Golf Cart Batteries - R-pod Owners Forum

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sailor323

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Joined: 11 Jun 2015
Location: S Central KY
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Topic: Golf Cart Batteries
Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 4:58pm

There is no doubt that GC batteries are better than the typical group 24 or group 27 batteries usually found on the pod. The usual GC battery is the Trojan 105 or equivalent. This is good, but there is a better choice. Two Trojan 105s provide 225 amp hours of storage. Consider the Trojan 145s that provide 265 amp hours of storage in the same footprint. The 145 is just a bit taller than the 105. The additional 40 amp hours of storage are worth the additional expense. I wish I had known this before buying the 105s

ToolmanJohn View Drop Down

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 6:01pm

Are you boondocking? Do you have a solar panel?

I ask because my plan was to get two T-105's , previously I had two 12 volt Interstate batteries. No problems for a weekend, but I was interested in going a full week, and not use a generator at all if possible (relying on solar charging).

I don't think I would need to use the furnace, I would use a portable ceramic propane heater (MrBuddy Heater) instead (uses no electricity) and crack a couple windows and the vent. I've done it before and it works great.

2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI

Leo B

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 6:27pm

We really like our buddy heater, we use in the camper and the fishing shanty. Works great!

Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Tars Tarkas View Drop Down

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 7:41pm

The cheap price on Amazon for the T145 is $309 -- $189 + $120 shipping. A Duracell Ultra 255 ah is $196 with a 10% discount (about $176 total per battery) if picked up in store at Batteries + Bulbs.

There may be better prices for the T145, I haven't looked very hard, but 2 T145 come to $618 vs $352 for two Duracells. You could almost get 2 Duracells and a 100w Renolgy solar suitcase for the price of two Trojans.

I don't know much about batteries, so which is the better deal?

TT

2010 176
FJ Cruiser

ToolmanJohn View Drop Down

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:06pm

Two T-105's is a LOT of capacity if you don't use the furnace. And much cheaper too.

Have to watch out for the additional weight as well, one regular 12 volt marine/RV battery is about 48 pounds ( 96 pounds for two) . Use two T-105 is 62 pounds each (124 pounds) .A T-145 is 72 pounds each (144 pounds). It adds up fast. And it goes to the hitch tongue weight. Watch your hitch safe tow limits!!

2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI

jato

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:21pm

We are beginning year #7 on our 2 group size 24 12v deep cycle batteries. During a boondocking campout we expect 3 days minimum from each battery and that is when we camp when the furnace gets used quite a bit (night temps 40's and 50's). When these go bad we will most likely go to 2 6v or 2 12v golf cart batteries. Looking at amp hours for each, price, and of course total weight. Will report back when results come in.

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."

fwunder

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:31pm

I went with dual Duracell's (Deka) back in 2014. Couldn't be happier...so far.

As far as heat goes, I have both the Buddy and just recently got Lil Buddy. Lil buddy (3800 BTU) is a better fit inside pod. Buddy (4000-9000 BTU) will blast you out. Both are capable of hooking up to larger tanks than the one pounders. I do use and refill the one pounders for convenience, but I like the larger tank option for longer run time.

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!

StephenH

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Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:45pm

My Duracell batteries have held up well since we bought them in December, 2015. On our last trip, after our propane hose went bad and left us without heat, I picked up a Lil Buddy. It went back for the simple reason that it is top-heavy when used with the one-pound bottles. Back when the base of the bottles was made of metal, it would probably have wirked. Now that the new bottles come with a plastic ring, I could not get it to reliably sit upright. It kept falling over. That was unacceptable and indicates a design flaw if it will not stay upright.
I now have the Mr. Buddy Portable (4000-9000) unit. I agree that it is a bit much for the 'Pod, but it will at least stay upright and not fall over. The thing is that if Mr. Buddy would simply make the base bigger and the socket for the tank deeper, it would probably fix the issues I was having with it. I was not disappointed with the performance and would have kept it if not for it falling over almost every time I tried to use it.

StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

fwunder

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Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 12:59pm

You're right Stephen. The Lil Buddy does seem a little top heavy. My Coleman Burner feels the same with a big pot on it.. One solution is a wider base like this: https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-194-B-Propane-Cylinder-Base/dp/B001DC7FPM

The one pounders I have don't have the plastic ring, so maybe that helps.

Or, for a few bucks you can make up a tank adapter for stability and much longer (and cheaper) run time. This is a one gallon tank - good for 4+ one pounders.

