When buying deep cycle batterys for camper

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MileHighDart

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what should I be looking for, Cold cranking amps, or amp hours?

Just wondering what will last the longest is a camper application, group 24 size deep cycle.

Any ideas how to compare different ones?
 
Reserve Capacity and physical size. Reserve capacity is the amount of time a fully charged battery can deliver 25 amps at 80*F before reaching 10.5 volts. When looking for deep cycle batteries, that's the number to compare. The physical size with batteries is also a player. The bigger the battery, the more plates it has, the bigger the plates are and the more electrolyte it holds. If my customers have the room, the one I usually try to sell is the group 31. Usually the 31-5. If I remember right, their reserve capacity is 185 minutes. That's a ton. That's what you're looking for. Remember, don't compare CCA, because a deep cycle battery will have a lower CCA than standard automotive batteries by design. It's the reserve capacity that's important.
 
Reserve Capacity and physical size. Reserve capacity is the amount of time a fully charged battery can deliver 25 amps at 80*F before reaching 10.5 volts. When looking for deep cycle batteries, that's the number to compare. The physical size with batteries is also a player. The bigger the battery, the more plates it has, the bigger the plates are and the more electrolyte it holds. If my customers have the room, the one I usually try to sell is the group 31. Usually the 31-5. If I remember right, their reserve capacity is 185 minutes. That's a ton. That's what you're looking for. Remember, don't compare CCA, because a deep cycle battery will have a lower CCA than standard automotive batteries by design. It's the reserve capacity that's important.

Thanks Rusty, that's exactly the kind of info I needed. Pretty sure I have to stick with the group 24, unless I buy bigger battery boxes, and modify the mount to make room. Its a dual battery system.
 
Ignore CCA and don't buy automotive starting batteries. Buy what are labeled as deep cycle. Amp hour ratings are fine if they are honest. The quick and dirty is the WEIGHT OF THE BATTERY and the reputation of the supplier
 
Are deep cycle batteries also built differently? I heard if you kill a car battery it wont come back up 100% even after a slow charge. It takes a 10% capacity damage hit every time..?
Just get a few of these GR-45's: 3900 amp/hours a piece. You can go off the grid for a month. Of course youll need another trailer to haul them....see credit card for size comparison
20180811_095944.jpg
 
Thanks Rusty, that's exactly the kind of info I needed. Pretty sure I have to stick with the group 24, unless I buy bigger battery boxes, and modify the mount to make room. Its a dual battery system.

Look at part number 24DCM from O'Reilly. That's the group 24 style deep cycle marine battery. O'Reilly batteries are made by two companies, both of which are in USA. One is East Penn Battery and the other is Johnson Controls, which makes the Interstate batteries. East Penn has been making Deka batteries since the turn of the 20th century. The group 24 marine style battery from O'Reilly is also not maintenance free, which means you can add water and electrolyte to it as need. I cannot stand maintenance free batteries. That's usually what kills them. They dry out.
 
I sold deka for years.
Very good batteries.
Deep cycle will withstand deep discharge/recharge where a cranking battery will not put up with it as well.
Group 27 batteries are just a little larger,may want to measure battery box.
 
I sold deka for years.
Very good batteries.
Deep cycle will withstand deep discharge/recharge where a cranking battery will not put up with it as well.
Group 27 batteries are just a little larger,may want to measure battery box.

Yup. Sometimes the 27DCM will fit where the 24DCM will. It just depends on whether there's any extra room in the box.
 
Don't even bother with 12v deep cycles for an RV.
Take it frome someone with years of RV experience and get yourself 2 6v Golf cart batteries.
Those 2 sixes will outlast 2 12's by almost 4 times.
A nice solar powered charger/maintenance system is a killer addition, because it helps bring batteries back up in the daytime.

Here's a bit of proof in case you need it.:D
6 volt or 12 volt batteries for rv - Google Search
 
Then get two of the GC110DT six volters from O'Reilly. lol
 
I've never been a fan of batteries in parallel. I'd lean towards a pair of 6's
 
Reserve Capacity and physical size. Reserve capacity is the amount of time a fully charged battery can deliver 25 amps at 80*F before reaching 10.5 volts. When looking for deep cycle batteries, that's the number to compare. The physical size with batteries is also a player. The bigger the battery, the more plates it has, the bigger the plates are and the more electrolyte it holds. If my customers have the room, the one I usually try to sell is the group 31. Usually the 31-5. If I remember right, their reserve capacity is 185 minutes. That's a ton. That's what you're looking for. Remember, don't compare CCA, because a deep cycle battery will have a lower CCA than standard automotive batteries by design. It's the reserve capacity that's important.
A good knowledgeable parts man ,can save many customer headaches. Kudos ,Mr. Merritt.
 
I've been using Exide RV deep cycle/starting batteries in both my 73 and my 2000 Dakota.

Oldest one is 2012, newest is 2016.

No problems.

Hot cranking comes into play in FL.

I stumbled on this idea by accident when the batt in my 73 gave it up in the parking lot of Dick's sporting goods, and that was what they had.

I don't think I'll ever go back to a regular "car" battery.

If you have a Rural King, they sell Exide batteries branded "RK" and a 625 CCA group 24 Deep/starting can be had for $45 occasionally.
 
Don't even bother with 12v deep cycles for an RV.
Take it frome someone with years of RV experience and get yourself 2 6v Golf cart batteries.
Those 2 sixes will outlast 2 12's by almost 4 times.
A nice solar powered charger/maintenance system is a killer addition, because it helps bring batteries back up in the daytime.

Here's a bit of proof in case you need it.:D
6 volt or 12 volt batteries for rv - Google Search

Agree if you have the room to mount and vent them!
 
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