Batteries - Dual Group 31

[Dro67]

Our literature for our 38RE with the Residential Package says we should have Dual Group 31 Batteries. Our battery is dead every time we go to storage to pick it up. Even with only 10 days of not using. The dealer says they use Interstate 27s if the batteries need to be put on. Has anybody had their's come with the 31s? I figure if thats what I paid for thats what I should have. Is there a big difference? About to take off the battery covers and see whats under there. Wondering if its possible I only have a 12v transfer battery......

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by Dro67

Our literature for our 38RE with the Residential Package says we should have Dual Group 31 Batteries. Our battery is dead every time we go to storage to pick it up. Even with only 10 days of not using. The dealer says they use Interstate 27s if the batteries need to be put on. Has anybody had their's come with the 31s? I figure if thats what I paid for thats what I should have. Is there a big difference? About to take off the battery covers and see whats under there. Wondering if its possible I only have a 12v transfer battery......

There's a very good possibility that you only have 1 battery from the dealer even though Redwood puts 2 boxes in. The reason your battery is discharged every time you leave it in storage is probably because your battery cutoff switch does not truly cut everything off when it is turned off. I had the same problem with mine and when I recently had it worked on at the factory Service Center, I was able to convince them to fix that situation. They have been wiring them in such a way that the switch really does no good when turned off. Several people on this forum have rewired theirs so that the switch really turns everything off.

[0nTheRoad]

In a nut shell, group 24 batteries are inferior to group 27's, group 27's are inferior to 31's. So of the three types the group 31 batteries are the best...and heaviest.

[spindrift]

My understanding is that the Residential Package includes the batteries. If that's the case, RW owes you two batteries, IMHO.

[johnboytoo]

and actually the residential pkg should have three batteries...
our 38gk had two up front and one in the basement across from the convenience area like so
(it's under my cord reel):

[Gegallant]

We have a 2014 36RL with res package. It came with two group 31 batteries installed in the front compartment next to the gene.
The battery boxes are a major pain to get into since the batteries seem to be wired together before they get placed into the unit. With group 31 batteries, it takes more strength than I have to get the package out of the compartment.
I modified the boxes to allow me access to the batteries for monthly service and still maintain the relative fume isolation the boxes provide.
In my opinion, the whole battery set up is not very well thought out. The covers are glued in place over short battery cables and require you to spend time on your knees just to open the boxes to put water in...what a pain.
There is a kit that will fill the batteries with the squeeze of a bulb, but the arrangement of the cables and the short battery boxes won't allow it to be installed without major modifications. I can now service my batteries in less than an hour and didn't spend the $$ on the watering kit.
Our batteries don't work too hard since we are either hooked up to shore power, or connected to the truck while traveling. The only time they show any discharge is when we are stopped for a while during a change of location and the frig is pulling power. I have no idea how long they would last is the 5er were to be stored since we are full timers.
I check our batteries every month but could probably go 3 or 4 months before they actually required water. They only need a few drops each month to bring them up to the proper level.
Good luck and I hope you discover the 31's in your unit.
Safe travels
George and Kay

[RedwoodRebelYYC]

My residential packaged unit came with 3 batteries. I think they owe you 1. (IMHO).

[Blue Dogs]

I have a 2014 38RL with residential package, it came with dual group 31 (no third) batteries. As part of my purchase I had them switch them for dual 6 volt golf cart interstates. In my basement behind the wall there isn't any wiring for a 3rd battery.

[johnboytoo]

maybe the newer ones have 'stronger' dual batteries instead of the weak 3 batteries ???

[Blue Dogs]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

maybe the newer ones have 'stronger' dual batteries instead of the weak 3 batteries ???

Or RW just eliminated one to save Money?

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Blue Dogs

Or RW just eliminated one to save Money?

It probably was to save money, and it make sense. Space and weight in these things comes at a premium.

A 31 series dual purpose battery has more amps (1125) than a 27 series (845), and nearly twice that of a 24 series (690). Just using basic info from Interstate without going into a hour rating for each, two 31 series batteries potentially have more capacity than three 24 series batteries.

I for one would much rather commit space for two batteries rather than three. If I wanted a golf cart I would tow it on a trailer in the rear

[spindrift]

The footprint of a 6V battery is no larger than a group 31. It's the weight of a 6V that makes me grunt.