A battery is just a battery to some folks.
This indicates that it is irrelevant to them where they get their replacement or what the specifications are.
They are good as long as they have a battery.
Finding the proper battery replacement is crucial, according to some.
It’s not difficult to find a battery replacement.
There are batteries for sale everywhere.
However, since the shop where you purchased your batteries can be hundreds of miles away, you might not be able to receive a warranty swap if they break.
For this precise reason, owners choose chains of businesses.
Just keep reading our post to find out more information about this subject.
It contains the details you need to choose the appropriate battery from the appropriate retailer and enjoy peace of mind wherever your travels take you.
Table of Contents
- Battery Replacement Options for RV Chassis
- Batteries for Freightliner Motorhome Chassis
- RV’s Best Chassis Battery
- How Long Do The Batteries In RV Chassis Last?
- What are the steps for Battery Replacement in an RV Chassis?
- How To Make Your Batteries Last Longer?
- The Symptoms Of Bad Batteries In The Chassis
- Conclusion
- Related Videos from Youtube about RV Chassis Battery Replacement
Battery Replacement Options for RV Chassis
For those who are inexperienced with living in an RV, there are two types of batteries that are often utilized.
The coach battery is the first kind.
All of the 12-volt systems in your trailer or RV are powered by this device.
The chassis battery is the name of the other battery.
This battery aids in starting the motor of your RV.
You can’t go on without this one.
A faulty coach battery may be used while traveling, but a terrible RV model cannot.
Although it is not advised for everyday usage, you may connect both batteries by flicking a switch in an emergency.
Your alternatives for a new battery will depend on the design and group number of the one you already have.
You may purchase three main kinds of batteries.
Since lead-acid batteries have been used for at least 100 years, they are the original kind and the one that most RVers are acquainted with.
Then there are the batteries that need no maintenance.
This kind has also been around for a while.
They are often highly trustworthy.
The Absorption Glass Mat option is the last one.
modernized and produced with contemporary technologies.
You have the following choices for chassis battery replacement.
When hunting for a replacement battery, the secret would be to locate the identical group number.
Not all group numbers will have sufficient strength to aid in starting an RV engine.
These several battery kinds are available almost anywhere batteries are sold.
To be sure you obtain the proper replacement, check the label on your old battery for specifications.
Making sure that you purchase from a chain shop with a guarantee is the best approach to acquire a new battery.
That way, no matter where you are, you can change the battery if anything goes wrong.
Related Also: How to Installing Lithium Batteries In RV?
Batteries for Freightliner Motorhome Chassis
It seems sense that the sort of battery you use would depend on the brand of chassis.
This is not true.
The battery system is not significantly influenced by the chassis.
The mechanism works well and it just needs to keep the battery in place.
Only the quality and lifespan of the battery count when seeking for a replacement, not the brand.
There are some excellent off-brand choices and some subpar models from well-known brands.
In other words, regardless of the brand you choose to purchase, you run the risk of picking a subpar product.
However, there is a method to continue using the Freightliner brand.
The private label for components used by Freightliner is a business named Alliance.
They produce or market two AGM batteries.
One is for the coach, and the other is for the beginning.
These battery choices are the deep cycle model EPM/AE8A31 and the beginning model EPM/AE9A31.
A simple search reveals that Alliance continues to provide batteries for the Freightliner chassis and cars even if that information is dated 2009.
Your chances of finding the ideal battery for your RV with a Freightliner chassis are good given that their website includes three pages of batteries.
RV’s Best Chassis Battery
It seems that there are many options available when looking for the finest battery for an RV chassis.
One list has 8 brands, another 20 brands, and some companies include more than one brand on their list.
Here is the condensed list, and we’ll provide a little explanation for each item:
- The 120 AH VMAX MR137-120Sealed Marine AGM Battery is built of lead-tin alloy and has a sealed design. Its flaw is the short warranty.
- The lightweight Odyssey PC680 battery is available in a variety of styles and can fully recharge in 4 to 6 hours.
- High-density negative paste is used in the ACDelco 94RAGM, which enhances performance. High-quality building materials were used to build it solidly.
- The sealed and leak-proof UPG 85980/D5722 battery offers you maintenance-free use for the duration of its lifetime. The disadvantage is a brief lifetime.
- Renogy 12V Battery: Functions effectively in hot conditions. Additionally, it has a maintenance-free and leak-proof construction.
- Interstate RV Battery – Yet another inexpensive, lightweight battery. This battery serves a variety of purposes and is also a coach battery.
- Battle Born LiFePO4 is a performance enhancer that also seems to have a somewhat lengthy lifetime. This battery choice is created utilizing non-toxic techniques and lithium-ion technology.
- The Optima Dual Purpose Battery has a cutting-edge construction and cutting-edge technology. The building is non-leaky, and the gas regenerates via a special oxygen cycle. Among the various battery brands available, these are just a handful.
These top brands will create one if these do not function in the beginning or chassis position.
