They didn't hold 13 volts. That was a surface charge. 12.5 is pretty darn good for five year old batteries. why not put a serious charger on them and see what they charge up to and hold first?

Steve

 

Doing that as we speak

I hope that helps bet we shall see I mean even five years old they are probably going to go out soon you think?

They are DieHard batteries

 

I have use batteries that were at 12.5 for a year or more with no problem. If you are going to do a lot of boondocking, you may want to consider more battery/ies, but you have nothing to lose by trying what you have. I agree five years places them in the "aged" category.

Steve

 

That was old photo when I trickle charged them before this last trip using HF dual stage charger nothing fancy but gets the job done.

I can always take them to autozone and bench test them. I'll charge them up good now see if they hold charge over night or a day or two.

 

Sounds like a plan.

Steve

 

I don't think I'll be boondocking anytime soon but when I do I'll pickup a generator as well for backup. My trailer came equipped with platform on back bumper where previous owners mounted one to it. Win win for me so easy storage when traveling. I tend to buy certain things from HF so when I see a good deal on their generator I'll pick one up.

 

I've been using AGM batteries with no problem. Don't have to worry about checking the water.

 

Off topic but anyone ever convert their 120v power to a connect to RV instead of that pull out cord?

I want it on mine figured it isn't hard to do much like replacing the end plug on the cord except that you will need to cut opening on trailer to fit this type of setup.

I know newer units come like that and I like it better I found that my pull out cord gets tangled and a butch to get out so this would eliminate that.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B000NI3GZ0/ref=mw_dp_cr

 

I'll look into that they are pricey huh what's they lifespan on them?

 

I've been getting 5 to 6 years out of them for around a 100 bucks apiece at Costco. That of course is with a good converter.

 

Damn you Costco people lol I had membership when I first got to California but found it not worth it overtime being Military I can shop Commissary.

Photos of your batteries I know folks who have membership I can always ask them to get me them?.

 

That's what I do. I hate the pull out cords. It all comes as a kit. If you have a standard hatch for your pull out, the kit part that goes on the camper fits that opening. You do not have to cut anything. It is not what is on your link though. (Marinco 30 amp conversion kit part #30arvkit).

Steve

 

Pain in the **** getting to them since I installed a 5.5 Onan genset. I will try to get you the part numbers.

 

I have the typical round style cover with the little slide door to allow you to pull cord put but attempt to cover cord to prevent anything to get inside.

I replaced mine already as it was missing door or cover allowing my cord to just dangle or hang out.

I want to just get rid of it all together so the only thing I need to do is cut my cord or removed end right and attach it to that wall plug. Then buy a external cord with proper plug end?

 

Just FYI one battery is bad and as a result of that I would be willing to bet since batteries are hooked in tandem it's possible one is drawing power from the other the bad one.

One won't even take a charge the other is good for now.