battery life

[bullock1789]

We have a 2002 viking with a battery that we think is going bad.  We can't seem to get more than a couple of hours use on the furnace at night.  It will run for a couple of hours and then die.  The propane is full, and although we charged the battery on a generator for 6 hours during the day, as soon as we turn the furnace on, the lights begin to dim and then within a couple of hours there is nothing.  Could the battery just be no holding a charge, or is it usual that a battery wouldn't last through a night on a charge?   If  you think it needs to be replaced, what is the best type of battery to buy?  We are going on a trip to Yellowstone and need something that is going to get us through the night with the furnace on.

[treephiz]

if you take your battery down to your local wally world or auto parts store, they should be able to test your battery and tell you if it is bad or not.  As for another battery,  you'll want to get a deep cell battery like a marine battery.

[austinado16]

If the battery is from 2002, it's done.  They're only good for maybe 5 years, and they don't last that long if they're ever run down super low.  It damages the plates and then that's it, they won't hold a charge.

A big Group 31 Deep Cycle Marine battery is the way to go. Otherwise, 2 golf cart batteries is even better.

If you set your furnace t-stat to 65ish, the furnace won't run as often and you'll still stay toasty.

Couple other things to consider:  1) Go to LED lights for all your interior lighting.  2) The Olympian Wave 3 or Wave 6 Catalytic Heaters don't use any power, are silent, and very efficient on propane.  Very nice! (I've got a Wave 6 and love it)

[Jim K in PA]

Yep  - I concur with the previous posts that your battery is done.  The furnace puts the heaviest load on the battery out of all the components in your camper.  Combine a heavy load with a weak battery, and it will drop voltage quickly.