Honorable honors include:
- Deep Cycle AGM Universal UB121000-45978 Battery
- Deep Cycle LiFePO4 12 Volt Battery from Battle Born Batteries
- Renogy Pure Gel Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
- Trojan T-105 Plus batteries
- Battery: Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle
- 12V Deep Cycle Battery by WindyNation
- Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery from Renogy
- 8016-103 D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Battery from Optima Batteries
- 200Ah Black 12V Lithium Battery by AIMS Power LFP12V
- Battery Weize AGM SLA VRLA
- Deep-cycle battery with button-style terminals, NPP NPD12
- Battery for an Odyssey PC680
- 12 Volt Deep Cycle AGM Battery from Renogy
- DCM0035 Sealed Lead-Acid Replacement Battery from Interstate Batteries
- Deep cycle battery 8052-161 D31M from Optima Batteries
- Automotive and LTV Battery, Odyssey PC925
- Battery: VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 Deep Cycle
- 12V 100AH Battery by Mighty Max
- Deep Cycle Replacement SLA/AGM Battery by POWERSTAR
- 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery from VMAXTANKS
There are some overlaps between the two lists.
How Long Do The Batteries In RV Chassis Last?
Lead-acid batteries, which are often used in general chassis batteries, are known for their extended lifespan.
Some deep cycle batteries have a stated lifespan of six years or more.
Despite the fact that some owners have reported getting 11 years out of their batteries, lead-acid choices do not last as long.
A lead-acid battery typically has a lifespan of 5 to 6 years.
However, if you camp in a hot climate, they could only survive two to three years.
It’s possible for batteries to last up to 7 years for those who go to colder parts of the nation.
Sulfation is what shortens the lifetime of many batteries.
When batteries are kept in storage for an extended period of time, this situation develops.
when the discharge reduces the battery’s capacity to less than 50%
Overcharging is another factor in batteries not lasting as long as they are supposed to.
Although charging is always necessary, overcharging will harm any batteries, including deep cycle batteries.
Dropping the battery or sustaining any other physical harm is a third risk to its longevity.
When handling batteries, caution is advised since you never know which bump, drop, or bang will be the breaking point.
What are the steps for Battery Replacement in an RV Chassis?
There are several wires connecting to the positive and negative lines, which might make this process intimidating for some individuals.
But it’s not as difficult as it seems.
The battery terminals on the chassis battery system are connected via wire looms.
The rest of the wires are connected to the positive or negative looms, respectively.
You simply remove the looms and all of their wires off after removing the bolts that are located right on the terminals.
Then, have a helper hold the loom upright so you can swap out the old batteries for the new ones.
Replacing the nuts completes the process.
The whole procedure should be completed in around 15 minutes.
You should have no issues if all the bolts are snug.
Recommended reading: How To Charge RV Battery While Driving?
How To Make Your Batteries Last Longer?
Your chassis batteries should follow these guidelines:
1. Maintain the batteries‘ cleanliness by performing routine cleaning of the connections and terminals to prevent corrosion.
Make sure the dirt is also removed.
A connection may be ruined by dirt, which also prevents the battery from operating properly.
2. Keep it charged; most batteries have a minimum charge level beyond which it may be difficult to recharge; don’t let it go low.
So that your battery always operates at peak efficiency, keep the battery charged above the minimal level.
3. Keep an eye on the weather; if you’re putting your RV away for the winter, be sure to keep the batteries in a cool, dry location.
A battery may be destroyed by high temperatures more quickly than corrosion.
The same holds true for freezing conditions.
For your battery to last a long time, you want it to be at a comfortable temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold.
These easy-to-follow tasks may be added to your maintenance to-do list.
It should just take you a little while to clean it up and keep it charged.
A meter should be included in your toolbox.
You can monitor the charge level thanks to it.
The Symptoms Of Bad Batteries In The Chassis
There will be indicators to let you know when it’s time to replace the batteries.
When you start seeing such indicators, check the batteries and start looking for new ones since the deadline can come sooner than you anticipate.
1. There is nothing too complex about the RV not starting.
If all you hear are clicks or silence, your battery has to be changed since it is dead.
There are a few battery manufacturers that enable you to restart the battery, but they are quite uncommon.
2. If your headlights begin to fade or start to dim while you are driving, it is a solid indicator that your battery is losing power.
Those batteries could only need to be recharged, but they might possibly be running out of power.
3. When batteries are losing power, they might hum and crackle, so keep an ear out for odd sounds.
You should change the batteries if you hear these noises or other odd noises.
Recharging may not be possible at this time.
4. The battery is outdated; you should start preparing yourself and your finances to acquire a new battery after three years.
The likelihood that a battery may fail on you increases with age.
Although not all batteries are created equal, a reasonable starting point for battery monitoring is the 3-year standard.
Conclusion
Batteries are quite helpful.
It’s the same as looking after yourself to take care of them.
If you treat them well, you’ll have the strength you need to start the next leg of your trip.
You should be OK for many years if you can only get the correct batteries for your RV.
Until you neglect to clean them.