Posted 2007-08-07 9:42 AM (#65314 - in reply to #65307) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
From What I've learned about lead/acid batteries...You would be better served by two batteries in series than two in parallel. SO... If you have two 12 volt batteries switch them out for two larger 6 volt batteries in series. Then for the 6 volt batteries, I would purchase golf cart batteries. They're designed for deep cycling and are plentiful and less expensive than other types.
In selecting the 6 volt batteries, make sure each battery can deliver the same amperage as the two previous batteries combined or the limit of your trailer power users could. You'll have to also change the interconnecting cable to carry the amps.
Posted 2007-08-12 8:01 AM (#65649 - in reply to #65307) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Holly Mi
Hosspuller,
What do you mean by "change the interconnecting cable to carry the current'? I went to the RV store to buy batteries and they also suggested the 6 volt system. The sales guy didn't mention changing any cables. I haven't purchased the batteries yet as they didn't have the taller battery boxes for the 6 volts(should be in later this coming week).
Posted 2007-08-12 12:41 PM (#65661 - in reply to #65307) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
Are these battery's worth the extra money?http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/index.aspMy LQ batteries are 3.5 years old and they are getting weak.-Betty
Posted 2007-08-12 7:46 PM (#65687 - in reply to #65649) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by MichaelD on 2007-08-12 7:01 AM
Hosspuller,
What do you mean by "change the interconnecting cable to carry the current'? I went to the RV store to buy batteries and they also suggested the 6 volt system. The sales guy didn't mention changing any cables. I haven't purchased the batteries yet as they didn't have the taller battery boxes for the 6 volts(should be in later this coming week).
Mike
Mike... it all depends on the cable that was there before. Where the cables carried 12 volts before, they will now carry 6 volts at double the current between the two 6 volt batteries. The cables have to be large enough or they will heat up. (a bad thing) Generally.. The interconnecting cables are way oversized since they're used as automotive starter connections. if the copper wire is 1/4 inch in diameter or more ..you'll be okay. I had to point out the whole picture since changing the batteries does change the current.
Posted 2007-08-13 8:11 AM (#65703 - in reply to #65307) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Holly Mi
Does this mean just the cables going between batteries? Or from the converter all the way to the batteries? From battery to battery wouldn't be a problem but from converter to batteries to me would mean major rewire job.
Posted 2007-08-13 11:45 AM (#65725 - in reply to #65703) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by MichaelD on 2007-08-13 7:11 AM
Does this mean just the cables going between batteries? Or from the converter all the way to the batteries? From battery to battery wouldn't be a problem but from converter to batteries to me would mean major rewire job.
Posted 2007-08-13 2:53 PM (#65747 - in reply to #65307) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
My trailer came with Optimas in it. The LQ is only 6 months old and one of the batteries is shot. I dont think these batteries can handle the constant charging. Personally I have not found a better battery than the AC delco marine batteries. I have used all of them under the sun in numerous boats with constant charging.
Posted 2007-08-13 5:24 PM (#65760 - in reply to #65747) Subject: RE: Batteries for LQ
Veteran
Posts: 216 Location: Chillicothe, Ohio
Stick with the 6volt batteries. For the cost they are the best value out there. There are better batteries, but the price is high. Check the water levels regularly. The one thing that is really hard on batteries are the "cheap" RV ac converters that are usually used in conversions. These usually dont have good charge circuits and tend to "boil" out the water (overcharging) the batteries. But if you keep the water level correct these batteries will give several years of service. Check out phrannie.org for some good pratical information on batteries and lots of other RV camping stuff.
Batteries for LQ
