Dump Trailer Battey

dnetherland · Jul 14, 2011

I have a Big Tex 18 ft dump trailer that I bought used. The battery needs to be replaced. What is the best type-- Heavy duty starter, Deep cycle, Marine deep cycle, Marine deep cycle/starting combo, optima??? I use a solar charger when the trailer is not in use and have a power wire for charging on the vehicle plug but the battery is old and it takes 2-3 minutes of power to lift the bed fully.

Thanks
Don

Diamondpilot · Jul 14, 2011

Do a search on this site for this exact discussion. I personally would go with a dual purpose marine battery.

Chris

Ken45101 · Jul 15, 2011

I didn't know there were so many (alleged) variations

It's probably more marketing hype than real differences.

I doubt there is a whole lot of difference in the various deep cycle batteries but that's what you want: deep cycle.

You could probably get away with a more standard battery if it gets fully recharged every time it dumps. But the wiring on mine does not recharge off of the truck so I definitely need a deep cycle battery.

Speaking of which, I probably should put the charger on mine, it's been a while.

Ken

GreatWhitehunter · Jul 15, 2011

I replaced mine with an optima blue top. It's much better than the original Interstate that came with the trailer.

LoneCowboy · Jul 15, 2011

deep cycle marine

High Compression · Jul 15, 2011

dnetherland said:
I have a Big Tex 18 ft dump trailer that I bought used. The battery needs to be replaced. What is the best type-- Heavy duty starter, Deep cycle, Marine deep cycle, Marine deep cycle/starting combo, optima??? I use a solar charger when the trailer is not in use and have a power wire for charging on the vehicle plug but the battery is old and it takes 2-3 minutes of power to lift the bed fully.

Thanks
Don

I use a good deep cycle on my dump trailer. Reason being, you don't need high CCA and if you rundown a normal battery you will ruin it. Deep cycles are exactly meant to be run down and recharged repetitively. As far as Optima or not. Well that depends on your pocket book and what you can justify. I have had a couple optimas and found that I can buy 3-4 normal batteries to 2 optimas. i.e. original and a replacement. They are great batteries, but I just don't justify the price anymore.

Fixemall · Jul 15, 2011

I have two JBJ supers that see a lot of use and both are running the same setup, a deep cycle marine battery from Autozone and both have a hardwired battery maintainer for nighttime charging. I also replaced the connections with jumper cable ends so when not in use, the lift motor is not connected at all. I know my setup is durable because one has been loaned out to a landscaper buddy for a week and he averages 9 mulch deliveries a day and has been known to have bad luck with anything mechanical.