Finding a DC24MF Battery Replacement (Centennial Deep Cycle)
Batteries go by groups. This is the set-up for battery production and sales. When you are looking for a new battery, the group number is very important. It tells you a lot about the construction of the battery, its size, and its price. The 24 group is supposed to be the smallest and cheapest of the larger batteries.
The Centennial DC24MF battery is supposed to be maintenance-free as well as powerful enough to handle the electrical duties in your RV. Its weight and size may make this the ideal battery for many RV models out there.
To learn more about finding a replacement for this type and brand of battery, just continue to read our article. It explores the issue so you have some alternatives if you think this battery is not doing a good enough job.
DC24MF Battery Replacement Options
There happen to be several good options if you are not satisfied with this Centennial battery model. One would be the Duracell brand. They have a great reputation for making top batteries in the world.
AC Delco is another brand that comes with a fairly good reputation. Their model should equal or exceed the Centennial model due to the quality of the construction this company places on its products.
Then there is the Continental brand which would be on par with all of these battery brands. There is no shortage of similar DC24 batteries to choose from. Plus, you can find them at a variety of auto parts stores around your city.
The key to finding a replacement for the Centennial DC24mf battery would be to check the specs. Not every battery brand makes their group 24 batteries at the same strength or power level that Centennial does.
As an example, the cold cranking and just the cranking amps for the Centennial are 730 and 1125 while the AC Delco is rated at 550 and 680 amps. Do a careful check of the specs to make sure you are upgrading your battery power and not downsizing it.
Centennial Deep Cycle Battery DC24MF
While some owners are saying that this brand of battery is not doing enough in their units, this battery seems to come with a good reputation. The specs are nice for its group size and the group 24 batteries are not going to compete with higher group sizes.
The specs include but are not limited to the following” amp hours 75; reserve capacity at 25 amp draws 120; marine cranking amps at 32 degrees F 915; maintenance free, yes; and a 12-month warranty.
When you compare the Duracell alternative to this battery you will find that it only beats the centennial model in price, which we will mention soon. It does not come close to the Centennial in cold cranking amps.
The other place that Duracell wins is in price. Both at regular and sale prices, the Duracell is cheaper. Both have similar 12-month warranties. Some owners prefer to replace the Centennial battery in their RVs with 2 6-volt golf batteries. That has been a trend for some time now.
Centennial Battery Review
The reviews made by owners are mixed. Some like this battery and feel that it does the job well. This is not really a battery that is for starting big engines and should be used for smaller motors and other electrical duties.
Other owners do not like it for the reason that they think it is an underpowered electrical device. It is not going to be the strongest battery you will find on the market today.
The group 24 batteries are not that big or powerful. They are designed more for light duty not medium or heavy duty tasks. The almost 11 by 7 by 9 1/3 inch size should fit most battery compartments in different RVs and trailers.
The specs for this battery are better than some of their competitors. Not in all categories but enough to make it a good alternative if you do not like other battery brands.
The main drawback to buying this option would be its price. One outlet has it on sale for $139 approx and its regular price is $174. Other batteries’ regular prices are far below that $174 mark.
If price is your deciding factor, then other battery brands may be for you. The other battery options may be a tiny bit smaller than the Centennial option giving you slightly more room in your battery box or compartment.
How Long Does a DC24MF Last?
The lifespan of these batteries is not that encouraging but at the same time not that discouraging. The group 24 DC battery types do not have as long a life as other battery groups or types but it is enough to get your money’s worth.
If you take care of the battery then you can expect to get between 4 and 8 years of life out of it. Batteries do not have a very long shelf life. If you do not take care of your battery, then do not expect to get even 4 years out of it.
Keep in mind that these smaller batteries may not have very good warranty coverage. That will mean that you will have to pay out of pocket for a new battery if anything goes wrong after year 1.
Signs Of a Bad DC24MF Battery
Here are some signs to tell you that your DC24MF battery is starting to go bad:
- can’t hold a charge- even if you place a top battery charger on it, this battery has degraded enough that the charge will not remain.
- low voltage- put your multimeter on the terminals if you suspect there is a problem with the battery. If the multimeter registers less than 12 volts or below accepted ranges, then the battery is going bad on you.
- look under the hood- if you are starting to have problems with the power output of the battery, look under the hood, in the battery compartment, etc., and see if you can spot a leak. If you do, then you need to change the battery quickly.
- a bulge- under the same circumstances as the leak sign, look to see if your battery is bulging or is swollen. If it is, then the battery is going bad and you need a replacement as soon as you can get one.
When you see these signs, go to a professional battery shop and have your battery tested. That way you will know for sure if the battery is going on you or if you have more time.
DC24MF Amp Hours
The measurement used to determine amp hours is set at 20 hours. Both the Centennial and the Duracell DC24mf batteries have the same rating. You get 75 amp hours no matter which brand you buy.
The AC Delco model we mentioned earlier tops both of these brands as you get 86 amp hours. There will be some differences between brands and you have to decide if 75 is good enough for your tasks or if you need to find a battery with more amp hours.
Many RV owners put a lot of stock in this individual spec and it can be a vital criterion when selecting a new battery.
Warranty on a DC24MF
The warranties for the Duracell and the Centennial models are 12 months. Not a lot of time but probably long enough to see if your battery will last those 4 to 8 years they are rated to live.
The AC Delco option comes with an 18-month warranty. All warranties for this product and battery group should be considered limited so you may not get the coverage you expect.
The length of the warranty will be determined by the company that makes the battery. While there are only about 4 to 6 battery-making companies in America, the competitors to those brands provide the specs they want those companies to use when they manufacture the batteries for their competitors.
Their branded batteries will be built to those specs no matter which company makes it. That is why you will find different warranty lengths and specs for each battery brand and group.
What To Look For When Buying a DC24MF Battery
When you are going to buy a new battery, there are some key factors to guide your search. Those factors include battery brand name, amp hours, the overall quality of the batteries, and the type of warranty and length of coverage. The most important factor will be the price.
Some Additional Words
Hunting for a good DC24 battery is not going to be that hard. This type of battery and group number should be on sale anywhere batteries are sold. The big question to answer is how much you want to pay for a battery.
These units do go on sale so you can afford to shop around and get a good price. Centennial is as good as other brands so you are not losing out by buying it over other brands.
