6 volt or 12 volt in coach

[69hondo]

I have been running two 12 volt batteries in my motorhome for 3 years and this weekend they were done again. I leave them on a float charger when not in use. My question is should I go to two 6 volt batteries? Who has done this and are you happy. We do a lot of dry camping in Gamis and the desert. I can usually go 3-4 days before they die but this weekend they wouldn't make it through the night.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Do you run a little generator to keep the coach juiced for a few hours a day? That and swapping all the incandescent lights to LED bulbs Makes a huge difference.
The dual 6V's is the preferred setup, but I run 2 12V costco batteries in my trailer and don't have issues. But i do run a Ryobi 2200 in the evening for 3-4 hours when the lights are all on, heater is warming up the trailer, and everyone is using juice. Then i'll kick it on in the morning for microwave / coffee etc for another 2 hrs. I guess i really dont let my batteries drain down much, other than running the heater fan all night

 

[4Waters]

I ran 3 12v batteries in my coach with a solar panel on the roof and a solar controller, the batteries were 5yrs old and still working where we sold it. My dad has the same set up on his coach and his batteries are 5yrs old now. All the batteries are 12v deep cycle.

 

[HitIt]

If you dry camp, 2 6V hands down (as in super easy decision). They are meant to be abused. The 12V start degrading if you drain them below 50%. All of my friends that I have convinced to make the change just wonder why they didn't do it sooner.

I forgot to cut the batteries on my trailer about a year ago before parking it in storage. Came back a month later and the batteries were totally dead and most likely held there for weeks. 12V would have been trash. I have been using those 6V for a year now and they are fine.

 

[69hondo]

Do you run a little generator to keep the coach juiced for a few hours a day? That and swapping all the incandescent lights to LED bulbs Makes a huge difference.
The dual 6V's is the preferred setup, but I run 2 12V costco batteries in my trailer and don't have issues. But i do run a Ryobi 2200 in the evening for 3-4 hours when the lights are all on, heater is warming up the trailer, and everyone is using juice. Then i'll kick it on in the morning for microwave / coffee etc for another 2 hrs. I guess i really dont let my batteries drain down much, other than running the heater fan all night

I have and run the generator, all light are LED. Usually dont have this problem but these batteries are only 3 years old and are already done.

 

[69hondo]

If you dry camp, 2 6V hands down (as in super easy decision). They are meant to be abused. The 12V start degrading if you drain them below 50%. All of my friends that I have convinced to make the change just wonder why they didn't do it sooner.

I forgot to cut the batteries on my trailer about a year ago before parking it in storage. Came back a month later and the batteries were totally dead and most likely held there for weeks. 12V would have been trash. I have been using those 6V for a year now and they are fine.

Awesome,yeah we dry camp a lot. These 12 volts are only three years old. been good up until this weekend. we were out for three nights and each night they were completely dead.

 

[OutCole'd]

I run two 6V's and love it, No issues at all. I also run a little Honda gennie for a few hours each day when dry camping to keep them topped off. I camped this last weekend and the heater was running a lot all night long, woke up to 3/4" charge each day.

 

[HitIt]

Another thing to consider is your charge controller (converter). I really like the ones that allow you to override the charge rate that they determine based on battery voltage when they start up. This allows you to "top off" your batteries with a quick 1 - 2 hour generator run. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-...2125930&sr=8-2&keywords=charge+wizard+pendant

I have a small Honda 2k generator. Another benefit of the charge controller is that I can turn it down when I use something like the microwave. If the batteries are low when I start the generator, the charge controller will blast the batteries with power. That combined with the microwave will pop the breaker on the generator. The charge controller allows me to slow the charge rate, turn on the microwave, and then turn the charge rate back up when I am done with the micro.

 

[HitIt]

One last thought.... some people with 12V will tell you that they are fine. Ask anyone that went to the 6V batteries if they would switch back to 12V

 

[77charger]

I get about 7 years out of 6 volt batts. I have let them go low on charge too there way more durable. I'll run a gen for about 3 hours at night while at glamis.

