Battery for 2500 Bigfoot trailer

[tuna60]

What battery is recommended for the trailer? One of the wires to hook to the battery is orange with a black line in it. Is that positive or negative?

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by tuna60

What battery is recommended for the trailer? One of the wires to hook to the battery is orange with a black line in it. Is that positive or negative?

Do you hook up to electricity on all your trips, or do you go off grid on any of your trips? If you hookup 100% of the time, any lead acid battery will do.

If you go off grid, what percentage of your trips? How many days? Do you bring along a portable generator?

[Mike_L]

Batteries are used extensively for boondocking as a major power source. If you have access to shore power, they are a backup.
Add up your anticipated power consumption for a 24 hour period. Include things like your fridge, furnace, gas detectors, lights etc. As an example, a device that uses 2 amps per hour will consume 6 amps in 3 hours and 48 amps per day. Multiply this number by the number of days you intend to camp. This is your total consumption. Double this number to get the minimum battery capacity you need. Personally, I multiply this number by four.
You will need one or more deep cycle batteries. Starting (automotive) batteries are damaged by repeated discharges and usually not suitable for this use. Lead acid batteries are the most common and come in several formats like flooded, AGM etc. Lithium batteries which have a greater energy density and can be more deeply discharged are more expensive but gaining popularity. Careful not to discharge batteries beyond manufacturer's recommendations.
A generator can be used to power your trailer/charge your batteries but fuel costs can add up. I find solar panels much better, I camp for months with a single battery and have lots of power.