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Old 08-24-2018, 03:34 PM   #1
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Battery Question from newbies.

Looking to go full time soon.
What would be the best Maintenance free/Sealed batteries to use on the Thor ?
I see we have 2 Deep cycle batteries that require maintenance, (adding water), Can you also add a 3rd Battery? We do plan on doing as much boon docking as possible.
Thanks,
J&J

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Old 08-24-2018, 03:42 PM   #2
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If you're sticking with the 12 Volt choices: Interstate Batteries always seem to get good reviews...
For 6 Volts: I'll let the folks using them chime in.
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Old 08-24-2018, 03:44 PM   #3
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Great! Sealed? 12 v. Would not be a problem running 3 house Batteries Tandem for extra juice?
Thanks !
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Old 08-24-2018, 04:00 PM   #4
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We have 4 12V Interstate AGM batteries, no maintenance required. What model do you have? That will determine whether or not you have the space for additional batteries.
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Old 08-24-2018, 04:04 PM   #5
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Hi
2102, 31J
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Old 08-24-2018, 05:06 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by macksz View Post
Great! Sealed? 12 v. Would not be a problem running 3 house Batteries Tandem for extra juice?
Thanks !
Yeah, you can do that as long as you have room.

They recommned same brand and type (Like all "Interstate" "Agm" or lead Acid) and age for all batteries hooked together.

SO if your other battieres are old (more than like 3 to 6 mo old) I would either replace all of them at the same time (I like AGMs - but more pricey) or wait until you need to replace them and get all 3 at the same time.
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Old 08-24-2018, 05:07 PM   #7
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Yeah, you can do that as long as you have room.

They recommned same brand and type (Like all "Interstate" "Agm" or lead Acid) and age for all batteries hooked together.

SO if your other battieres are old (more than like 3 to 6 mo old) I would either replace all of them at the same time (I like AGMs - but more pricey) or wait until you need to replace them and get all 3 at the same time.
Cool..Thanks for info!
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Old 08-24-2018, 05:47 PM   #8
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Let us know what you come up with!
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Old 08-24-2018, 05:52 PM   #9
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Yes...thanks..
I might have to see if I have room for 2, 6 V batteries...
I have a 120 W solar panel that I plan on using also..
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:25 PM   #10
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What ever route you decide the 120 watt panel isn't enough. While the rule of thumb is 100 watts per 100 aH of hose battery our experience since 2012 is 140 watts per 100 aH and even this will fall short with shade. While 3 batteries in parallel is doable it takes a bit of work to properly balance for the charge/discharge cycle. Keep jumper wires between batteries the same length and guage.


Check here for wiring http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:41 PM   #11
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I switched to Lithium, quite expensive but really happy. This is a 200 ah battery that has a trued 160ah available for use plus considerable smaller compared to like power batteries, this one is 19 x 6.6 x 9.5. Because there is no acid or gassing they can be installed anywhere include inside the coach. They charge WAY faster and you dont have to completely charge before drawing them down again. BUT like I said they are pricey. I had a hard time getting over the price but am really happy with it. A 200 ah is $1895 but depending on how you use it has upwards of 6000 cycles. Here is a link for the battery I boughthttp://www.lifebluebattery.com/rv-boat-lithium-ion-batteries/200ah-lithium-battery.html .We are going back out on the road next summer and wanted to go back to our boondocking. For the last 15 years I have bought way to many 6 and 12 volt batteries.
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:41 PM   #12
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Cool...thanks...have to study up !
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:44 PM   #13
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Wow...nice set up! Thanks for the info !
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:47 PM   #14
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Cool...thanks...have to study up !
They are very forgiving on charging compared to earlier versions, you can use your present charger and you can use the alternator to charge plus solar as we do. I am going to get another 200ah next year before we go out. The thing I love about them is it is a constant voltage when you use them, when I was using the AGM's even with 400ah brand new batteries when we would try to make a cup of coffee 7-10 times the low voltage would knock the inverter out. This one only drops to about 12.8 during a 13amp pull, the AGMs would drop to 11v.
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:52 PM   #15
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Here is my battery mounted with the charger and the inverter switch and fuse.
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Old 08-25-2018, 01:58 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macksz View Post
Looking to go full time soon.
What would be the best Maintenance free/Sealed batteries to use on the Thor ?
I see we have 2 Deep cycle batteries that require maintenance, (adding water), Can you also add a 3rd Battery? We do plan on doing as much boon docking as possible.
Thanks,
J&J
The best?

Here you go:

https://www.amazon.com/LiFePO4-volt-.../dp/B06XX197GJ
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Old 08-25-2018, 02:11 PM   #17
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our 4 original stock 6v batteries have worked just fine - 85,000+ miles in 4 years and a LOT of dry camping - only have added water maybe 3 or 4 times - easy
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Old 08-25-2018, 02:12 PM   #18
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Looks like the same company that makes batteries for Tesla in Reno, NV?
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Old 08-25-2018, 02:12 PM   #19
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Nice
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Old 08-25-2018, 02:18 PM   #20
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Yes... Nice; and pretty expensive!
I guess that I'm only six lucky numbers away from buying a set of them!
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