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Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Your RV Battery

Truck towing trailerWhen you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power. When you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power.

But how much do you know about your RV batteries? We reveal the top five things you need to know about your batteries – including the best way to store them and make sure they last as long as possible.


1.) Battery Basics
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With so many types of batteries available, it can be difficult to know which type you need for your towable. Depending on how much power you need, there are various battery sizes – the most common are the group 24 batteries and group 27 batteries, also known as “house batteries.” The group 24 battery is a good choice if you are limited on space or rarelydry camp and have smaller accessories you need to power. Or, if you need a large amount of power and have a decent amount of storage, a group 31 battery is the perfect option. A good rule of thumb is that the larger the battery, the more amp hours you get. 


2.) RV Battery Maintenance
One of the best ways to make sure that your RV battery will last for years is to maintain it during the camping season as well as the off-season. These batteries tend to have varying lifespans depending on the size, type and brand, but in general should last 5 to 7 years – if taken care of properly. 

Maintenance of your batteries should include cleaning the cables (making sure to disconnect them before you clean them), and also cleaning the connections before securing them back into place – negative connection first then the positive connection. 

 PRO TIP: For battery maintenance, check for any kind of leaks and keep an eye on electrolytes in your battery. You’ll need to refill with distilled water when needed to prevent your battery fully charged.


3.) RV Battery Storage

hidden powerProper storage of your batteries is incredibly important! Not only does regular maintenance help them last for a long time, but storage also plays a key role. Improperly stored batteries can freeze or overheat and lead to either not running at full capacity or needing replacement. 

Also, if you don’t have enough storage for your batteries you may have to carry several batteries in your car or RV, taking up precious space that you could use for other items. Not to mention, moving and installing heavy batteries is a hassle.

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In comes the HiddenPower under vehicle battery mount! Its name gives it away – this battery mount is installed underneath the vehicle bed and can be used for all types of group 24, 27, and 31 twelve-volt batteries, ranging from lead acid, AGM, sealed, or gel cell. 

The HiddenPower mount is completely no-drill and installs in minutes. Adding an extra battery that is tied to your truck’s electrical charging system will not only keep the extra battery charged and ready for use with little to no maintenance, but also keeps your truck battery charged. This will save you time when you have to hassle with pulling out batteries and connecting them. Preventing your batteries from being undercharged, the HiddenPower also saves you from getting stranded with adead battery while you’re boondocking in remote areas. 


4.) RV Battery Charging
hidden power 2The two most common causes of RV battery failure are these two issues – undercharging and overcharging. This may cause you to have to pay for battery replacement sooner than you have to. This costs you both time and money that you could have used toward your camping trips. A good rule to go by is to never let your batteries go below 50 percent charge. Anything lower than 20 percent will lead to damage and the battery won’t be able to function at full power again.

When batteries go long periods of time with no charge, sulfate material hardens into crystals. This results in batteries losing the ability to hold a charge, which is also known as sulfation. If left on a charger for too long, overcharging can occur. Overcharging the battery causes severe water loss and plate corrosion, leaving you with a fried battery… and an empty wallet from having to replace the battery.

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One of the best ways to prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries is to trickle charge when you’re not using them and making sure the connection is clean and tight. Another storage option is the PowerArmor and PowerArmor Solar battery boxes. One of PowerArmor Solar’s many features include a Zamp solar panel that extends battery life up to 400 percent and helps prevent premature battery replacement due to its ability to slowly trickle charge. It’s like having RV solar panels but for your batteries! This means that you prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries when the panel is exposed to minimal sunlight – making your batteries last much longer than they normally would in any other storage condition.

The PowerArmor boxes come with a heavy gauge diamond plate that features a black high-impact powder coated frame. Boxes can bolt directly to your RV, boat, trailer tongue, camper bumper and more. It also allows electrical wires to pass through the side wall of the box, easily connecting the RV batteries to your electrical circuit system and keeping the batteries locked safely inside – giving you easy access wherever you store it. 


5.) Connecting Multiple Batteries

hidden power 4If you find that you need more than one RV battery or might need a full bank of them for more power – then you will need to connect them together. When you join 6-volt batteries together in a series it allows you to keep the same amount of amps but adds to the voltage or power. To connect multiple 6-volt batteries you’ll need a jumper wire to connect the positive terminals to the negative terminals. Then the other remaining positive and negative terminals connect to whatever you are connecting your batteries toin order to gain power.

