Almost a new r-pod owner

Dealer wants a premium for 6 volt deep cycle batteries so I will probably buy two from Costco or Batteries Plus and take them with me. Costco Interstate 6v golf cart batteries with 210Ah are less than $100 each. Duracell at Batteries plus are about $200 each. Any big difference other than warrenty to worry about.

Thanks Rick

Jato,

Thanks for the info. The dealer is providing two batteries. If I can get two 6 volt batteries for a reasonable cost upgrade I will. Would like sealed batteries that don't require topping up but will see.

I like the idea of replacing the mattress and will plan to do that after a few shakedown trips. We pick up the R-pod in Salt Lake City and will plan a couple nights nearby to make sure everything works well.

Made three trips to Glacier this year. Rode my bike up Going to the Sun Road on the first day it was open in June. Also hiked to Sperry Chalet for a two night stay. Did some hiking trips as well.  No Grizzlies on trips this year.

More later

Congratulatons Rik on your new R-Pod!  First modification made on our 2011 177 when it had 3 sleeps on the mattress was to replace it!  It was collapsing already and was less comfortable to sleep on than when we slept on the ground in a puptent.  Replaced it with a 8" Eurotop mattress and here we are over 9 years later and that mattress is still just as firm and comfortable as the day we got it. 

As Stephen H wisely stated above, battery type and flavor will depend on your camping style and needs.  For us we have a pair of 12v Interstate group size 24, deep cycle batteries that are 9.5 years old and still performing well.  Why?  Maintenance is key.  I wash the case 1 or 2x/year with baking soda and flush off with a garden hose.  Also keep and eye on the electrolyte level and fill only with distilled water.  When camping in the off season (April-May or September-October) the furnace gets used a lot.  Last year when in the Rockies in September it usually was mid 40's or so at night time.  Even with those temps we still got 6 - 7 days total out of both batteries; no solar or generator either.  Change battery with it reads 12.2v (50% S.O.C.) to the other.    During the winter months in northern Michigan both batteries are pulled out and set in an unheated garage on the concrete floor.  They are given a 2 amp trickle charge in November for 24-36 hours each and then sit in hibernation mode until the following April when the trickle charge is repeated before re-installing in May. 

So . . . .where will you be going on your shakedown campout?  I suppose Glacier NP will be shut by then.  It is one of our favorite parks; we love to hike there although there have been occasions like the last time not too long ago when we were a bit concerned when we spotted a huge silver-tip grizzly about 500 yards away on a trail.