Small RV Battery?

[Nelmes]

I am looking for a battery for the Boler. I plan to draw .6 amp at max and am reluctant to want to put a heavy Battery on the trailer. Where can you find smaller deep cycle battery?

[Roy in TO]

Ever consider one of the porta packs at Chinadian Tire? The combo units that have lights, air compressors and boost capabilities go on sale frequently.

[cpaharley2008]

But the 3 in 1 units are normally heavier than a battery. Perhaps a motorcyle battery would help?

[Nelmes]

Thanks Roy, I looked at the units, but wasn't sure if they would work. Can they handle a low slow drain repeatedly?

Thanks Jim, For a motorcycle battery I have the same question, can they handle the slow constant drain? The size and weight would be great.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Nelmes

Thanks Roy, I looked at the units, but wasn't sure if they would work. Can they handle a low slow drain repeatedly?

Thanks Jim, For a motorcycle battery I have the same question, can they handle the slow constant drain? The size and weight would be great.

It will with a 15 amp solar panel.......

[mary and bob]

Lawn mower battery maybe? I suppose it depends how far down it is drained before recharge. Some car batteries are fairly small.

[Brian B-P]

Just some thoughts...

Even though they are a nice size, I wouldn't consider a motorcycle battery for a deep-cycle application, because they are not for our type of application.

The small AGM-type batteries which are in those portable power packs that Roy mentioned are available separately, and seem suitable to me. They are similarly sized to power wheelchair and mobility scooter batteries, which are suitable and rumoured to available used in good condition. The common size of battery used in lawn tractors (as an engine starter battery, not to drive the tractor) is called "U1", and there are U1 size deep-cycle batteries available.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Nelmes

Can they handle a low slow drain repeatedly?

We use one for an Endless Breeze Fan on a regular basis. Plus for charging phones, laptops etc. while boondocking. Lately we've been running the GPS off of it until I get the 12V fixed in the truck. They eventually die, but they are cheap enough and go on sale often enough. I find it is usually cheaper to buy one on sale than the replacement battery at regular price.

Like Jim says the small solar panels will keep them running. The big thing on most batteries is not to run them right down. (certain batteries require being run dead on occasion, like my laptop ones)

[Nelmes]

Thanks for all the ideas!!!

Since I need power in the day time, .6 amps, and only need .3 amps at night the small solar panel idea is great. I also like the idea of the small boast pack, as if the weight is off the tongue it is not an issue. (and with all the gadgets they add they are still lighter)

Thanks!

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

there are U1 size deep-cycle batteries available.

WKDC12-35J 12V 35Ah Werker Deep Cycle AGM Battery

[Nelmes]

I ended up getting a 300 amp jump box and 5 watt solar panel from Walmart, came to $90. I have been running everything off a disposable 9 volt battery, so this should be more than enough. Off camping tomorrow so will see how it works. Thanks for all the great feedback.

[Nelmes]

Update. I used they system for our week long trip and it did great. The last couple days I didn't bother with the solar panel, and still didn't get below 75%. I use very little power, but ran the vacuum for a bit, and fans all day.