Battery recommendations

[Rick A]

It is about time for a new pair of batteries for my 5th wheel. I currently run a pair of 12 volt group 24's which came with the 2018 Montana 3121. I now have a 190 watt solar panel that helps keep my batteries charged while in outdoor storage. It does a good job during long, sunny summer days but short, cloudy winter days can be a challenge eventually. No shore power available in storage area. We occasionally dry camp for a few days but not for extended periods of time and can use the Honda 2000 if needed for that. We are not concerned with trying to run any 120 volt equipment while dry camping.

I am considering going to a pair of 6 volts or a pair of group 29, 12 volts. I know lots of people like the Trojan brand but they are a little hard to find around here and expensive too. Does anyone want to offer an opinion on the Costco Intersate 6 volt and 12 volt batteries??

Thanks for reading.......Rick

[Carl n Susan]

I have been using the Costco 6V batteries for over 10 years (not one set for all this time). I replaced my first set at 7 years just because it seemed like time. I am now up to 6 batteries (3 pairs) as we do boondock for weeks at a time.

[Rick A]

Thanks for the reply Carl. On some other web sites people have had complaints about the newer Costco 6 volt Interstate batteries not holding up well. I have had good luck with the 12 volts in auto applications but it has been many years since I had a pair of 6 volts. They held up very well back then.

[rohrmann]

If your dealer did like our dealer did, the battery box was just barely big enough for the two group 24 batteries they installed in our rig. I had to replace the box with a bigger one when I upgraded our batteries. It’s not difficult, just a nuisance. Purchased the new box from our dealer.

[mlh]

There are only 3 manufacturers that supply most or almost all of the automotive batteries in the US. Johnson Controls makes over half of them. Almost all are private label. If you buy batteries make sure aren’t paying too much for the exact same battery you could have bought somewhere else with a different name on it.
Lynwood

[rames14]

I wouldn’t change, personally. You got almost 6 years out of your current batteries. You wouldn’t need additional cables or a different box. I have had 12v deep cycle, 6v Interstate and Trojan and lithium. Love lithium for boondocking, recharging and less voltage drop over time. 6V on an inverter, yes. Just 12v applications, save your money. Just my $.02.

[Todd & Mary]

You should consider upgrading to Lithium batteries. you will get 2 times the power. Litime is a great manufacturer, and they are not much more than a flooded battery. and they weigh almost half of flooded batts. The only drawback is you should upgrade your converter to a lithium compatible. You can use your current unit but it will not completely charge your lithium batts. Just a suggestion.

[BritBox]

I switched from 12 to 6 volt flooded some years ago and have been pleased with the results. I especially like the Crown 235AH 6 volt. A couple of years ago I ran them close to dry in error, added over a gallon of distilled water and after a long charge they came back from the brink and have been fine since. Biggest drawback is have to keep the water topped up. Also retail costs will vary enormously, some of the RV stores are more than a little cavalier about their pricing.

[twindman]

Don't want to derail this too much, but I may need batteries. I have 2 6V Trojans Looking on the net, once place has 2 of them for $900!!!!
Other places the normal range around $150. Anyway, I live in Mesa Az and have trouble finding them except maybe at a golf cart dealer, and I suspect they will mark them way up. Anyone know of big box or battery stores that sell them? Thanks.

[Mikendebbie]

I don't know anything about 6 volt batteries - but got lots of search results from some big stores...

[Carl n Susan]

There used to be a guy at the Mesa Marketplace (I assume you know where it is) that sold batteries. Specifically Trojans at a good price. He would even deliver and install for you. I haven't been there for a couple of years so he may, or may not, still be there.

[Mikendebbie]

I was just in our local Costco and saw a 6 volt battery on display in front of the tire dept. for $104 or $106...should have taken a pic.
Again - I know nothing about 6 volt sizes or types.

[twindman]

mike and debbie, you proved my point. The Trojans are $850 for 2 - outrageous! Other places $150 or so. How can they charge $425 for them?

[mhs4771]

The sell because people know the Name

[jeffba]

I would look at the specs closely when comparing $500 vs $150 batteries

[rames14]

I have had Trojan and Interstate (which Costco sells). We did not notice a lot of difference, personally. YMMV.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Rick A

It is about time for a new pair of batteries for my 5th wheel. I currently run a pair of 12 volt group 24's which came with the 2018 Montana 3121. I now have a 190 watt solar panel that helps keep my batteries charged while in outdoor storage. It does a good job during long, sunny summer days but short, cloudy winter days can be a challenge eventually. No shore power available in storage area. We occasionally dry camp for a few days but not for extended periods of time and can use the Honda 2000 if needed for that. We are not concerned with trying to run any 120 volt equipment while dry camping.

I am considering going to a pair of 6 volts or a pair of group 29, 12 volts. I know lots of people like the Trojan brand but they are a little hard to find around here and expensive too. Does anyone want to offer an opinion on the Costco Intersate 6 volt and 12 volt batteries??

Thanks for reading.......Rick

You have a 2018. If your converter has lithium compatibility you should seriously consider lithium.

https://www.amazon.com/LiFePO4-Touch...0C6XK8GBG?th=1
Just my opinion.

[rames14]

Just curious, the OP said his current batteries lasted 6 years, doesn’t boondock often and uses generator for 120v - why is everyone pushing lithium or 6v. They all have more cost than replacing with what he currently has. Just wondering what will he gain by spending more money. Don’t get me wrong, I love my lithium and run everything with our system. But we do a lot of boondocking.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by rames14

Just curious, the OP said his current batteries lasted 6 years, doesn’t boondock often and uses generator for 120v - why is everyone pushing lithium or 6v. They all have more cost than replacing with what he currently has. Just wondering what will he gain by spending more money. Don’t get me wrong, I love my lithium and run everything with our system. But we do a lot of boondocking.

Because we didn't read his entire post? I just saw batteries.

[twindman]

Still don't know what to get. I looked at Costco and twice as many reviews that were 1 star out of 5 as there were 5 stars and almost none in between. and I can't find Trojan batteries around here - except maybe a golf shop and they don't list prices.