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Danielw1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: 1 or 2 new batteries?
    Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 10:33pm
I just bought a 2015 178 and the first thing I want to do is add dual batteries. I am debating on adding one to the current factory battery or, getting two brand new high quality batteries. The current battery checked out ok but still thinking I should maybe start fresh. What does everyone think?
Any tips on adding a second battery?
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Podster View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 11:46pm
Answer is based 100% on your camp style. If you plan to camp most of the time on shore power and maybe a night or two off the grid, conserving power, that one original battery is just fine.

Otherwise you're just throwing money into DC storage capacity that won't be used or used to little to justify the additional cost. 


Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 2017 at 5:28am
Cliff is spot on.  In my case we normally dry camp so back in 2011 purchased a similar 12v deep cycle battery.  We expect to get 3 days per battery when temps go into the 40's at night and cool days to boot.  Always run the refer on propane.  If temps are warmer, we get at least an additional days.  Beginning year 7 on our batteries.  Will seriously consider purchasing 2  6v  golf cart batteries for additional amp hours when these use up their useful life.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 2017 at 9:51am
Originally posted by Danielw1

I just bought a 2015 178 and the first thing I want to do is add dual batteries. I am debating on adding one to the current factory battery or, getting two brand new high quality batteries. The current battery checked out ok but still thinking I should maybe start fresh. What does everyone think?
Any tips on adding a second battery?

If you plan on camping off the grid the final solution should be two 6V GC2 golf cart batteries in series. That will give you a capacity of 220AH. Adding a second 12V battery similar to the Gp24 OEM supplied battery will give you 2x70=140 AH or 64% of the GC2 capacity. Adding the second 12V battery now only prolongs the waste of money and lack of performance. Bite the bullet now and go for GC2s.
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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JandL View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 2017 at 10:29am
Another option if you want to stick to a single battery, you can get a 12 volt GC12V golf cart battery. Their 20 amp hour rate is 155AH, and weigh 90 Lbs. I have on my trailer a single Group 31 that’s rated at 105AH and weighs 59 Lbs. When it dies I will be replacing it with a GC12V battery.
Duracell/East Penn-Deka: SLIGC12V
Interstate: 12VGCUTL
Crown: CR-GC150 - CR-GC155
Trojan: T1275 - J150
US Battery: US 12VE XC2 - US12V XC2

What is a deep cycle battery
JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod
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Danielw1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 9:53am
[/QUOTE]If you plan on camping off the grid the final solution should be two 6V GC2 golf cart batteries in series. That will give you a capacity of 220AH. Adding a second 12V battery similar to the Gp24 OEM supplied battery will give you 2x70=140 AH or 64% of the GC2 capacity. Adding the second 12V battery now only prolongs the waste of money and lack of performance. Bite the bullet now and go for GC2s.
[/QUOTE]

This I think is the answer. I want the capacity there when I need it. I'm pretty suprised at all that runs off the 12v system, this is my first trailer but I thought it was cool. Stereo, fan, pump and only thing its missing is 12v sockets! I can't believe there is none! Thanks for that reply, any recommendations on brand?
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JandL View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 10:06am
Costco has the Interstate 6 volt golf cart battery's GC2 for $83.99 each + core charge. Another thing to consider is going solar to charge the battery. That's what I have and it works great for my single battery set up
JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 10:20am
Trojan T-105s are the gold standard. Interstates are OK if they're the GC2-XHDs. Others like Duracell from Sam's, WallyWorld, Batteries Plus Bulbs, etc. may be OK too, but not quite as good. Weight is the thing to look for. Deep cycle capacity is directly related to the amount and weight of lead. The more lead the better. 
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 11:42am
I've thought about going with two batteries but I get tripped up trying to find a box to put them in.  Do folks just use two boxes?  Inches really matter on the tongue.  I'd like to find one box for both batteries.  Easier to wire together that way too.  Anyone have any recommendations?

TT
2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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Danielw1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2017 at 11:52am
Trojan water filled batteries is what I had in our scissor lifts at work. When it came time to replace them I had a hard time finding them. I went with duracells and they been holding up great. I think they were around 130 a piece.
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