6 volt deep cycle batteries

[peteaeonix]

The most cost effective approach for the average owner is to use true deep cycle 6 v batteries. There are many brands, but Trojan is probably the most well known. They come in three basic models, the T-105, T-125, and T-145. Most commonly, the T-105 model is used by most WL owners, but the T-125 and T-145 both offer more amp-hours which would give you more off-grid longevity (something to consider if you do a lot of boondocking). These three battery models have the same "floor space" requirement, but the higher-numbered models are taller. Check your measurements if you wish to move to the higher capacity models.

I would strongly suggest an "automatic" watering system if you go with a flooded cell battery unless you're really good at checking and servicing your batteries. (I note that on my coach, dirt, etc., would accumulate on the battery tray runners, making it near-impossible to pull out the batteries for service.)

The primary advantage of AGMs (Absorbed Glass Mat) in an RV application is that they are truly "service free." However they are significantly more expensive than flooded cell batteries. They also require different protocols for charging, etc. They do allow a greater discharge (but "full" discharge is still damaging and frequent maximum "safe" discharge will shorten their life (as it does for flooded cell batteries).

There are some batteries (gel-type) that offer some of the advantages of the AGM, but they are kind of passing out of the market since AGMs are superior and are not that much more expensive that "gel" batteries.

There are also "service free" flooded cell batteries. These batteries simply have a slightly larger electrolyte capacity and 'caps' that are glued shut. In reality, in an RV service, where there are frequent deep discharges, the water will get "boiled away" during recharging cycles and these "service free" batteries will require added water which becomes a problem because there are no caps that can easily be removed. Avoid this type of battery. (They're fine in an automobile that gets regular use.)

Also those with older coaches should seriously consider replacing their "battery boiler" chargers that came as OEM, if they haven't done so already. The modern 3 stage chargers will do more to lengthen battery life (regardless of battery type) than almost anything else you can do. What a three stage charger does is sense the charge condition of the battery, and vary the amount of energy being sent to the battery based on the charging need. Ultimately it resorts to a "float" charge level that simply keeps the batteries at full charge without overheating and boiling away the water in the electrolyte.

Note: AGMs do have rather specific charging voltage limitations to keep from being overcharged. The P.O. installed a Heart Link 2000R controller that managed both the chargers (on the inverters) and the alternator (on the engine) to ensure proper charging voltages at all times. This product or something with similar functionality is ideal for use with AGM batteries.

[MRPutz]

Pete - That is the most accurate sensible battery info I've read in a long time..

Nailed it! :-)

Most folks seem to forget that AGM's can be charged and discharged at least 2 times the charging/discharging rate of FLA's (Flooded Lead Acid). This is important for boondockers who must abide by quiet time hours. If you only have short periods of allowable time to run the generator to get the batteries up to charge, then you want to sink the maximum current into them in the shortest time - AGM's win in this regard.

I use AGMs cause they're clean (no acid dripping, no messy watering system, no corrosion, no spilling, no freezing and splitting), they're safe (no hydrogen or oxygen off gassing), they're fast charging and discharging (a minimum of 2x faster than an FLA, and my coach was delivered from the factory with 280 Amps of smart chargers), they co-exist quite nicely with FLA start batteries (charging protocols are sufficiently similar), they're original equipment on my LXi, and they're the de-facto standard for high-end coaches (buyers expect to see them).

Of course, if an owner still needs to spend money to convert from boilers to smart charges, I can see the need to save money with FLA's.

[DTW1086@cox.net]

Originally Posted by rtpn60

There are MANY sources for 6v batteries. Do not use marine deep cycle/starting batteries, those are not true deep cycle batteries.

Best bang for buck is Coscto or Sam's club. They have 220ah 6v batteries for around $80 each.

I checked both Sam's and Costco within the last hour and here in the Phx area Costco 6V Deep Cycles are $79.99 and Sam's club are $81.82. Gonna quit jump starting my Cat with the Generator Battery.

[MRPutz]

Originally Posted by DTW1086@cox.net

I checked both Sam's and Costco within the last hour and here in the Phx area Costco 6V Deep Cycles are $79.99 and Sam's club are $81.82. Gonna quit jump starting my Cat with the Generator Battery.

Good for you Dave.. I've got 3 years on my Costco batteries and working on 4 here in the desert. So far they've cost me $300 over 3 years or $100 per year to maintain the 4 deep cycle batteries. I'm sure I'll get 4-5 years out of them as I use a smart charger and don't abuse them (run them down to less than 12v)

So soon I'll have to adjust my number to 4 deep cycles for $75 a year. or even to $60 for year 5. It's just hard to compete with that.

[shaaksma]

Just an FYI: 6 volt GC batteries on sale at Sams on the May 11th. $20 off.


Sorry, not sure where to post.

[Virtue22]

If anything, this was a good thread to "bring back from the dead." I re-read it (read it a while back and has good info) it's just missing the lithium component. I currently have lead acid but would love to buy some AGM's so I don't have to worry about the water levels.

Either way, $20 off an already "cheap" battery ($89) if a great deal...thanks!

[Don Meyer]

I'm running 8 of the Sam's 6 volt AGM's. Love em. No water level worries. Handles deep discharge (which I never do anyway) and my 400 watts of solar power keep them charged nicely when not on shore or gen power.

[Clembo]

I took the 3 8D gel batteries (8 yrs old) out when I bought my 96 WB-42 and replaced them with Trojan T-105. I found the T-105 were to tall to fit in the battery compartment so I took the upper shelf out (had to cut it in half to get it out) and I now have 4 T105 in the front battery compartment and 4 in the engine compartment. That gives me 900 ah@12v which is plenty for my needs. I have watering system on both banks so they are a cinch to maintain. Another plus is I can reach over the front bank and grease the PTO without having to crawl underneath. Anything to stay out from under that thing. I have 4 pair of 22 ton jack stands and 4 ramps and 12" of concrete but it still gives me the creeps to get under there.
Dan

[DW SD]

Lots of great battery solutions out there.

If money is no object or secondary to convenience, saving weight, reduced charging times, energy density and longevity, I'd give serious look to battleborn lithium ion batteries. They sell a drop in replacement for 12V.

The batteries are setup with their own battery management system (BMS) which prevents destroying the batteries by over charging or discharging, for example.

Their lifespan is lots of more (think 10X), which equates to years of extra cycles compared to lead acid or AGM and the biggest advantages.

A very key benefit, I think, is ability to charge at a linear rate until full and while also at a higher charging rate is one of the best benfits. So charging times would be substantially reduced.

They also weigh substantially less. And have about double the useable energy of a lead acid for a given battery form factor.
So 4 of them would only weigh 150 lbs and be equivalent to 8 golf carts.
They are also maintenance free.

Downside is upfront cost. But I'd bet cost per charge / discharge cycle would end up money ahead and less hassle.

A few clarifications:
Not attempting to start a battery debate. I don't have affiliation with Battleborn, nor do I own their products. But maybe one day :-)

Doug