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11-18-2023, 01:32 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Anacortes
Posts: 25
M.O.C. #26559
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Battery recommendations
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
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11-18-2023, 03:03 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,690
M.O.C. #4831
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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.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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11-18-2023, 04:16 PM
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#3
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Anacortes
Posts: 25
M.O.C. #26559
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Battery recommendation
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.
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11-18-2023, 04:52 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,774
M.O.C. #12947
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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.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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11-18-2023, 06:26 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,670
M.O.C. #2283
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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
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11-19-2023, 01:37 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,183
M.O.C. #1920
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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.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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11-20-2023, 11:59 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: everywhere, USA
Posts: 300
M.O.C. #28634
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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.
__________________
2021 Montana 3761FL, 11.5kw LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck. 8k Dexter axles w/ Kodiak disc brakes.
2019 6.7 diesel F350 DRW with Banks derringer and 4"exhaust, airlift bags, 25k B & W Companion hitch, 45 gal. aux. diesel tank and 14k Winch, just in case!
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11-20-2023, 05:10 PM
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#8
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Established Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: GLENDALE
Posts: 35
M.O.C. #29286
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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.
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2013 290RLT
2016 Ram 2500 SB 6.7 4x4,
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11-21-2023, 12:31 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,038
M.O.C. #5651
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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.
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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11-21-2023, 01:47 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Granger TX
Posts: 2,596
M.O.C. #21044
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I don't know anything about 6 volt batteries - but got lots of search results from some big stores...
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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11-21-2023, 02:34 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,690
M.O.C. #4831
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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.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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11-21-2023, 04:34 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Granger TX
Posts: 2,596
M.O.C. #21044
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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.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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11-21-2023, 05:43 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,038
M.O.C. #5651
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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?
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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11-21-2023, 07:07 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,669
M.O.C. #9969
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The sell because people know the Name
__________________
Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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11-25-2023, 07:08 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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I would look at the specs closely when comparing $500 vs $150 batteries
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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11-25-2023, 07:21 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,183
M.O.C. #1920
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I have had Trojan and Interstate (which Costco sells). We did not notice a lot of difference, personally. YMMV.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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11-25-2023, 09:59 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,581
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
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
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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.
__________________
Tony & Donna & the best dog ever, Murphy.
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-25-2023, 10:55 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,183
M.O.C. #1920
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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.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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11-25-2023, 05:46 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,581
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
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.
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Because we didn't read his entire post? I just saw batteries.
__________________
Tony & Donna & the best dog ever, Murphy.
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-25-2023, 09:41 PM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,038
M.O.C. #5651
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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.
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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