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Mafghine View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Sep 2016
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: New Batteries
    Posted: 17 Sep 2017 at 12:13pm
Looking to buy new Batteries for 2017 179 rpod. Which is best, gold cart batteries or deep cycle batteries?
I would like a big bank so would 4 6v golfcart batteries work well? I use a 45 watt solar panels to recharge when in the woods.

Ty
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2017 at 1:09pm
Space for 4 6v gc batteries would be hard to come by.  I suggest using 2 gc batteries.  Use the equivalent of Trojan 145s to get more storage.  Same footprint (fit in same box) as Trojan 105s but 40 amphours more storage.  Also, 45 watt panel will not go far in recharging so much storage when fully discharged. Also, solar panels are nearly worthless when in the shade
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6417 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2017 at 2:42pm
+1 for the dual 6V batteries. It is not just a matter of space, but of weight. You can get a lot of use out of dual 6V batteries. I agree also that a 45 watt panel is not adequate. That is only about 3.75 Amperes under the best circumstances. That is barely a trickle charge when you are considering batteries rated at 215 Ah or higher.
StephenH
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ouR escaPOD mods
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Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Mafghine View Drop Down
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2017 at 2:53pm
Ty for the replies,  This is way out of my area of expertise, so if you would, tell me which batteries and solar panels to get. I would love to mount flex panels on my roof, if you agree this is best way to go.

thanks in advance!
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 7:37am
As I said earlier, consider using the equivalent of Trojan 145s.  They provide 265 amp hours of storage.  I would think that 100 watts of solar to be the minimum for most users.  We have 280 watts mounted on the roof--very satisfied.  You should understand that solar panels, regardless of wattage are virtually worthless in the shade.  I got panels for the pod and the boat from 
very helpful folks.  I don't think they sell flex panels, though
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 8:06am
I came across this the other day and thought it a good primer:


I have been camping with these dual 6's for 3+ years now and have been very happy=> https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-egc2/prod3590220.ip

sailor323, thank for the link. Panels are almost at my $1/watt purchase point. I want to start with 200 watt and see how it goes. I want to build my own portable system. I really like my Yamaha 2400, but I'm getting tired of lugging it around.

fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 8:08am
Now, if you want to do a little upgrade...
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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Mafghine View Drop Down
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 8:17am
ty guys.
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 9:02pm
The guys are right about 6 volt GC battery size. They are taller than 12 volt, and about 10 pounds heavier each. Mine are 62 pounds, each.
  
I have 2 Trojan T-105 batteries in my toy hauler. They have been kept charged since May only with the 150 watt rooftop panel. The propane detector is on full time. 

I just checked battery cell water levels and Ph tested, and everything is still tip top.

The solar converter is a Steca Solarix PRS 1515, 15 amp unit. Seems to keep it well charged without overcharging or overheating the batteries. The batteries are also inside of the nose of the cab, inside a vented battery box.  
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI
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Mafghine View Drop Down
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Sep 2017 at 6:54am
ty for all the help 
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