Alpine Battery Setup

[Bander]

What battery setup/combination are Alpine owners using? 12v or 6v? One or two batteries? Parallel or in series if using two?

I'm pleased with my Alpine. I have used one 12v since purchasing used in 2013. Frequently I get a "low-voltage" error when using the Level Up system.

Bander
2012 Keystone Alpine 3600 RS
(switched to Goodyear G614 RST in 2015, LT235/85R16)
2006 GMC 2500 Duramax

[LZScout]

I've been using 2 - 12 volt deep cycle batteries wired in parallel on my 2013 Alpine 3250RL since I bought it and never got a low voltage error. This year however, the level up system was stopping because the 50 amp auto reset circuit breaker kept tripping if I wasn't connected to AC. I replaced the breaker and that seems to have cured it. I've thought about going to 2 - 6 volt batteries.


Lantz

[bsmith0404]

I've had 2- 12 volt batteries in mine since I bought it, I made the dealer install them as part of the deal. I've never had an issue, but we don't dry camp for more than a day or two at a time, usually just an overnight while traveling. If you run 12 volt, you have to run them parallel to maintain 12 volts. That doubles the amp hours. If you run 6 volt, you have to run in a series to get the 12 volts required for the systems. Running parallel, give the same voltage, but doubles amp hours. Running in a series double the voltage, but does not double amp hours. The advantage of 6 volt batteries in a series is that 6 volt batteries typically will have more amp hours than 12 volt batteries parallel. If you do a lot of dry camping, 6 volts are probably the best way to go, if not, 12 volts are fine.

[Desert185]

^^^A most excellent answer.^^^

[shov]

I run two 6 volt batteries in a series on my 3600RS. Although I don't dry camp nearly what I used to, I continue using this set up...

[Bander]

Thank you all for the detailed answers - a big help!

Bander