RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
BATTERY BLUES
The features in issues # 42 and # 43 on batteries have been very informative . To me , and considering I have been having battery issues very recently , the articles have opened the box on what constitutes a good battery .
When my major-brand battery failed to hold charge , and given the unit was just over three years installed , I contacted the manufacturer to be basically told , " What do you want me to do ? It ' s out of warranty ."
One of their national stockists , when approached , simply told me batteries are designed to last as long as the warranty .
A quick whip around the free-camp we were staying at indicated plenty of misgivings about batteries in general . I went online and purchased a battery that has 30 per cent more amp hours for 30 per cent less price than the brand that died , came with a full 12- month warranty and an additional four-year pro rata warranty . Their data told me how to care and maintain it and to expect around eight to nine years of life .
So , how long should a battery last ? And at what annual cost ? My cost is currently over $ 150 per annum .
Which are the recommended batteries from companies for RVers who free-camp ? Do companies offer care and maintenance tips with purchase ?
Why do the major brands seem to think we ' re happy to get poor performance from their product and keep coming back ? My experience only .
Ian Urquhart Via email
RECHARGING AND SOLAR
GREY WATER DISPOSAL 1
I noticed the RV Workshop contribution in the previous edition of GoRV in which someone indicates they dump their grey water on the ground as they leave their campsite .
I don ’ t think it is a good idea to give credence to this practice by printing his letter without some comment ; however , what is more disturbing is that they consider this an appropriate practice .
Steve Ghost Via email
Thanks , Marianne and Steve – and fair enough . Always dispose of your grey water in a responsible fashion . We should have made that clear . – Ed
RV WORKSHOP
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