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Battery Type?

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malamuteman View Drop Down
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    Posted: 25 Jun 2016 at 4:35pm
Hi all!  Been using my 178 quite a bit lately and have been having some glitches that I'm having a hard time troubleshooting!  The first is determining why my RV/Marine battery seems to be worn out already after just 2+ years use?  It came new with the trailer and am not sure if it is correct, it is an Interstate HD 24-DP.  It used to hold a charge a lot better but now it seems basically worthless tongue weight.  I've found it setting in water in the battery box after a good rain a time or two, God only knows why they wouldn't have drain holes, but I'll amend this....would this lead to ruin?  These all should be maintenance free, sealed batteries, right?  Anyway, I'm looking at a "dry" camping upgrade and would like to put a couple excellent batteries in parallel....any suggestions?  I know I'm probably looking at $200 - $300 for two quality batteries and a parallel kit.  I use a little Smart Tools 2000W generator and now rely on it totally since the battery issues have gotten so bad.  I don't want to have to get up at five in the morning just to fire up the generator for the heater : (  The next question might be connected to the first, but I've found when after I stumble out and fire up the generator, for some reason next I need to get down in the fuse box with my needle-nose pliers and remove then reinsert the heater fuse and then it comes on!  I've inspected the fuse and it looks fine, so something seems amiss?

As always thanks for any inputs to these fiascos....would be nice for some clarification and advice is welcome.  Curtiss.
2015 RP178
'03 Tacoma manual trans
'02 4Runner auto trans
Wife, kids and malalmutes
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote this_is_nascar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2016 at 7:29am
Do you allow the battery to drain to exhaustion frequently?  That's the biggest killer.
"Ray & Connie"

- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road

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malamuteman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote malamuteman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2016 at 8:34am
Yes, as I've learned that I've been in the dark on this whole battery thing since....boy a lot to learn about these different types and maintenances!  I like to boondock but always have my little Smarter Tools 2000W generator and usually use it to some extent every day for major appliances like the entertainment system, what would you suggest as a battery setup for this application starting anew.  I'll need to replace my existing battery anyway.  6v, 12v, one or two?  Do these pods come setup to charge both 6v and 12v systems as they are?  Thanks a ton for your reply!  Curtiss. 
2015 RP178
'03 Tacoma manual trans
'02 4Runner auto trans
Wife, kids and malalmutes
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Tomcamper View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Tomcamper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2016 at 6:35pm
Your battery if not maintenance free would probably die if drowned. Make sure you drill holes in battery boxes. I use two Absorbed Glass Mat deep cycle batteries. The kind that are used on seniors' scooters. They are rated are 170 amps together. The pod and the alternator charge them well. The fridge uses 11amps per hour so can travel all day on batteries and recharge at camp. As a side note I think the original batteries they provide are not up to the task. This forum has excellent teachings available that you should research on batteries. I have used these batteries for 4 years and are still great. I paid 500 CAD. Hope this helps.
Tomcamper
2016 4runner
Dreampod 177

06 GMC Envoy
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