What type and brand of batteries are best

[dpam]

Had our 3150RL in storage in Mesquite Nevada since November. When we stored it I disconnected the batteries and turned off the power switch in the utility area. Today went to take the monty out of storage and found the batteries are dead, so I bought a charger and charging the batteries now. The two 6 volt batteries are 5 to 6 years old. In the event they don't hold a charge any recommendations on what I should buy as new replacements. Should I go with 2-6volts again, or 1-12 volt, or should I consider a golf cart battery. I believe the golf cart batteries are heavier, but are they better. I assume the golf cart batteries are 6 volt, so I'd need two of them and I don't think two would fit in the compartment.

Greatly appreciate your experience and thoughts.

Regards,

DAvid (DPAM)

[kdeiss]

Trojan makes the best batteries! Golf cart batteries are better they do make a 12v GC and a choice of 6 Volts. If you are not boon docking I would go with a quality Marine Rv I would recommend Deka Grp 27 or Grp 31.You also have to consider physical size

[jimcol]

Just curious Dave as to how you disconnected your batteries when placing in storage. If you use the battery disconnect some parasitic drains remain on the battery. I always remove the ground. In the eleven years of trying to do this it only failed me once and that was when I forgot to do it.

[mlh]

Our Interstate Battery has batteries they get back from the military they have been in service for 2 years in their equipment, used very little for 1/2 price. They are about as big square as a normal large battery is long and built to a higher standard than normal batteries. They look like a great deal for better than normal battery.
Lynwood

[dpam]

Jimcol,

When I said I disconnected the batteries I meant that I took the cables off the battery posts, plus I disconnected the batteries by turning the leaver in the utility area.

[JandC]

I am a little confused, if you have two 6-volt batteries aren't they the deep cycle "golf cart" batteries already?


We always had really good luck with Interstate batteries. In our large boat we used two 8D batteries by Interstate that I could hardly lift by myself. They were extremely good quality and lasted longer than other deep cycle brands. Had good luck in Montana with the 12-volt deep cycle ones also.

[WaltBennett]

In my book, it's Trojan first, then Interstate, Exide and all the rest. Walmart used to be junk, but they've improved their line quite a bit in the last few years. I picked up a 12v deep cycle for misc. applications (runs a fan via an inverter at outdoor events, a 12v air compressor, a chain saw sharpener, etc.), but have Trojans in our Montana.

[dpam]

J and C

No the 6 volt batteries are not golf cart ones. They came with the Montana when we bought it. Golf cart 6 volt batteries weigh 70lbs and are larger that the two I have.

[K0LCB]

I prefer AGM batteries. Everyone has an opinion

[bethandkevin]

I you got 5-6 years out of your batteries and have to replace them, I wouldn't change a thing. That's more than I would expect from batteries in an RV.

[dpam]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'll check around in Las Vegas for 6 volt Trojans or interstate. I don't feel I need golf cart batteries because we don't dry
camp and they are heavy and too big.

[dpam]

Guys, again thank you for all your feedback. Went to Costco in Vegas this morning and bought 2-6volt interstate golf cart batteries for $181.00 out the door. Went to a Interstate battery dealer and he quoted me $160.00 each or $320.00 for 2-6 volt batteries, so it appears Costco has some great prices.
Turns out the two batteries I had in the monty from the factory were 6 volt golf cart batteries. So, I guess I still have things to learn.

[TLightning]

Originally Posted by mlh

...Our Interstate Battery has batteries they get back from the military they have been in service for 2 years in their equipment, used very little for 1/2 price...
Lynwood

Good luck with those batteries, Lynwood. If GIs have been using them for two years, I guarantee that's equivalent of eight years by a civilian.

[mlh]

I may have misspoke. You know alternate truths. It's the reserve here in vehicles hardly used.
Lynwood

[jcurtis934]

Replaced my dealer supplied 12vdc interstate with a group 31 agm marine battery from west marine. These are made by east penn, manufacturer of deka batteries. Works for me since I don't boon it.

[mwalton]

We're using Optima Blue tops. The trailer (3625RL) came with a single Interstate Group 34. I added a second battery box and cables to parallel the batteries. They've been in service for 3 years now without a hiccup.

-Mark

[mlh]

Quote
Johnson Controls is the company behind EverStart batteries, which are available at Walmart as of June 2015. This manufacturing company also produces DieHard, Interstate and Duralast batteries. Johnson Controls specializes in making automotive batteries."
As of May 1, 2013, there are three major automotive starting flooded battery manufacturers in the United States. There are four absorbed glass-mat
(AGM) starting battery manufacturers and there are four flooded deep cycle battery/major deep cycle battery manufacturers in the United States.
End Quote
Johnson Controls also owns Optima.
Almost all batteries are private labeled. A few years ago my nephew thought the Diehard was the best battery until he noticed my Walmart battery was the exact same battery right down to the marks the plastic mold marks on them. They had come out of the same plastic mold. One said Walmart the other said Diehard.
Lynwood

[kdeiss]

I would not be so sure that the two battery's have the same lead content they may share the same case but internally may be different. Would be interesting to put both on a scale,

[mlh]

Both had the exact set ratings.
Lynwood