 

[TITTIES AND BEER]

I run 6 s x2

 

[Uncle Dave]

Whatever config allows the most amp hours that fits in the space - Either serial 6's - or parallel 12's.

Not sure - weigh each combo - the one with the most lead wins.

UD

 

[squeezer]

Its hard to beat a pair of T105 Trojan golf cart batteries in bang for the buck. Easy to find easy to cable. Will out perform run of the mill 12V deep cycles everyday all day. Had a small class B with a pair of 105's and 350 watts of solar. Unless we needed to run the A/C we would not even bother plugging in.

 

[Uncle Dave]

I run 6 s x2

Awesome - lots of cabling

UD

 

[Uncle Dave]

Its hard to beat a pair of T105 Trojan golf cart batteries in bang for the buck. Easy to find easy to cable. Will out perform run of the mill 12V deep cycles everyday all day. Had a small class B with a pair of 105's and 350 watts of solar. Unless we needed to run the A/C we would not even bother plugging in.

Trojans are great- so are Crowns.

UD

 

[Deja_Vu]

Always ran 6V in my 5er. In 10 years I only replaced them twice. Two Costco 6V batteries.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I have and run the generator, all light are LED. Usually dont have this problem but these batteries are only 3 years old and are already done.

Something interesting - Costco now has 48 month "no questions asked" replacement warranty on their automotive batteries. This does not include the deep cycle RV batteries - those are 1 year. Still - i'd be willing to try a pair of car batteries, the biggest group / CCA / reserve capacity i can fit, and take advantage of that 4 year replacement policy. Sounds like 8 years of batteries to me! If your not draining them way down and running a little generator, why not?

 

[DaveH]

can someone explain why two 6 volt batteries in series are superior to a single 12v assuming the AH ratings are the same?

 

[Bigbore500r]

can someone explain why two 6 volt batteries in series are superior to a single 12v assuming the AH ratings are the same?

I think that's just it - the 6V offerings have a higher AH rating than anything 12V has to offer, so doubling them up and making a 12V out of a pair gives your more capacity.

 

[rivermobster]

One last thought.... some people with 12V will tell you that they are fine. Ask anyone that went to the 6V batteries if they would switch back to 12V

I wouldn't. LoL

I run my heater all night with 2 sixes. That deal killed my 2 twelves. Wouldn't even make it half way through the night.

I have a single solar panel on the roof, with a good charge controller. Batteries last six/seven years.

 

[TITTIES AND BEER]

Awesome - lots of cabling

UD

No 2-6 vts

 

[HitIt]

I think that's just it - the 6V offerings have a higher AH rating than anything 12V has to offer, so doubling them up and making a 12V out of a pair gives your more capacity.

Its not just that. The 6V are constructed for full charge/discharge cycling. That type of use will kill a standard 12V "deep cycle" right quick.

 

[DaveH]

I think that's just it - the 6V offerings have a higher AH rating than anything 12V has to offer, so doubling them up and making a 12V out of a pair gives your more capacity.

then its an apples to oranges comparison.

what matters is the total AH capacity of the battery system as a whole. a 6v battery is nothing more then 3 two volt cells internally connected to make 6v. a 12v batter is just 6 cells. so taking two 6v batteries and making 12....makes zero difference. but that type of battery based on its construction and intended use makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Uncle Dave]

No 2-6 vts

Not enough coffee.....thanks....

 

[DLC]

We ran 2 - 6 volts in our coach they worked great for many years

There are 2 things to remember when using 2-6 volts...

1 - always cheack your water level make sure they stay topped off most importantly during summer when the coach sits long periods and plugged in

2 - if for some reason one 6 volt battery dies you are dead! Need to get another battery

I would definitely do the 6 volt again

 

[EmpirE231]

My old gasser had 2 12 volts... and worked fine. My current diesel has 4 6 volts, and also works fine. From everything I have read is that the 6V can take more abuse, and they drain slower.

