Ski RV's, who's sleeping in parking lots?

Any opinions re wet vs. AGM cabin batteries? One of my batteries has a bad cell, so it's time to replace them. Camper is equipped with smart charger that charges float, absorption or bulk per voltage. I'm inclined to try AGM this time.

Also, I've been running two 12V batteries (one AGM, the other wet, both deep cycle of course) wired parallel, which has worked fine for 4-1/2 years with lots of winter use. (I'm pretty good about charging >50% discharge, but sometimes it's dipped below 50%). I noticed a more rapid voltage drop on our most recent trip, pulled out both batteries yesterday, individually charged each and discovered the bad cell. Oddly, the AGM battery is the one with the bad cell. I've read that, with parallel wiring, if one cell goes bad, it can result in parasitic discharge of cells in the other battery, thus risking an additional bad cell and a possible death spiral. Gotta say based on my experience I'm not keen on buying into that theory as a real world risk, and it hasn't happened yet -- the good battery (wet, all 6 cells good) charges to max voltage just fine. Of course, I have the option of wiring two 6V batteries in series, which is common for bigger RVs, although that introduces risk of some things not working if I drop one cell (a risk somewhat abated with 2 x 12V in parallel). Thoughts?

ETA: 2 x 6V in series may not be practicable because Group 24 6V batteries are rare birds

The only AGM batteries I've used have been for starting batteries, and they seem to last a long time. I used them for Jeeps which saw a lot of jarring harsh off-road use, and winch usage. I don't think they're worth the expense for street vehicles.

I've been satisfied with the 6V golf cart batteries in series for our camper. I've had the same set for 6.5 years now - they're getting weaker, so may be replacing them next spring before the camping season starts for us. I don't have solar or a generator, but did wire in the camper batteries to the truck engine via a solenoid, so they'll charge while driving.

If I had solar, I'd probably go with a smaller, lighter single 12V battery, and might go AGM for that purpose. For now, for our use of the camper, the golf cart batteries are an inexpensive way to go.

Looks like 2 x 6V in series is not practicable because my camper's battery compartment is for Group 24 batteries, and 6V deep cycle Group 24 batteries are rare birds. I did an ETA re that.

My camper is wired for solar, although we haven't gotten a panel. We do have a small generator, a Honda EU1000i, which has been a very reliable workhorse. But I'm not inclined to go back to a single battery. It's nice to have double the time between charges on winter trips and non-winter trips when we're parked for a few days.

Yeah, I'm interested in going 2 x AGM 12V in parallel, but wet Interstate deep cell batteries from Costco are half the price of AGM and have worked fine in the past.

My camper came with a single battery box for a group 24 or 27 (can't remember), with a flex hose vent for the box. The cabinet where it was located was oversized and intended to also hold a porta potty. I found a knockoff action packer plastic bin that just perfectly fit two golf cart batteries: cut a notch to run wiring into it, and reused the stock camper flex vent hose (cut a hole in the lid of the action packer). The box, with batteries, still fits in that cabinet - took a lot of space and weighs a lot, but it works.

I replaced the interstate wet 12V just over a year ago in the trailer with 12V AGM. Also group 24 sizing, or I would have more seriously considered going with a couple of 6V. Entering into their 2 winter and no hiccups so far. Dedicated 80W solar panel on the roof keeps them nicely tricklecharged. Also have a couple of honda gennies to give us AC, and to top off the batteries during poor solar days.
Not sure if the AGM gave us that much of an advantage, but it is nice to not have to check the fluids like the wet cells.

Thanks for the input.

El Chup, sounds like a good 2 x 6V setup. Golf cart battery sizes are different. GC2 is a bit shorter, a bit wider and a bit taller than Group 24, but it might fit. I'll measure to see if that's an option.

BCMH, part if my routine is to check electrolyte level in wet batteries from time to time, although I've never needed to add. In theory, AGM should operate better in cold weather.

I'll measure to see if 2 x 6V GC2 is an option.

I went through this same issue just before winter. I ended up getting two new AGM group 27 batteries from Sam's Club. Just a tick over $300.

My issue was that one battery has to live inside the coach and I didn't want to set up a vent system for a wet battery.

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Originally Posted by GeezerSteve

El Chup, sounds like a good 2 x 6V setup. Golf cart battery sizes are different. GC2 is a bit shorter, a bit wider and a bit taller than Group 24, but it might fit. I'll measure to see if that's an option.

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It's by far the cheapest way to get the most AH if you have the space / weight allowance. Costco 210AH 6v was ~$80 each vs. at least a grand or two for a lithium setup of the same AH.

I've been pricing out solar systems and lithium seems like the new big push, but I really don't see the benefit of that application given the absurd cost. This is for a bit larger setup than a camper though.

I have zero interest in Li. My choice is wet vs. AGM.

