question about Costo battery 850281, Interstate 24DC,CCA 550

[campergrrrl]

Hello, I have a question about the Costo battery 850281, Interstate 24DC,CCA 550. It was about $73. I want to know if it is a deep cycle battery. We just bought a used Rockwood Premier popup camper which we bought used. It had a interstate deep cycle sm-24 690 amps on it, but the battery is dead and we need to replace it. Is the costco battery a decent replacement? We thought about buying two of them and keeping one in the storage box when we need a 2nd batter. the other option would be from walmart. The Everstart maxx 24DC. $100. It is a bit more expensive plus I really like the hassle free returns at costco.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/20531538?reviews_limit=9&


Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks much.

 

[aslag]

I believe both of these are Marine/RV type and not true deep cycles.

"So-called “marine” batteries are an attempt to make a compromise design that combines the characteristics of starting and deep cycling. As with most compromises, they aren’t great for either need, but they may be suitable for some RV battery situations. A marine battery trades a lower CCA rating for somewhat better deep cycle performance. It’s main advantage is that it is a variation of a starting battery and can be produced by the same manufacturing process, making it a less expensive battery than a true deep cycle."

The above was from: http://www.doityourselfrv.com/best-rv-battery-choosing-reviews/

 

[campergrrrl]

Not battery-wise enough to know what a true deep cycle is, but I do know that the now dead sm-24 clearly was labeled as deep cycle where the costco 24DC is pretty plain on the label and doesn't say anything about deep cycle. Do you have any insight as to whether the costco one should do the job? thanks.

 

[lifespeed]

Not battery-wise enough to know what a true deep cycle is, but I do know that the now dead sm-24 clearly was labeled as deep cycle where the costco 24DC is pretty plain on the label and doesn't say anything about deep cycle. Do you have any insight as to whether the costco one should do the job? thanks.

The "DC" in the Costco 24DC model number indicates deep cycle.

 

[West Coast Canuck]

If you are dry camping a lot Costco sells the group 27 with an 835 amp hr rating and it will out last the group 24 550 amp hour one you are looking at buying. You have to remember to keep the battery charged up and don't let it sit discharge or it will sulphate the battery and kill it which will shorten the life of it.

 

[teejaywhy]

Not battery-wise enough to know what a true deep cycle is, but I do know that the now dead sm-24 clearly was labeled as deep cycle where the costco 24DC is pretty plain on the label and doesn't say anything about deep cycle. Do you have any insight as to whether the costco one should do the job? thanks.

Not knowing what "the job" is actually, it's hard to say.

 

[teejaywhy]

If you are dry camping a lot Costco sells the group 27 with an 835 amp hr rating and it will out last the group 24 550 amp hour one you are looking at buying. You have to remember to keep the battery charged up and don't let it sit discharge or it will sulphate the battery and kill it which will shorten the life of it.

Think you are confusing CCA (cranking amps) with amp-hours (capacity). A G24 battery has a typical capacity of about 85 amp-hours.

You are correct about the need to keep the battery charged.

 

[bupkis]

campergrrrl, I think you will find that the costco battery is a srm-24, it is the bigger (higher capacity) 24 marine DC battery made by Johnson Control, The walmat version is likely also made by JCI, same MCA, weight, etc.

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/m/category/marine/deepcycle

 

[West Coast Canuck]

Think you are confusing CCA (cranking amps) with amp-hours (capacity). A G24 battery has a typical capacity of about 85 amp-hours.

You are correct about the need to keep the battery charged.

yes you are right, I should have re-read my response before posting. I meant 85 amp hours

 

[arthuruscg]

I would go with the Costco 24 or if it can fit 27 battery. After a year or so, you will figure out what type of camping you do and if moving up to dual golf cart batteries is right for you.

 

[turborich]

I know there is a lot of talk about the dual purpose batteries like Walmart and others sell. I've had the same dual purpose battery for over 4 years, it still holds a full charge and I have no complaints (I complain about anything I can) IMO they are just fine for camping. I will agree that two 6 volts are better and will provide prolonged use, I would still buy them from Costco and save your money. If you properly care for the battery it will last, the type isn't nearly as important as how you maintain it. Buy what you can afford and take care of it.

 

[bupkis]

There is always what someone considers a better battery.

Compared to 'better', 6v are a joke , 2 is lots of capacity for me!

My crappy 24, my usage, my care - $9.71 / yr

 

[The Hillbilly Hilton]

I have a Diehard 24 marine. I dry camp about two weekends a year using the heater the entire time. I use a seperate smart charger rather then the PUP's converter.

Then keep it charged until I need it again. I also use it to power a small electric boat motor while at the campground.

Never had a problem and I figure if I get four years out of it, it is still cheaper to replace every four years then buy the two golf cart batteries.

Plus the weight of the two batteries is crazy.

 

[CanCamper]

Hillbilly Hilton, may I ask why you use a smart charger rather than the converter? I've been having similar thoughts because I've been told my Elixir-30 converter is crap, not intelligent and can overcharge and damage batteries. But it would sure be handy to have the converter do its job and not have to bother with a separate charger (except possibly during the long winter non-camping months).

What's your rationale?

 

[arthuruscg]

Drycamping is with out hookups, so the converter can't charge the battery. When he gets home, then he would use the charger to charge and maintain the battery.

 

[ChocoChock01]

campergrrrl, I think you will find that the costco battery is a srm-24, it is the bigger (higher capacity) 24 marine DC battery made by Johnson Control, The walmat version is likely also made by JCI, same MCA, weight, etc.

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/m/category/marine/deepcycle

I believe ALL of Costco's batteries are now Interstate.

 

[bupkis]

they must have run out of Kirkland stickers and have way too many Interstate stickers and refuse to go with Energizer stickers

 

[arthuruscg]

same plant