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Old 07-24-2019, 11:06 AM   #1
Woodworker
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12v batteries

Stock issue batteries that came with our 3811MS are only 1.5 years old. Now they only last 4 hours running the inverter and refrigerator.
Is it time to replace?
Also, any suggestions on what type of deep cycle battery is best?

Steve Patterson
 
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Old 07-24-2019, 11:32 AM   #2
rohrmann
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If you don't want to go with 6 volt golf cart batteries, which would give you the best bang for the buck, look for the largest 12 RV/Marine deep cycle batteries you can find, and go with at least two, or even four. With the kind of load you have running a residential fridge on batteries, you might even need to consider solar to help out.
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Old 07-24-2019, 03:39 PM   #3
BuilderBob
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Agree with Bob! 6 volt Golf cart would be the best way to go. Or good 12 volt deep cycle batteries. Some of the dealer out there don't put in the best batteries to begin with.
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Old 07-25-2019, 04:56 AM   #4
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Also, making sure the ice maker is turned off will help extend battery life.
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Old 07-25-2019, 05:37 AM   #5
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go with 2 6volt batteries


depending on your price I'd just go to walmart, sams or costco.
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Old 07-26-2019, 08:48 PM   #6
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I see postings advising to use the AGM batteries. In doing research it specifically says you must use an AGM compliant charger. Question: Is our Montana RV's charger AGM compliant?
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Old 07-26-2019, 09:09 PM   #7
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Montana converter will charge AGM batteries.
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Old 07-26-2019, 09:11 PM   #8
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Make sure that the batteries you select are fresh. They have a date of manufacture on them. I always buy where I think they sell lots of batteries. better chance of getting a fresh one.
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Old 07-27-2019, 06:28 AM   #9
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My two 12 volt group 27 batteries are 2 years old and recently ran our residential reefer for 13 hours during a power outage and were still running it when the power was restored.
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Old 07-27-2019, 08:31 AM   #10
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As to brand, there are only 3 or 4 battery manufacturers in the US. Almost all batterys are private label. Walmart Advance and all the rest are selling the same battery with a different label on them. This is to say shop around and choose the cheapest or most convenient for you.
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Old 07-31-2019, 04:53 PM   #11
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Trojan makes makes a 12V Golf Cart Batteries this would be an excellent choice. I am also a Big Fan of Deka brand batteries I use a group 31. Both the Trojan and the Deka group 31 are larger and may not fit into your battery box
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Old 07-31-2019, 05:16 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodworker View Post
Stock issue batteries that came with our 3811MS are only 1.5 years old. Now they only last 4 hours running the inverter and refrigerator.
Is it time to replace?
Also, any suggestions on what type of deep cycle battery is best?

Steve Patterson
What you have identified is the power draw of the residential refrigerator and inverter. Your batteries may be fine.

What you need to do is document how much current you need when not connected to a 120 volt source ( pedestal 120 volt or generator).

I solved my problem with 900 amps of batteries and solar and/or generator to recharge.

Contact me if you want more information.

Safe travels.
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Old 08-01-2019, 07:37 AM   #13
Charlie W
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I switch to 4 Trojan t-105 6 volt batteries, I paid $130each delivered I also installed a self-watering option. It works great.
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Old 08-01-2019, 08:16 AM   #14
mhs4771
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I too just switched to 4 Trojan T-105s in a Series/Parallel setup, but went AGMs, more in price, but now I don't have to worry about water levels.
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Old 08-01-2019, 11:11 AM   #15
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If you are saying that the batteries are not lasting while towing and resulting in an error from the inverter, the cause may have been due to no battery charging occurring while towing. If that isn't the case, then batteries are the cause. I use two group 31 agm deep cycle marine batteries to get capacity.
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Old 08-01-2019, 11:36 AM   #16
PeteandJoan
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I have a res. frig. and recently installed 2 Trojan 6v AGM Reliants. Just returned from a 5500 mile trip and had zero issues. Also don't have to kill my back trying to get into compartment to water them. I'm a happy camper. $280 each from local Rv dealer....maybe could have bought cheaper elsewhere?
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Old 08-01-2019, 11:38 AM   #17
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Just throwing the LiFePO4 aka Lithium into the mix.
Say goodbye to worries

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Old 08-31-2019, 01:39 PM   #18
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6 volt Flooded cell case

For those who have converted to the two 6 volts, have you found a battery case with the vent hole or did you have to drill the case?
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Old 08-31-2019, 01:58 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suny07 View Post
Just throwing the LiFePO4 aka Lithium into the mix.
Say goodbye to worries

Mike



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Old 08-31-2019, 02:34 PM   #20
Charlie W
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I use this case and I had to drill the holes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GCQ-G-Centu...-/273250438445
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