 The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure your RV batteries are the same voltage, amp rating and the same age. If you try to connect an old RV battery to a new one, it will drain the new battery to keep the old one working. Then you’ll end up having to replace the newer one sooner than you should have to.


For more information on proper battery storage or questions about the HiddenPower and PowerArmor, contact our tech support at 800.246.8132. If you’re interested in storing your RV batteries in one of these battery boxes, you can find a Certified Dealer near you and purchase one or both today for all your camping needs!

 

 

kerstinWritten by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

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How much does a PowerArmor Cost?

PowerArmor Cost Blog 1Well, how much the PowerArmor costs will ultimately depend on whether you’re talking about “figuratively” or the actual price of the product. There are a few questions you should ask yourself before we get into the details of the PowerArmor battery box and what it can do for you:

How much is your peace of mind worth to you?

What is the price would you pay to protect the hundreds of dollars you’ve already invested in RV batteries?

Have you been looking for a way to store your RV batteries, or a more secure way?

Do you want to extend your battery life up to 400% and prevent yourself from having to prematurely replace your batteries and instead spend that money elsewhere?

If you came up with some solid answers of “yes” or “peace of mind is worth anything to me” or “oh, saving money… more to spend on food” then we definitely have an answer for you - the PowerArmor! Coming in multiple sizes and varieties, the PowerArmor is the perfect solution to your RV battery storage issues as well as any other extra camping gear you want to bring along! Read below to find the battery box that is perfect for you.

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PowerArmor Solar

• Works with both 6 volt and 12 volt batteries, can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries

oThe 26 ¾” PowerArmor can also hold two group 31 batteries 
o The 17 ¾” PowerArmor Solar hold a single battery (great for marine applications!)

• Manufactured with black high impact powder coated trim for durability as well as diamond plate tread
• Comes in three lengths – 17 ¾” (A7720RS), 24” (A7712RS) and 26 ¾” (A7708RS)
• Comes standard with a 10-watt solar panel to trickle charge your batteries so they never lose their power 

o The solar panel easily maintains battery life by not under or overcharging them, keeping them in great condition and extending your battery investment. 

• Starts at $468.99


PowerArmor DH

• Works with both 6 volt and 12 volt batteries, can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries

o The 26 ¾” PowerArmor can also hold two group 31 batteries 
o The 17 ¾” PowerArmor hold a single battery (is also great for boat and marine applications!)

• Manufactured with high impact powder coat for durability as well as diamond plate tread
• Comes in three lengths – 17 ¾” (A7720R), 23 7/8” (A7712R) and 26 ¾” (A7708R)
• Starts at $310.99


PowerArmor MAX

• Works with both 6 volt and 12 volt batteries, can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries with plenty of room for extra storage, four group 27 and 31 batteries, or five group 24 batteries
• Manufactured with high impact powder coat for durability as well as diamond plate tread
• Comes in one length: 58 ½” (A7710R)
• Also has a solar panel option that comes with a 10-watt solar panel to constantly keep your RV batteries charged (A7710RS)
• Starts at $525.99

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Features of PowerArmor battery boxes Include:

• Prevent common and expensive storage/battery theft (lock included)
• Maintains charge increasing the longevity of the batteries up to 400% to avoid premature battery replacement (solar only)
• Dual use for securing batteries and other gear
• Bolts to your RV, camper bumper, truck, van, etc.
• Heavy gauge diamond plate aluminum for maximum durability
• Designed specifically to access RV batteries avoiding interference with your RV
• Uses a 10 watt solar panel (solar only)
• Comes in bright tread diamond plate featuring black high impact powder coat frame
• Multiple box sizes available holding up to five batteries
• Adjustable dividers for custom size compartment storage (PowerArmor Max only)
• Acid neutralizing battery mat to avoid corrosion
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

All PowerArmors come with the box itself, a lock, battery hold down straps, mounting hardware, acid neutralizing mats and if you’re getting the PowerArmor Solar, it comes with a 10-watt Zamp solar panel. Batteries that go inside the box are not included.

 

 


To keep your peace of mind and start protecting your battery investment with this top-of-the-line battery box, call us at 800.246.8132 or email us at:support at torklift.com.

 

kerstinWritten by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

 

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How much does an RV battery cost?

