replacing batteries

[Wiesehan]

My batteries (2 12 volt) are just a little over two years old. They test as good, but I can't run my furnace all night without having them almost completely depleted by morning. Even though they test good, they will not charge up to their full capacity. I am considering replacing them with a couple of Optimia Blue Top, but they are big bucks, about $210.00 each and I have never used any of these before. Has anyone replaced their 12 volt batteries with an Optimia and if so did it last any longer that any other deep cycle battery?
Thanks
Don

[mhs4771]

Dan, do you know the size and ratings for your present batteries?? I'm running a pair of Group 29s from Sam's Club and seem to be holding up fine, but then again we haven't been in a situation requiring the furnace to run all night.

[dieselguy]

Just for comparison, I have a single 12V Interstate battery that came with the fiver ... runs furnace fan all night with a bit of juice left the next day in 40 degree weather furnace set at 70. I do turn off the antenna booster and unplug the 12 volt Jensen TV.

[bncinwv]

I added an Optima blue top as a second battery to our rig. The original wet deep cell is separated by an isolation switch. I can say that the Optima has about three times the life of the wet deep cell. As always, this is not to be taken a a recommendation, rather just providing experience. What you need for long life is a combination of batteries that give you the most amp-hours.
Bingo

[DonandJudy_12]

Have you considered using 2 6 volt batteries? We had 4 6 volt batteries in our Monty and never had a problem during overnite use- JMHO- Don

[jwedell]

X2 on the 6 volt batteries. Trojan T105 batteries are used in golf carts and make an excellent choice for RV's. had them and they really last. 2 in series have 220 amp hrs. You can really run them down and they still charge righ up. Just a suggestion. John

Foot Note, 2 - 6 volt batteries in series will give you the same capacity as 2 - 12 volt batteries in parallel. The advantage is if 1 of the 12 volt batteries has a problem it will drain the other. It doesn't do that with the 6 volt batteries.

[Wiesehan]

Thanks for feed back. I started thinking about it and when these batteries were brand new they functioned the same way! I did have booster off but did not unplug the TV. I started the generator when we got to the site to open the slides so the batteries didn't take a big hit, but still no joy. I looked up Interstate warranty and these only have a couple of months left so that is no big deal. I have thought about some six volts batteries, but haven't decided on that yet. Again thanks for input.
Don

[mazboy]

this may sound silly but with your 2 12volt batteries do you have it that on the first battery the positive goes to the trailer and on the second battery that negative goes to the trailer?

http://www.gearseds.com/files/twobat_onechgr2.pdf and this one: http://www.batteriesnorthwest.com/ba...cfm?TID=6#ANC6
connecting batteries this way you double the amps. i had to teach the tech at the dealer i brought my trailer from.

[mlh]

Interstate sell a battery that is made for portable electric sings. I think it is 1350 CCAs. Is designed to run these sings for days without being recharged. It is big and very heavy but it is a great battery. I gave about $175 for one.
Lynwood