What type of batteries do you use?
 

I'm looking at the AGM batts from Trojan vs. lead-acid. Any input? how about the gell cells, anyone using those?

Its been a while since I read the specs for each , there are draw backs to all , or to look at a different way each has a specific design , giving advantages in very specific uses , you did not say what you were going to use them for so I have to assume [ *** u me ] because you put the thread in the RV sec. that you want to put in RV , I use Trojan , but lead acid , because they fit that use best for the cost , I've got 2 systems , one in a bus with solar panels , inverters , then an Airstream .

Try this link - - more than you ever want to know about the best bang for your buck.

http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html

Bob

That's a really informative page. Thanx
I still would like to see what everyone else is doing... I'm leaning toward two 6v golf carts or a single AGM...

I am running two Trojan 125s. Bought a new 5er and needed to "remodel" the battery box to get them to fit but love the deep cycle draw capability.

Best bang for the buck is 6v golf cart style batteries like the Trojan line. Mine are now 6 years old and still strong. I do have a multiple voltage charging unit (smart charger).
Bob

Like 5er Bob said, two flooded cell industrial batteries (Like Trojan's T-145 or T-105 if you need a shorter case) will give you the most amp hours stored per $$$ over the life of the battery.

AGM's will last longer but are much more expensive. They resist freezing and vibration better, don't give off explosive gasses (only a problem if installed where they can't be vented, like inside the hull of a boat), and you don't have to add water. Like noted above, though they are expensive.

Gell batteries were essentially an earlier technology that you don't have to add water to. They cost about the same as the newer AGM's, but can't accept a charge as fast as AGM's or flooded cell without damage, so you really don't see them any more.

Personally I run a pair of T-125's that I got at a very good price. I find I don't have to add water very frequently.

T-125, 146 and L16-HC's aren't rated for as many full depth discharge cycles as the T-105's, but in RV use they will probably die from old age before they get that many cycles anyway.

Anyway, once you have chosen a type, I'd choose size by looking at the amp hour rating at 20 hour scale. Personally, I would try to avoid running batteries in parallel.

Here's another, kind of long page about battery types...

http://www.wind-sun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

I don't have the room on my toy hauler for 2 6-volt batteries...the trailer tongue barely has enough room for one battery.

I thought about welding some angle iron to the tongue to make a new, larger battery tray, but was told that it would void my frame warranty so there goes that idea. Plus I wasn't crazy about adding so much weight to the tongue.

I run a small 12V starter battery while I'm traveling, and once I arrive I swap it with a large AGM 12V battery that I got at Sears.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...rine+Batteries
...it's too large to fit so I can't travel with this battery hooked up.

We've got a small 400W inverter, and I plug a 24-inch LCD monitor into it, as well as our DirecTV receiver and a DVD player.

The battery wasn't cheap but it has more than enough juice to watch two movies or a lot of TV, and that's playing through the stereo which has an amp and a small powered subwoofer.

Next trailer we get, I'll make sure I can fit dual (or quad) 6V batteries, though.

I only have room for one battery in our camper. I have the AGM. It does cost more, but I feel good about the selection after reading about the different types of batteries.

Thanx for all the responses.. I may make this into a poll if I can figure out how. I guess i'm going with some time-changed lead-acids I can get for $35 for now. Next year I will do the 6V series thing.. AGM's are just out of my budget for now....

I use (2) Trojan T-105s on my travel trailer and love them.

How much space do you need to fit 2 6volt batteries?

The T-105 had the same length, width and depth measurements as the Interstate they replaced but they are a couple inches taller. The biggest issue people seem to have is finding a suitable battery box due to their added height.

Basically the T-105 and T-125 are 10 3/8 x 7 1/8 x 10 7/8, and weigh 62 pounds. The T-105 is rated 225 amp hours @ 20 hours, and the T-125 is 240 amp hours at 20 hours.

The T-145 is similar except height is 11 5/8, weight is 72 pounds and capacity is 260 amp hours @ 20 hours.

Up from there the L-16 series is much taller. 11 5/8 x 7 x 16 3/4. 121 pounds. The H version is 420 amp hours at 20 hour rate.

They also make some huge 12v deep cycles. The 500ml floor machine battery is 12v and something like 19 1/4 x 10 x 16, 322 pounds, 450 amp hours...

What are you guys using for battery boxes for the T 105?