 

[wallnutz]

In run 4 six volts with a Perko switch. I upgraded my converter/charger to a higher amp charger (I can't remember but think it might be 40 amps).
I also keep a maintainer hooked up to both banks of batteries, so when the generator is running they are all getting charged. If one bank gets to low I just flip the switch. We have gone as long as 6 days without running the generator, and could have gone longer.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Might be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I don't know the answer. Would running a 12v in the boat for the motor and a pair of 6v for the electronics work and would it be the better option?

 

[rivermobster]

Might be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I don't know the answer. Would running a 12v in the boat for the motor and a pair of 6v for the electronics work and would it be the better option?

Have you run out of power before?

 

[wallnutz]

Might be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I don't know the answer. Would running a 12v in the boat for the motor and a pair of 6v for the electronics work and would it be the better option?

Heavier option, that's for sure.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Have you run out of power before?

Yup stereo playing all day. Have a jump pack so no problem but wondering if this is the better option.

 

[Bigbore500r]

then its an apples to oranges comparison.

what matters is the total AH capacity of the battery system as a whole. a 6v battery is nothing more then 3 two volt cells internally connected to make 6v. a 12v batter is just 6 cells. so taking two 6v batteries and making 12....makes zero difference. but that type of battery based on its construction and intended use makes all the difference in the world.

I think you missed what i said. Most of the 6V offerings, when ran as a pair in series, end up at a much higher capacity Amp Hour rating that what is available in "single" 12V offerings. So if your running 2 12 Volt batteries, and replace it with 4 6V batteries, you are adding a lot of amp hour capacity.

 

[bocco]

Might be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I don't know the answer. Would running a 12v in the boat for the motor and a pair of 6v for the electronics work and would it be the better option?

I think this would be the perfect set up.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I wouldn't. LoL

I run my heater all night with 2 sixes. That deal killed my 2 twelves. Wouldn't even make it half way through the night.

I have a single solar panel on the roof, with a good charge controller. Batteries last six/seven years.

What kind of heater you running that will kill a pair of 12's ? Do you run a generator in the evening to juice them up before bed? Is there other stuff running at night? The heater is usually just a fan, and whatever minimal load the circuit board / igniter pulls. Propane is doing the work.

 

[bocco]

I think you missed what i said. Most of the 6V offerings, when ran as a pair in series, end up at a much higher capacity Amp Hour rating that what is available in "single" 12V offerings. So if your running 2 12 Volt batteries, and replace it with 4 6V batteries, you are adding a lot of amp hour capacity.

Agreed. 4 six volts in series/parallel.

 

[wallnutz]

Trojans are great- so are Crowns.

UD

View attachment 701881

Is that in a coach? Very sanitary install!!!

 

[rivermobster]

Yup stereo playing all day. Have a jump pack so no problem but wondering if this is the better option.

Possibly. This could be tricky though...

I would first split your starter battery from the accessory battery completely. That's what I did in my boat and I've never had an issue.

Once you've done that, and he accessory battery still does, then you might try the 2/6 deal, but the tricky part is when it's charging...

My outboard has 2 separate voltage regulators to charge each battery independently.

An alternator in an inboard has no way to do this. I'm not so sure charging one dead battery and one good battery together, from the same alternator, is such a great idea...

I like the 4/6 idea though. Would be tough to kill all of those bitches!

 

[Big B Hova]

Take that giant battery out from your boat stereo and stick it in the rv!

 

[wallnutz]

Possibly. This could be tricky though...

I would first split your starter battery from the accessory battery completely. That's what I did in my boat and I've never had an issue.

Once you've done that, and he accessory battery still does, then you might try the 2/6 deal, but the tricky part is when it's charging...

My outboard has 2 separate voltage regulators to charge each battery independently.

An alternator in an inboard has no way to do this. I'm not so sure charging one dead battery and one good battery together, from the same alternator, is such a great idea...
Pretty sure the dead battery is going to drag the good battery down before they would charge, or could get charged back up. ??? Don't know for sure.

I like the 4/6 idea though. Would be tough to kill all of those bitches!

 

[rivermobster]

What kind of heater you running that will kill a pair of 12's ? Do you run a generator in the evening to juice them up before bed? Is there other stuff running at night? The heater is usually just a fan, and whatever minimal load the circuit board / igniter pulls. Propane is doing the work.

