrading to the charge wizard would there be a need for a batter shut off switch?

Mines an 07' 32qbbs, with one 12v marine deep cycle. The only problem I've had was my own fault. Not checking the water level in the battery. topped it off and all is still fine. I still have the factory charger.

Admin, how far gone was your battery? Mine was smelling pretty bad before I even realized what was going on. If I add water to them is there a chance I could save them? I'm thinking no battery store is going to tell me "oh those batteries are fine! Don't buy new ones!!!"

Sure you can save them. Best thing to do would be to go by a batterie warehouse store and buy a bottle of batt acid. Or just put some distilled water in. Acid would be the prefered method though.

dragynj, there are several ways to check your battery status. Check out this web site:

http://www.marine-electronics.net/techarticle/battery_faq/b_faq.htm#3

I found it to have very good over-all deep cycle information.

TC

Figured I should put the done stamp on this conversation.

Finally decided on the Optima Blue Top AGM battery. Pretty spendy ($160 from Costco) for a 12v battery, but the "maintenence free" aspect is what I'm REALLY looking forward too. Also purchased a Battery Tender and I'm going to wire in a battery shut off switch. When hooked up to shore power I will shut down the battery and flip on the battery tender.

My plan is to hardwire an electrical outlet into the basement to plug the battery tender into. If that doesn't pan out I will copy an idea I seen on here to run a standard outlet plug outside of the cat, near the front jack switch, and plug it in as needed.

For what it's worth I wish I could have justified/afforded the 6v trojan batteries and a new power center, but just wasn't in the cards. If we got out more often and dry camped more that would have been the ticket!

Thanks for suggestions, I should have the mod done by next week (waiting on the battery tender) will follow up with pictures when complete!

I also load test mine once a year. I bought a load tester from Harbor Freight. Works great.