Best battery for 2008 Scamp 13

[jamessue]

Time to change the battery. Which is the best battery for Scamp 13? It should fit into original box & maintenance/leak free. Are AGM batteries compatible?? Thanks!

[Wallo]

Can't say it is the best battery for a Scamp 13, but, I went to Wal-Mart and got a replacement for my 13' Scamp. It was the equivalent to what was original. Ran about $85 as I recall. I actually like it better than the old battery. I think it holds a longer charge. Had thought about AGM battery, but after research, went with just a replacement of what was with Scamp.

[jamessue]

But is the AGM battery compatible?

[Bob Miller]

I would agree with the Wal-Mart choice, if for no other reason that you can always get a local replacement if there is a battery failure.

On the question of AGM batteries you will have to tell us which power chassis/battery charger you have, that makes a big difference.

[Wallo]

Re AGM: it was less complicated to go to WM

[Steve_N_Janna]

My experience with AGM batteries is that they are most definitely, completely and indubitably interchangeable and compatible with wet cell batteries - and indeed, are an upgrade. Advantages are zero electrolyte maintenance, the ability to mount it in various orientations - such as side lying, and minimal out gassing during recharging. In addition, they should recover better from being overly depleted. They are also less likely to fail due to vibration, bumps, and jolts that may occur during towing.

The downside is that they cost more.

The only other potential issue is the ability of your charger/convertor to optimally maintain it. Some members with more battery expertise than I have might want to chime in - but again, based on my experience, most chargers will work just fine. Combination convertor-chargers may be a different story - many of them use pretty basic charging technology.

I'd say that if you are interested in trying an AGM, then go for it!
And...be sure to share your experience with it on this forum.

[jamessue]

Thanks everyone! The AGM sounds good because the battery is stored in the apartment all winter. The extra cost might outweigh the cost of a damaged floor in the storage room. The converter/charger is the original from Scamp when the trailer was purchased new in 2008.

[beemerphile1]

The best battery isn't dependent on what RV you have, it is dependent on how you camp.

If you always camp with electric hookups, you will be okay with the cheapest 12v battery you can find, even a $25 lawn tractor battery. However if you dry camp battery capacity can be critical.

Most come originally with a single group 24 flooded lead acid (fla) battery.

We have two RVs and each have two batteries. One has two 6v golf car (fla) batteries on the tongue and one has two 12v gel batteries inside under the seat. Different batteries for different uses.

Originally Posted by Steve_N_Janna

My experience with AGM batteries...The downside is that they cost more....

For me, the main disadvantage is that they typically have less amphours. The main advantage of an AGM or gel battery is that they can be carried inside without added venting like is needed for a (fla) battery.

[RogerDat]

flooded battery stored in the plastic battery box is minimal risk to the floor, walls or surrounding items.

At less than $10 cost for a box not sure I would go with cost of AGM unless I was putting battery inside the RV.

[Carol H]

I do a lot of on and off grid camping and use solar for extended off grid camping and have used a group 27 battery from Costco for the past 5 years with good results. If you take good care of the battery and not run it below 50% you will find it works well. Don't think I would spend the larger $'s on a AGM either.