We were in Dove Springs. The temps were below freezing. Therr was snow on the ground in the morning. Or so fun! LoL

I think I ditched the 2/12 set up after that trip. Never had that problem again.

 

[TPC]

I think you missed what i said. Most of the 6V offerings, when ran as a pair in series, end up at a much higher capacity Amp Hour rating that what is available in "single" 12V offerings. So if your running 2 12 Volt batteries, and replace it with 4 6V batteries, you are adding a lot of amp hour capacity.

If you buy the expensive 6 volts you’ll get the higher Amp rating.
The $80 COSTCOs though they are Interstate they are significantly lower rated. I use them, they fit my needs.

If you go LED that’s a huge positive step.
I run 6 - six volts in the RV and if you don’t go higher priced higher amp with them or run more of them like me you’re wasting your time and money.

Takes a lot of DC power to run the RV furnace to ignite the flame, open the valve and spin the fan. RV furnaces have lock outs that will prohibit them from lighting off and running if they detect lower available power. Not much lower power will default them off.
The fan may spin but the safeties won’t let the gas valve open. I can think of 3 safety’s off the top of my head most newer units have 6 or 7.

Go low amp with just 2 and you may start the generator before dawn.

Glamis campgrounds like Gecko and Roadrunner the camp hosts enforce the no generator hours and their is always that one simple minded mutant fucker in a beat up class C that complains.
Craggy wash and Lone Tree and Standard wash have gen hours too.

 

[pwerwagn]

I went from 6v back to 12 just for ease of replacement. I just buy cheap batts with ok warranties and replace them yearly, usually under warranty. It’s cheap, and 2 12v’s do what we need. We only dry camp, and have 100w solar.

 

[EmpirE231]

Might be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I don't know the answer. Would running a 12v in the boat for the motor and a pair of 6v for the electronics work and would it be the better option?

That is how most RV's are setup. Mine has 2 12v for motor, and 4 6V for everything else.

 

[Wizard29]

Glamis campgrounds like Gecko and Roadrunner the camp hosts enforce the no generator hours and their is always that one simple minded mutant fucker in a beat up class C that complains.

Glad they do, although they could do better. Nobody wants to listen to generators all night. The folks that feel the need to run them that long need to step up and get batteries that are up to the task.

 

[69hondo]

Take that giant battery out from your boat stereo and stick it in the rv!

LMFAO, thats awesome.

 

[Meaney77]

I have 4 x6 volts ran in series for the coach and 2 normal 12v batteries to start.

The 6 volts power all TV's, microwave and coffee maker, wifes blow dryer, etc. with no problems. I bought the Costco batteries and they have been fine, just need to check them periodically and make sure to add water when needed.

Also purchased a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt generator to run and keep batteries topped off, this thing lives in my enclosed trailer.

 

[TPC]

Glad they do, although they could do better. Nobody wants to listen to generators all night. The folks that feel the need to run them that long need to step up and get batteries that are up to the task.

Doesn’t bother me. People are up all night running their off road vehicles and music, a tiny quiet Honda isn’t bothering anyone.

 

[TPC]

I have 4 x6 volts ran in series for the coach and 2 normal 12v batteries to start.

The 6 volts power all TV's, microwave and coffee maker, wifes blow dryer, etc. with no problems. I bought the Costco batteries and they have been fine, just need to check them periodically and make sure to add water when needed.
How’s the

Also purchased a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt generator to run and keep batteries topped off, this thing lives in my enclosed trailer.

How’s the Predator 3500 running?

 

[Meaney77]

How’s the Predator 3500 running?

She runs like a rapped ape!! I put gas in and let her run- no issues!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TPC]

I went from 6v back to 12 just for ease of replacement. I just buy cheap batts with ok warranties and replace them yearly, usually under warranty. It’s cheap, and 2 12v’s do what we need. We only dry camp, and have 100w solar.

Best reason of all.
The higher line yet still cheap Walmart 12v work ok and are easily available.