RV/Marine battery recommendations

[rfuerst911sc]

Hmmm . The converter/charger installed in the camper is a WFCO brand and model # WF-8955PEC . Looking online it seems that unit is designed for lead acid ( wet ) batteries . No mention of AGM . I called them but placed on hold so hung up . I did send them an email to technical support . Hopefully they get back to me soon so I can get out of the battery research mode

[Cajundaddy]

Looks well suited for AGM or FLA. 3 stage with no desulfation mode which is hard on AGM.

3 clicks with Google:

https://www.wfcotech.com/shop/power-centers/wf-8955-power-center-3/

[rfuerst911sc]

Cajun I must be a dim bulb , I don't see anything referencing AGM .

[Cajundaddy]

They rarely reference AGM specifically. They do call out the voltages for the different stages and you can get the recommended voltages for the exact battery you want to be sure they match. AGM and FLA are essentially the same chemistry but AGM do not need or want desulfation mode which is often 15.4 vdc. This mode is useful for FLA which often become sulfated when run flat or left in storage for winter.

Choose the battery you like and make sure charging specs match. Good to go!

[rfuerst911sc]

Cajun thanks for the help , greatly appreciated.

[rfuerst911sc]

I had a good email volley with WFCO technical support this morning . Bottom line their converter/charger will work with two 6 volt in series or two 12 volt in parallel . And no problems using FLA or AGM . So the technical concerns are answered , it now boils down to 6 volt vs 12 and FLA vs AGM .

Knowing what I know now I think 6 volt GC2 batteries are the way to go . But I have to confirm they fit my battery boxes . Found a guy an hour away selling new Trojan T105's FLA for $135.00 each . I will get it figured out . Thanks for the help fellas

[Cajundaddy]

Trojans are a solid choice that have been used in the marine and RV biz for decades. Mount them carefully so they don't move, check water regularly, keep them on a smart battery maintainer when in storage so they never go flat and they will last 7-8 years.

[rfuerst911sc]

So I called the guy I found on FB Marketplace selling the Trojan 6 volt batteries . Previously I had chatted via Messenger . As usual there was a communication hiccup So he sells three different brands of 6 volt FLA batteries .

1. Us Battery 208 ahr for $135.00
2. Rocket 210 ahr for $145.00
3. Trojan 225 ahr for $185.00

He said he sells a lot more Rocket batteries than the other two . He said he gets the most complaints about Trojan batteries . He said the latest merger/buyout of Trojan the quality has gone downhill . Obviously just one data point but something to consider .

He stated all his batteries are date code 6 months ago or newer . Apparently he sells a bunch . His prices are better than Batteries Plus . I am going to check a few car parts stores , then Tractor Supply and pull the trigger .

[rfuerst911sc]

Update: hey guys just want to close out this post . Yesterday I purchased two 12 volt AGM true deep cycle batteries . I went 12 volt for several reasons . If one dies I can still run on the remaining battery . And just as important they physically fit in my battery boxes . I don't see us doing much boondocking so I am comfortable with my choice . Thanks to all that gave advice .

[jhynesrockmtn]

I converted from 4 6 volt golf cart batteries on the tongue of my trailer to one lithium 100ah on the inside. I also swapped out the converter/charger. This was done mainly to get tongue weight off of my trailer when I went from my Nissan XD Cummins to an F150 as the tow vehicle. This will be the second summer using it. Last year it worked great and saved me roughly 300 lbs. My truck has the 7.2kw on board generator so that helps. If it didn't, I would have installed at least one more battery.

[911boost]

I wish I had two 12V as well as my newer one came with two 6V. Will see how long it lasts before I change them out.

Nothing wrong with 12v's it is what I had for almost 15 years with my toy hauler. I would pull them out in the winter and store them in my garage on a tender the last 5 years or so and they held up much better. The solar on my new one maintains them just as well.

[flipper35]

We upgraded our Avion from 2 12v that had a 42 aH each to two Renogy LFP 200aH each batteries. With the 12v fridge we can go days if we are conservative. Solar is next. Flexible to follow the contours. Rigid is not an option. Then we will be limited to the water supply when boon docking.

[rfuerst911sc]

The 12 volt batteries I purchased are 100ah each . Plenty for what we are planning for the camper .