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Old 07-12-2018, 12:34 PM   #1
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THOR #8860
A Battery Question

Since these things are almost a year old now: I figured that it's time to finally () start figuring out what I've got... and what my options might be!
They are hooked-up in parallel... that must mean that they are 12 volts...
Their dimensions are: 12" wide, 9" tall (the body of them only), and 7" deep.
I haven't been able to match the size up to anything, and there are no specifications listed on the body of them anywhere!
What have I got? Are there 6-Volt batteries that'll fit?

And I apologize for all of the dirt...

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Old 07-12-2018, 12:42 PM   #2
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A voltmeter across one battery will definitively tell you if its 12V or 6V

Can't really tell but they do resemble the crappy Harris batteries Thor uses.
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Old 07-12-2018, 12:52 PM   #3
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How often have you checked water?
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Old 07-12-2018, 01:00 PM   #4
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... Not often enough!
They're actually pretty accessible under the step: It's one of this weekend's chores.
I'm just wondering if anyone can tell me what they might be, and what better options are available.
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Old 07-12-2018, 01:35 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
... Not often enough!
They're actually pretty accessible under the step: It's one of this weekend's chores.
I'm just wondering if anyone can tell me what they might be, and what better options are available.
Looks exactly like my setup, including the dirt. 2-12v in parallel. Mine are size 24, 2 of them, bought at Costco. Original battery was junk.
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Old 07-12-2018, 01:56 PM   #6
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Size 24... This is where I start getting confused.
I've been digging around in The Harris Battery website, and the dimensions that I took off of them seem to be pointing to 27.
(I'll double-check on 24...)

But at least I'm getting some good information to work with; thanks!
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Old 07-12-2018, 02:08 PM   #7
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You batteries are the typical Harris starting batteries that Thor MC installs in all their gas coaches. They are group 24 12 volt flooded batteries. They are rated at 73 amp-hours each. The replacement batteries size should be determined by the the space you have. With most coaches, the height is the most critical. With my coach, width is also critical but length really doesn't matter. AGM are a must because of their location in my battery compartment. Pick your size and then your amp hour rating then you can go looking for pricing. Size 24 12 volt AGM deep cycle batteries start at about $200 each and go to $325 for Lifeline. The 6 volt deep cycle most often used is the GC2 which is rated at 220 amp hours but it is 11.5" high. You group 24s are 9.25 inches high. They are pricey especially in the popular brands of AGM. I know as I have 6 of them in my golf cart at $325 each. The most respected brands are Trojan and Lifeline and CG2 size in the flooded type is around $150. The best price seems to be from Sams club at $92 for Duracell.
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Old 07-12-2018, 02:33 PM   #8
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I just double-checked my measurements against what Harris has on their website: I've got 27s under my step...
Can you give me a shove in the direction of an upgrade?
Thanks!
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Old 07-12-2018, 02:37 PM   #9
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Everyone slams the harris batteries. Ive had my mh for 2 years now, dont know how long they were in the mh before i got it from the dealer, and they still work great.

I always check the water level and make sure to put it in store mode when not in use.

Yes they are cheap batteries but if maintained them they should give you several years of service.

I dont dry camp much but when i do i run the gen to make sure they dont get to low.

Jerry
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Old 07-12-2018, 02:48 PM   #10
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agreed, our 4 6-v stock deep-cycle batteries have served us very fine in almost 4 years and 84,000 miles and even much of that time full-timing, boon-docking, dry-camping, and many, many, many discharge cycles during that time.

I say that most folks complain and replace their batteries way before they 'need' to... but you certainly can spend the money if you wish...I just don't buy into the 'cheap' talk when it comes to the batteries the factories install. They will serve you well if you maintain the water levels, and equalize the batteries when they tend to get 'tired', periodically, which for me has been maybe 6 times over the last 4 years.
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Old 07-12-2018, 03:03 PM   #11
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Just my two cents. Check out this site. Excellent information and more options beyond the basic group 24/27 choices. I don't know if their prices are competitive but it gives you a reference point to start.
https://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/rv/
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Old 07-12-2018, 03:20 PM   #12
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Old 07-12-2018, 08:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by halfprice View Post
Everyone slams the harris batteries. Ive had my mh for 2 years now, dont know how long they were in the mh before i got it from the dealer, and they still work great.Jerry
Same here, Just over 3 years, original coach batteries still work well. I also maintain the water level and clean connections. It may be a factor that I picked up my rv the day after delivery and have not had any full discharge cycles.
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Old 07-12-2018, 10:11 PM   #14
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I see that Optima makes a deep-cycle battery in the proper size...
Has anyone in here had any experience with them?
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Old 07-12-2018, 11:03 PM   #15
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Great battery! I have them in two of cars, but their shape and spiral cell design means they do not have the energy density of rectangular case AGM deep cycle batteries. The biggest Optima is a group 31. It weighs 60 lbs and has 75 amp-hours of energy. The Trojan group 31 weighs 67 lbs and has 100 amp-hours of energy.
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Old 07-12-2018, 11:05 PM   #16
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Thanks for that info!
It's back to looking at the "boxes"...
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Old 12-13-2018, 02:33 AM   #17
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Once I straightened out my house battery compartment, found one battery load tested bad & replaced, I ran a battery tender lead up and under the hood.
I also hooked a battery tender lead to the engine compartment battery.
There is room to put two tenders, tucked in on driver's side, and run an extension cord tucked away so the hood can be closed.
I do this for that long winter's nap the RV is taking.

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