 With a wide variety of RV batteries to choose from, their prices range just as wide. The cheapest RV battery on the market is the Apex Group UI RV battery that costs $48.25, and the most expensive battery being a Lifeline GPL-8DA deep cycle RV battery for $699.88. All RV batteries have the same purpose, but not all are equally created. So, what kind of bang are you getting for your buck? We asked our veteran RV tech Darrel what his opinion is. Darrel has worked in the RV industry for decades and personally installed his share of batteries.

Battery Blog 1Duracell ultra-high capacity battery for deep cycle 6v RV-$109.99

• This is a 6-volt battery with 230 Ah
• 12-month free replacement warranty 
• Easy twist and release vent caps for watering

Trojan Reliant-$377.97

Battery Blog 2• This is a 12-volt battery with 150Ah 
• This battery is made with robust plates that extends the life cycle and comes with a low calcium grid alloy that reduces gas emissions
• A separator of glass fibers serves to isolate the positive and negative plates while acting as a blotter to absorb the electrolytes

Lifeline GPL-8DA-$639.99

Battery Blog 3• This is a 12-volt battery with 255Ah
• This battery is specifically manufactured for deep cycle applications 
• All Lifeline batteries are Coast Guard approved and handmade in the USA, backed with an industry leading five-year warranty


Which one does Darrel recommend?

Darrel recommends the Trojan Reliant. When talking with Darrel he said he recommended this battery because, “the brand produces quality batteries that have been around for years, and they are high capacity batteries that are durable.”

How many batteries do I need for my trip?
Depending on what kind of trip you are taking, you may need anywhere from two to five extra batteries. Extra batteries are always a good thing to have on hand. You are able to expand your power capacity and extend your trip with having extra batteries. Any of us who go off-roading or off-grid boon docking understand the importance of having that extra power to be able to use light bars as well as our stereos. For those of us who travel, whether it’s in a trailer or RV, we all appreciate being able to use the appliances because we have enough power to do so. Having extra batteries brings convenience and many luxuries to the outdoor life.

Where can I store these extra batteries?

Battery Blog 4Torklift has designed a high-quality locking aluminum solar battery box featuring a lockable slide top that can easily be accessed no matter the mounting location. This box comes with a precision laser cut 100% aluminum bright tread diamond plate featuring a black high impact powder coated frame. Boxes can bolt directly to RV, trailer tongue, camper bumper, etc. It features an access port that will allow electrical wires to pass through the side wall of the box to easily connect to your electrical circuit system.

PowerArmor DH Solar/ PowerArmor Max Solar
The PowerArmor solar boxes extends battery life up to 400% and prevents premature battery replacement with the 10-watt solar panel bolted through its lid. 

PowerArmor Solar DH starting at $468.99

• 24-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries
• 26-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries, and two group 31 batteries

PowerArmor Max Solar starting at $651.99

• can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries, two group 31, four 31 or 27, or five group 24 batteries. 

PowerArmor DH/ PowerArmor Max

This battery box design has the same features as the PowerArmor Solar and the PowerArmor Max Solar minus the solar panel. The PowerArmor Max comes with adjustable dividers to customize storage compartment size.

PowerArmor DH starting at $310.99

• 24-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries
• 26-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries, and two group 31 batteries

PowerArmor Max starting at $525.99

• Can hold up to two group 24-31 batteries with ample room to store additional hitch or RV towing related equipment by utilizing the storage dividers, or as many as four group 27 or 31, or five group 24 batteries.

Each battery box comes with Torklift International’s Legendary Lifetime Warranty.

Still not convinced? Picture this: You are on a camping trip when you leave your trailer to go on a hike. Your two Trojan Reliant batteries are sitting unsecured in the factory installed brackets on the tongue of your trailer. You then return back to a crime scene. That’s over $750.00 in batteries disappeared not to mention hundreds to repair the cut wiring left by thieves! The PowerArmor box will protect your investment with its key entry system.

The PowerArmor Solar boxes take it a step further. The 10-watt solar panel on top will trickle charge the batteries and extend their life by up to 400%. The trickle charge helps by keeping the battery in optimum condition year-round unlike batteries sitting in storage that may suffer from sulfating (caused by undercharging). The solar panel easily maintains battery life by not under or overcharging them, keeping them in great condition and extending your battery investment. Even without direct sunlight the solar panel on the PowerArmor Solar absorbs reflective light. Each PowerArmor box comes with Torklift International’s Legendary Lifetime Warranty and is proudly made in the USA.

To start protecting your investment, call us at 800.246.8132 or visit our website Torklift.com.

 

shyannWritten by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

 

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