Coach Batteries

[ChipSmith]

Need advice! While dry camping in North Michigan, the furnace fan died in the middle of the night! Tried to start the generator, no go. Started the engine and got generator running. I think I have to replace the coach battery (80min Reserve Capacity, and older). I can find a replacement that is rated at 190 minutes, but I wonder if I should put in two 190?s in series. Will I gain reserve time or just be spending money?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

RC (Reserve Capacity) is a reliable measure. A 190 will last more than 2x an 80, and two 190's will double that again.  More is better if you are frequently without shore power.

Are you sure that battery is only 80 RC?    80 would be more typically an AH (amp-hour) rating and the common Group 24 12v battery will have an RC around 140. The same battery AH rating would be about 80.  You can't compare RC value to AH values - they are computed differently.

 

[Kevin Means]

Hi Chip. For those of us who boondock a lot, it's hard to imagine having too much battery capacity. So if you envision doing much boondocking, yes, I'd recommend increasing your battery capacity.

Kev

 

[ChipSmith]

Thanx guys. I?m not sure on the 80 rating. I sure do think it is a good idea to up my battery capacity, even though our ?boondocking? usually consists of a casino parking lot! Thanx again!