[VAC] I finally got an Airstream!

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mary,

Scott has that right and those of us who have bought many batteries might say the same thing.

I've even used "Trolling" batteries preferred by fishermen when those were the only deep cycle
batteries available in the town where I "had to buy" batteries. They worked fine and lasted about as
long as average (usually 7 years in RVs with solar panels - provided they're maintained well).

If I was starting out from scratch like you,
 
1 - I'd check all the prices in all the stores within my area (by phone), 
2 - I'd become very precise in my understanding of the warranty or guarantee (even putting details
on graph paper so I could compare and contrast features between stores), 
3 - I'd determine if the seller would install the battery (not everyone can carry a new battery very
far or return a dead one for the $5 credit), 
4 - I'd ask if the battery was fully charged when purchased or if it needed to be charged overnight
(especially if I didn't have a charger or didn't know if my converter worked correctly), 
5 - I'd want to be absolutely certain the connecting posts on the new battery were compatible with
the connecting adapters on my Airstream (and how do you tell which is ground and which is positive
without the old battery offering a clue), and 
6 - after the installation is complete, I'd make sure the connectors were still connected
(especially if I had to "wrestle" the battery into a tight compartment).

Sometimes when I do this kind of simple, methodical homework, there are dramatic differences. For
example, not all warranties have the same exclusions. As a first timer, that little detail might
save you the price of another new battery, should the unexpected occur. And, save your receipt where
you can find it next month, if by chance your new battery is as dead as a doorknob.

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net