2 Questions!

[Notime]

First, I am looking to upgrade my bulbs in the camper {23' Sportsman bumper pull} to LED bulbs. My reasoning is less power consumption and more light. We usually go where there are no hookups so I have to bring the generator, I can make it 3 days on a 6 year old Interstate deep cycle if we are conservative without running the generator.

Next question! In the same camper in the charger there is a small black box, maybe an inch square that looks like a safety cutoff that had wires running into and out of it. We have power coming into but not out of it. What is that box called and does anyone know where I could find a new one? My battery is not getting power to charge. Thanks!

[Macgyver55]

If there are four wires going in/ out of it, it's probably a relay but I can't tell you without looking what energizes it.

They are very common, and you can get them at an automotive store if that's the problem but the problem could be what energizes the relay, or it could be as simple as a bad ground

[Notime]

I have power going into the little black box but nothing going out of it. I was trying to find one off of hsolist but I can't seem to find the right description.

[Macgyver55]

Does it look like this?

[Powerstroke]

I think the upgrade to LED's is a great upgrade to make, especially if you plan on keeping the camper long term. If you are looking for more power and better holding capacity, consider upgrading the batteries.

I went with the two 6v golf cart batteries. Previously I had the 12 volt batteries. 2 12v interstate batteries had ~150 amp/hours of storage. My 2 6v batteries have 225 a/hr of storage and fit in the exact same location. I used them through an entire memorial weekend without going below half on the batteries and we used everything like normal in order to test. I used to not think it was a big deal, but I've become a convert of the 6v crowd when it comes to being an off the grid camper.

[upnorth]

As far as the 6 volts go. The host at a campground we frequent is a full timer and has 4 6 volts that have lasted him over 7 years. The thing he stresses and I mean really stresses is maintenance. He checks, cleans and fills his with distilled water the first of every month. He knows a lot of people and he figures most people get a max of 4 years out of 12 volt deep cycle batteries. The 6 volt golf cart batteries are more of an almost industrial type battery.

We have a pair of series 31 12 volts right now. But next time we replace we will be going with a pair of 6 volt batteries.

[Powerstroke]

I have never had to do any amount to maintenance on mine. Ive had them 2.5 seasons. I check them occasionally and at the beginning and end of every season. Unless you're camper is plugged in charging all the time, there is little reason to need to top off batteries that often.

[upnorth]

He is a full time RVer and actually has a full scale solar charging system. I posted that to show that with proper care and maintenance you can get a long, longer than you will with 12 volt life out of the 6 volt golf cart batteries. Yes what you do to maintain your batteries will depend on how much you use them.

[Powerstroke]

I definetely agree that 6v batteries have a longer life than the 12v ones. I'm not expert, but I read several articles before making the purchase and they all made reference to the fact that 6v industrial batteries are designed for tough use. Many made reference to heavier duty cases, contacts and the plates within the battery itself.

[LindellProStaf]

I have heard that before about 6 volt batteries. I have always wondered if it is true or not. I take good care of my batteries and they do cook off water fast if left plugged in. Still using 12 volts but wonder if I should try 6 volts in my new (used) 5th wheel. What kind do you get? How much are they and how big are they as far as fitting in battery boxes.

[upnorth]

There is a fair amount of info on 6 volt golf cart batteries out there. Specs, uses, how to setup and price. I think they are bit taller, a little more expensive to purchase, but I think long run your return on investment is better.

[Powerstroke]

I'd have to go check out which brand, but I bought them from Batteries Plus. I got a dealer price there because of my work.

Regarding size, they are the same footprint as the 12v, but they are taller. I bought 2 batteries and 2 new battery boxes. They sit in the exact same spot on the tongue of the trailer.