We are looking to replace the battery in our trailer. The one we have is no longer holding charge. Bought the trailer used so no telling how old the battery is. We only need it to run the lights here and there.

What kind of battery do y'all recommend? What size etc? I know nothing about batteries. Hubby asked me to ask y'all what y'all think. He was thinking a marine type but that is not what is in there.

I've seen two types of "marine" batteries.   "Starting" and "Deep Cycle"

For a trailer's lights and such I would get a "Deep Cycle" battery.  They're used for trolling motors.  It is much more resistant to damage by deep discharging.  The kind of usage the battery would experience over a couple weeks worth of camping far from utility supplied electricity and a charger.

 I also use marine deep cycle batteries. In several postings in HTW I have read that the batteries commonly used in golf carts are also a good choice. In a call to several auto parts stores in my area, no one sells this type of battery. In the spring, I plan to call a local golf course and see where their supplier is located.

In the postings I've read, it was suggested that two 6v batteries be used in place of a 12v. With my wiring set up, I would have to make some major alterations to accommodate the change. I'm hoping that a 12v battery is available.

BOL  Gard

This may help you decide! They ain't cheap, but they suppose to be the real deal!!

http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_products/

Gard .. If you're close to a Sam's Wholesale club, they might have the golf cart batteries.  My local Sam's does.  I think one of the reasons that cart batteries are reasonably priced is their standard size.  All of the small battery powered equipment in my factory (boom lifts, scissor lifts, walker lift) have cart batteries.  

My wife has a membership to Sam's club and buys food there. Never thought about them for a battery source.

You guys are the best. Where else can you find an excellent source of information on almost any topic in such a short time? This forum and the generous membership have a wealth of knowledge unavailable from any other source.

Thank you one and all

BOL  Gard

I replaced the standard deep cycle battery over a year ago on our LQ with an Optima RV.  It's absolutely spill proof as there are no battery caps - completely sealed battery.  When I purchased it, it was laying on its side in the warehouse.  One thing I really like about it, unless it's totally dead from overuse it will recharge itself enough to provide a little power for emergency stuff.  That comes in handy for the electrically actuated hydraulic jack.

I have really been pleased with the Optima.

Longrider

Which series or colour did you purchase? I've heard they have a good reputation for being tuff. I know a couple of guys who run off road trucks and these batteries are their first choice. Thanks for the info

BOL  gard

I have the same problem with one of my trailers that has a solar charger. Apparently the charging circuit isn't variable or doesn't monitor the batteries' charge. In the summer I have to constantly inspect the batteries for the water level because of overcharging. I don't know how a gel battery works under these conditions, or what their tolerances are for over/under charging. Without the plates and liquid electrolyte, they should be better. I would also be interested in their life spans. Even with my minimal usage (8-12 cycles yr), I rarely get more than three years out of the marine batteries. Installed in my boats, they often last 4-5 yrs. The people I know that are using the gel batteries, haven't been doing so for any appreciable amounts of time.

Maybe someone else has some working knowledge of the gel batteries.

BOL  Gard

The Optima batteries are not of the "gell" variety. They are spiral wound, http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_edge/  Sealed Lead Acid (SLA), Absorbant Glass Mat (AGM). You can "cook" them by over charging. You should use something like a "Battery Minder"   http://www.batteryweb.com/batteryminder.cfm   or a Battery Tender    http://batterytender.com/why_batterytender.php to keep them charged.

 I use SLA, AGM, batteries in my Mobility scooters, the Gell Cell batteries are real lazy in the winter months. The Gell dosn't flow freely around and through the mats as easly as the liquid acid. The Sealed Lead Acid, Absorbant Glass Mat battery will give you the most bang for your buck, they are cheaper than a gell battery and they don't spill when overturned.