A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

Hello Ladies -

I need to replace my coach battery and I believe that I want to install a maintenance free battery but what would be a recommended brand? I'm not going to say that price isn't an issue but it is not a major one. Reliability is my major issue!!

Thanks,

Bonnie

If you're going for maintenence free I would think Optima, but it depends on what size battery you have. I can't remember what kind of coach you have.

I have Optima.

I do not know what kind mine is but I go to Auto Zone to purchase mine that way if there is ever a problem there are Auto Zones all over and they stand behind what they sell...
Kathleen

Just got a call from the mechanic, yes Elsie has issues again ....there was a clicking sound in the engine and the check gauges light would come on and then as the battery indicator came up, the warning light would go out. So, made an appointment and went out to find the battery dead. After a jump I took it out and ask her to also check the two, new as of last year, coach batteries. I always turn them off when I park for any length of time at home. She called and said one battery is totally toast and the other had problems.

I really want sealed batteries and have seen the recommendations for Optima. I did a search for Google reviews and found a lot of unhappy customers. Seems the plant moved to Mexico in 2009 and now there are many complaints. Has anyone bought an Optima in the last few years that was made in Mexico and if so, have you had problems?

Since I don't travel much and usually have hookups, do I really need two batteries or would one be sufficient. I'm thinking I should sell Elsie and start all over.

I have Optima batteries from Auto Zone. So far so good. Just be sure and measure what size battery will fit in your space. Some of the sealed batteries are taller than the regular deep cycle marine/rv batteries. I couldn't get the largest batteries because they wouldn't fit through the compartment door.

BJ, I don't think it's good to let batteries sit for months without being charged even if you have them turned off. You could probably get by with one battery if you don't camp without hookups. My first 3 motorhomes only had one coach battery and that was never a problem.

Martha

Acadianmom wrote:BJ, I don't think it's good to let batteries sit for months without being charged even if you have them turned off. Y

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While I was gone this winter, I had the lawn beast and the 4-wheeler on Battery Tender Jr's ($25). They started right up when I got home. (I had also put a little Sta-Bil in both gas tanks).

During the winter, I take the trailer battery out and put it in the garage on a Battery Tender Jr.



You sure have had some bad luck with Elsie. Maybe you're right - it is time for a trade?

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well thats a nifty little item....and for only $23
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Battery-Tende ... r/15779492

The battery charger is a good idea, I didn't know turning them off wouldn't work. It has before, but I've never let it sit this long and of course the weather this year has been the coldest in decades. I did see a 2005 Born Free advertised by an individual for sale in Indianan that was the small 22 or23' built for two model with low miles. Of course need to sell Elsie first....

Glad to hear you've had no problem with your Optima Martha and that two really isn't necessary.

I have over-wintered my battery in the shed hooked to a Schauer Charge Master for almost 4 years and it is still going strong.

Things can happen to any rig, new or old but some peace of mind is an important part of RVing. If you really don't trust your rig in the long run I say look around. You will get out there and explore more if you feel that you have a way home..... But hey, we are great for spending other folks money. But having a rig that you don't trust to drive isn't fun.

I just installed the Optima battery and when I was in the NAPA store looking at them, a guy came by and said that he has had one in his boat for eight years. And the boat sat idle for two of those years and it still started the engine.