Do I need two batteries?

BigGrover · January 2018

Picking up my new 400 Saturday, dealer wants to know if I want two batteries. Not planning to boondock camp so I am thinking 1 should be adequate. Am I missing something?

Sharon_is_SAM · January 2018

The 400 already comes with a giant AGM battery, can't imagine you would need more than one, especially if you are not planning on boondocking. Pretty pricey too. Confirm that an AGM is installed and ask about the capacity in amps.

ericnliz · January 2018

I agree with @SAM. If they're asking if you want 2 batteries, I'd make sure they're installing the AGM. 2 of those AGMs would certainly be overkill, and SPENDY, I'd think.

knoxville1915 · January 2018

We have two (got the second one thrown in) which provides us with over 350 amp hours!

Sharon_is_SAM · January 2018

Knoxville, I thought the original batteries for the 400 were 225 amp, no? How did you manage 350 amps with 2?

jkjenn · January 2018

SAM said:

The 400 already comes with a giant AGM battery, can't imagine you would need more than one, especially if you are not planning on boondocking. Pretty pricey too. Confirm that an AGM is installed and ask about the capacity in amps.

As a matter of fact, If I started from scratch, I would consider going with the AGM battery that comes in the 400. It's a very good solution.

BigGrover · January 2018

Thanks, it does have the AGM so I won't let them sell me another.

knoxville1915 · January 2018

@SAM That is the figure that was given to me by the engineer. The 2nd battery is smaller than the primary and is located next to the LP in the tub. I know it’s 12v; not sure if the full power capacity. I plan on using it more as a backup and failsafe.

Sharon_is_SAM · January 2018

Knoxville - is the smaller battery connected?

knoxville1915 · January 2018

@SAM Yes, it is. It has its own cutoff switch located in the tub. It is also charged via the 7-pin connection by out truck's alternator when towing.

Sharon_is_SAM · January 2018

Nice back up battery. So, you only use 1 at a time?

knoxville1915 · February 2018

@SAM Yep. So far, so good. Looking at adding an Inergy Kodiak generator to provide AC power. The Kodiak is a powerful lithium battery (1,100 Watt Hours; 90 Amp Hours, 12.6 Volts) that has 30-amp connection and can be charged via solar, house AC current, or DC current from a vehicle. It also has a 1,500 watt pure sine inverter.

TerryV6 · February 2018

Sorry, coming into the middle of the conversation... I just have a generic battery my dealer gave us two years ago.. What is a AGM battery? Is that like a heavy duty c,d,9volt battery that is heavy duty? Is this a good alternative to the double battery route for us when the time comes?

pthomas745 · February 2018

Here is a link to Arizona Wind and Solar that "splains AGM and some they have for sale:

https://www.solar-electric.com/learning-center/batteries-and-charging/agm-battery-technology.html

knoxville1915 · February 2018

@TerryV6
Absorbed Glass Mat battery; provides more efficient power with little to no maintenance as compared to traditional flooded batteries. You would probably still want the double batteries (assuming you have series connected 2x6V right now) to provide the needed 12V of power. Or, you can parallel connect two 12V batteries and up your amps. Either way, AGM batteries will provide you with greater efficiency at far less maintenance and longer life.

jgram2 · February 2018

I know Mike has referenced this battery resource in the past : http://batteryuniversity.com/ and here's another: http://www.batteriesnorthwest.com/batteryschool.cfm?TID=18#ANC18.

Do I need two batteries?

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