Battery replacement

[dachshundman]

Hi all, I'm sure this question has been asked before but I went back a few pages and did not see anything so here goes.........
My 2005 fleetwood williamsburg is starting its third year of service and Im wondering if now is the time to replace the deep cycle battery. I camp a lot in the fall and early winter in the mouintains of virginia and west virginia in NFS campgrounds in remote locations with no hookups and count on the battery to power the furnace. The battery is an interstate "deep cycle/marine" and seems to work fine. I have a small generator that I use to top off the charge on extended trips. I would rather replace the battery before it leaves me without power on a cold winter day. Is 3 years a reasonable lifespan? or could I expect to get a few more years of service?

Thanks!

[JimS]

Welcome to PUT!
To begin with, how well does the battery hold a charge?  When fully charged, what is the specific gravity of the electrolite?  generally, when a battery starts to go bad, it won't take a charge well or hold it for very long.  Also, the electrolite will not show a full charge or there will be a variation between the cells, with the low cell or cells going bad.  If your battery has not been discharged to less than 70% to 80%, and kept on a trickle charger, it should last for several years.
The combination deep cycle / marine batteries are not true deep cycles and should not be discharged to less than 80% to get optimum life out of them.  Do a google search for deep cycle battery maintenance and you will find several good articles on batteries.  I'm sorry I don't have the direct links right now, maybe someone else here can provide them.
Hope this helps...
Jim

[PattieAM]

My 06 Niagara just had its battery replaced (and boy did I notice a difference with my brake controller/brakes on the trailer).  

I've learned the hard way - disconnect the battery when not camping as the propane leak detector will drain it in about 14 days.  I previously would slap the charger on the battery overnight every two weeks, but I did notice the water level would drop in several cells, etc.

[wavery]

My 06 Niagara just had its battery replaced (and boy did I notice a difference with my brake controller/brakes on the trailer).  

I've learned the hard way - disconnect the battery when not camping as the propane leak detector will drain it in about 14 days.  I previously would slap the charger on the battery overnight every two weeks, but I did notice the water level would drop in several cells, etc.

It might be a good idea to take a spare battery along. They are cheap enough and if you do run out of juice, you'll be covered. I wouldn't get rid of your current battery until it fails on you. You could very well get another couple years out of it.

Pattie........

Your trailer brakes get their power from the TV (metered through the brake controller) unless your trailer becomes separated from the TV and the emergency brake switch is activated....