GC2 will not fit without alteration. (FWC tray is nice snug fit for 2 x Group 24). So, looks like I'll go with 2 x 12V, likely AGM.

I've had a single group 34 AGM (Optima D34M) for the last 8 years with no problems.

I also run a dual battery setup under the hood. I would never link 2 different brand/size of batteries in any configuration unless for temporary operation.

mebbe a re pete

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrtpIe5yby8

Why zero interest in Lithium? Because the proponents vastly oversimplify the complexity of installing a functional LiFePo4 system? Or the initial expense?

I still may look into it. If I had the choice when I got my camper, I would have gone with AGM.

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Originally Posted by simple

My issue was that one battery has to live inside the coach and I didn't want to set up a vent system for a wet battery.

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I'm in the same boat. Have an AGM I got off of Amazon, wired parallel with second battery in the exterior battery compartment.

So far, no complaints, but I've only had that setup for a year or so.

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Originally Posted by Rideski

Well that was my point. According to some of the mechanics in the comment section, the engineering wasn’t all that great. The lack of a driveshaft is nice of course, but I’m not sure I’m sold on the notion of a front wheel drive RV. Does that get up steep icy hills well? Some of the mechanics were saying the hubs were blowing out etc. the vid OP had nothing negative to say that I recall. But I’m not in the market for an urban assault vehicle so I really haven’t studied them much.

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i just thought it was cool. agreed on the winter thing though, but that is true of any rv really. i can't imagine the horror of a travel trailer in gnarly winter mountain driving

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Originally Posted by mattig

Why zero interest in Lithium? * * * Or the initial expense?

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Bingo! We'll likely get a different camping rig when Honey retires in 5-6 years. And I'm 62 y.o., likely won't be doing the RV dirtbag thing for more than another 20 years if I'm lucky and still alive. Simple arithmetic.

probably needs a lot of love, but hell for $400 someone might dig it.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/r...771404870.html

I'm about to be living out of a camper van this winter and it's my first time doing so.

Do you guys have any tips/essential gear that you didn't originally think of that I should look into to make the best of my experience?

Van has a parking heater, A/C inverter, dual battery setup for using the inverter, and more. You can check the setup here: http://smilecamper.com/tw/car/301/

Boot dryer, lots of small plastic bags for garbage, squeegee for windows, scented candles or spray

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Originally Posted by pyromaniacman129

probably needs a lot of love, but hell for $400 someone might dig it.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/r...771404870.html

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Check carefully for dry rot, soft spots, mold, rodent shit, etc.

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Originally Posted by GeezerSteve

Check carefully for dry rot, soft spots, mold, rodent shit, etc.

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At that price almost guaranteed to have all of the above.

I have 2 12-volt AGMs in my camper van out of necessity because they are located in the living quarters.

AGMs cost twice as much but can last twice as many cycles.

Also, discharging an AGM below 50 per cent has way less effect on total cycle lifespan so I'm comfortable going down to 25 per cent any time I want. So effectively I have more amp hours available, which makes up some of that 2 times cost of an AGM.

The AGMs were in the van when I bought it in 2006 and are probably in need of replacement due to lessened capacity. I upgraded my solar to 150 watts this past spring but then swapped out my 12-volt only fridge for a propane one so ended up having amp hours galore even with the old AGMs.

I lived in the van full time this past April to Sep but haven’t used it for winter camping for several years since I now live slopeside during the ski season. For sure I would need new AGMs asap to do any cold weather camping.

I plopped down the big bucks for 2 Lifeline AGM 12V batteries

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Originally Posted by Eldo

I have 2 12-volt AGMs in my camper van out of necessity because they are located in the living quarters.

AGMs cost twice as much but can last twice as many cycles.

Also, discharging an AGM below 50 per cent has way less effect on total cycle lifespan so I'm comfortable going down to 25 per cent any time I want. So effectively I have more amp hours available, which makes up some of that 2 times cost of an AGM.

The AGMs were in the van when I bought it in 2006 and are probably in need of replacement due to lessened capacity. I upgraded my solar to 150 watts this past spring but then swapped out my 12-volt only fridge for a propane one so ended up having amp hours galore even with the old AGMs.

I lived in the van full time this past April to Sep but haven’t used it for winter camping for several years since I now live slopeside during the ski season. For sure I would need new AGMs asap to do any cold weather camping.

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I haven't read of many people going 12v fridge to propane, usually it's the other way around. How come?

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Originally Posted by McScrundle

I haven't read of many people going 12v fridge to propane, usually it's the other way around. How come?

Sent from my SM-G950U using TGR Forums mobile app

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12v fridge draws a fair amount of power and in winter there is not enough sunny days and daylight hours for solar to be a reliable source of power. And in winter propane fridges sip propane.