Advice on RV battery replacements

Evening All,

Sending out a feeler to see if maybe there are some battery experts in here. Have an RV with 6 x 6v 225ah, lead flooded, setup into a 12v system(so three banks of 2). So the math on this is 675ah's total, but as they aren't supposed to be drained below 50%, that would give an effective ah rating of 337.

So I'm looking for deep cycle replacement options, and very interested in anyone is a battery expert and provide some real world pro's and con's on the different options, like lithium, gel filled. There is a lot of information out there, difficult to get a consensus on it, and at these price points, want to make sure I am using solid information.

Also, if you know of any good sources, also appreciated.

Thanks, not looking for anything specific, just wanted to get that conversation going.
pointr97

Youtube is the place to go for RV stuff and battery stuff. Lots of information on there about it. I'm not an expert (not even close) but from what I gather, lithium is really the only thing that makes sense now if it is an RV you plan to possibly be living in or something. If it just gets occasional use for vacations and so forth, maybe it's not worth spending money on a really fancy battery bank (Maybe just get enough battery power to get you by) and is better to just use the generator? If you have to replace all those batteries with either lithium or gel, you're looking at a lot of money and (depending) it could be a waste of money.

a reply to: pointr97

You have 6v batteries?
Sounds like a great way to bend people over.

I’d look into replacing them with a 12v type since they are already series to make them 12volts anyways.

originally posted by: BrianFlanders
Youtube is the place to go for RV stuff and battery stuff. Lots of information on there about it. I'm not an expert (not even close) but from what I gather, lithium is really the only thing that makes sense now if it is an RV you plan to possibly be living in or something. If it just gets occasional use for vacations and so forth, maybe it's not worth spending money on a really fancy battery bank (Maybe just get enough battery power to get you by) and is better to just use the generator? If you have to replace all those batteries with either lithium or gel, you're looking at a lot of money and (depending) it could be a waste of money.

Yes, I have spent months and months on studying this........but nothing beats personal experience, hence why i brought the question here......For another opinion. And also Yes, I am a full timer.

originally posted by: Bluntone22
a reply to: pointr97

You have 6v batteries?
Sounds like a great way to bend people over.

I’d look into replacing them with a 12v type since they are already series to make them 12volts anyways.

that is the thing with deep cycle, most are made in 6v versions.......there are some 12v's out there, but they are harder to find, and dimensions can be a problem.

a reply to: pointr97

AGM batteries have been great for me. Still should only deplete to 50% though. Next time I may try lithium if I can afford it.

The best battery for rv's is in mine.
I've been running off it for over 2 years.
Phenomenal performance, minimal maintenance and a lifetime warranty!!
None
Seriously, it's some kind of bad joke thinking you can do anything in an rv with battery power. Aside from led mood lighting.
I plug in or generator 15 amps.

Your first question is what are your power needs.
Fridge, lighting, ac, microwave, tv, stereo, etc.
All at once draw/solo draw? Etc
Solar charging?
I don't know what the 6v bank is all about, but just grab a couple deep cycle marine batteries from Walmart imo.
Performance between different batteries is negligible and gel cells really only appeal is high vibration use.
Just go for highest cca

a reply to: pointr97

I’ve been out of the rev industry for a couple decades so you surely know better.

But I’m with mandroid.
Marine batteries for trolling motors would probable be great if you can get them in the space available.

a reply to: pointr97

Check out the Duracell batteries, they have a lot of 6volt RV batteries and there very well made. Batteries Plus carries them.

I have had good luck with Duracell motorcycle batteries.

a reply to: pointr97
I'm no battery specialist but I have a 1992 Honda Shadow I bought new. It only has around 11000 miles on it so it has been sitting most of these 28 years and I have replaced the battery many times through these years. I quit buying lead acid batteries for it around 3 years ago and replaced it with an AGM battery. I have kept a battery maintainer on this bike for the past 10-12 years and the AGM seems to be holding up as well if not better than the lead acid so I would recommend a good brand AGM battery.

Bluetone,
When I saw 6v I had to sit back and think about that a second as well. Is anything 6v anymore? Must be an ancient camper.



AGM pros and cons

Pros: These batteries are referred to as maintenance free batteries, and do not require watering service. Since there is no free liquid and minimal gassing, AGM batteries can perform better than flooded batteries in applications where maintenance is difficult to perform.

Cons: Users should take care when charging this battery as over and under charging can affect their life and performance. AGM batteries perform most reliably when their use is limited to the discharge of no more than 50% of battery capacity.

I agree with mandroid,
A small generator,.... propane ....and you wont worry about your batteries going dead.
Get a new capacitor for your AC and the adapter that first turns on the compressor and then turns on the fan, as opposed to them starting simultaneously....... your generator will let you run your AC just fine.