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!

john in idaho View Drop Down

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Joined: 04 Nov 2014
Location: Eagle Idaho
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Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 3:06pm

How much ventilation - fresh air does one need to run the little buddy? I used to use one in our tent trailer but fresh air was not a concern in that rig....

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sailor323 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2015 Location: S Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 281	Topic: Golf Cart Batteries Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 4:58pm
	There is no doubt that GC batteries are better than the typical group 24 or group 27 batteries usually found on the pod. The usual GC battery is the Trojan 105 or equivalent. This is good, but there is a better choice. Two Trojan 105s provide 225 amp hours of storage. Consider the Trojan 145s that provide 265 amp hours of storage in the same footprint. The 145 is just a bit taller than the 105. The additional 40 amp hours of storage are worth the additional expense. I wish I had known this before buying the 105s

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 6:01pm
	Are you boondocking? Do you have a solar panel? I ask because my plan was to get two T-105's , previously I had two 12 volt Interstate batteries. No problems for a weekend, but I was interested in going a full week, and not use a generator at all if possible (relying on solar charging). I don't think I would need to use the furnace, I would use a portable ceramic propane heater (MrBuddy Heater) instead (uses no electricity) and crack a couple windows and the vent. I've done it before and it works great.
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 6:27pm
	We really like our buddy heater, we use in the camper and the fishing shanty. Works great!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 7:41pm
	The cheap price on Amazon for the T145 is $309 -- $189 + $120 shipping. A Duracell Ultra 255 ah is $196 with a 10% discount (about $176 total per battery) if picked up in store at Batteries + Bulbs. There may be better prices for the T145, I haven't looked very hard, but 2 T145 come to $618 vs $352 for two Duracells. You could almost get 2 Duracells and a 100w Renolgy solar suitcase for the price of two Trojans. I don't know much about batteries, so which is the better deal? TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:06pm
	Two T-105's is a LOT of capacity if you don't use the furnace. And much cheaper too. Have to watch out for the additional weight as well, one regular 12 volt marine/RV battery is about 48 pounds ( 96 pounds for two) . Use two T-105 is 62 pounds each (124 pounds) .A T-145 is 72 pounds each (144 pounds). It adds up fast. And it goes to the hitch tongue weight. Watch your hitch safe tow limits!!
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3225	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:21pm
	We are beginning year #7 on our 2 group size 24 12v deep cycle batteries. During a boondocking campout we expect 3 days minimum from each battery and that is when we camp when the furnace gets used quite a bit (night temps 40's and 50's). When these go bad we will most likely go to 2 6v or 2 12v golf cart batteries. Looking at amp hours for each, price, and of course total weight. Will report back when results come in.
	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."

fwunder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:31pm
	I went with dual Duracell's (Deka) back in 2014. Couldn't be happier...so far. As far as heat goes, I have both the Buddy and just recently got Lil Buddy. Lil buddy (3800 BTU) is a better fit inside pod. Buddy (4000-9000 BTU) will blast you out. Both are capable of hooking up to larger tanks than the one pounders. I do use and refill the one pounders for convenience, but I like the larger tank option for longer run time. 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!

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 9:45pm
	My Duracell batteries have held up well since we bought them in December, 2015. On our last trip, after our propane hose went bad and left us without heat, I picked up a Lil Buddy. It went back for the simple reason that it is top-heavy when used with the one-pound bottles. Back when the base of the bottles was made of metal, it would probably have wirked. Now that the new bottles come with a plastic ring, I could not get it to reliably sit upright. It kept falling over. That was unacceptable and indicates a design flaw if it will not stay upright. I now have the Mr. Buddy Portable (4000-9000) unit. I agree that it is a bit much for the 'Pod, but it will at least stay upright and not fall over. The thing is that if Mr. Buddy would simply make the base bigger and the socket for the tank deeper, it would probably fix the issues I was having with it. I was not disappointed with the performance and would have kept it if not for it falling over almost every time I tried to use it.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

fwunder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676	Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 12:59pm
	You're right Stephen. The Lil Buddy does seem a little top heavy. My Coleman Burner feels the same with a big pot on it.. One solution is a wider base like this: https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-194-B-Propane-Cylinder-Base/dp/B001DC7FPM The one pounders I have don't have the plastic ring, so maybe that helps. Or, for a few bucks you can make up a tank adapter for stability and much longer (and cheaper) run time. This is a one gallon tank - good for 4+ one pounders.
	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!

john in idaho Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 611	Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 3:06pm
	How much ventilation - fresh air does one need to run the little buddy? I used to use one in our tent trailer but fresh air was not a concern in that rig....