Batteries . . . . . .

[Hodgy]

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So I have a bunch of friends who RV and they are telling me that two, 6 volt golf cart batteries are better that two 12 volt deep cycle batteries for power on my trailer.

I know there will be lots of different opinions and I look forward to the mosh pit that is about to happen.

What is your position on batteries ?


I have the popcorn out and will sit here and enjoy the different points of view.




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[sourdough]

To me it's really simple;

Boondock much? 6V. Stay in improved RV parks all the time? 12V. I boondock very seldom and spend most of our time in sites with AC so I go with 2 12V batteries. If I was out in the boonies as I used to do I would go with the 6V if that was all I had. And, when I boondock, it will be with a gen so 6V is of minimal value to me - and I would have to fabricate all new mountings and brackets. :( JMO

[shiggs68]

It’s all about the battery ratings. For instance, 6 volt batteries are usually in the 225 amp/hour rating. Two in series would be 12 volts at 225 amp/hours. On the other hand, 12 volt batteries usually are in the range of 160 or 180 amp/hours. Two 12 volt in parallel would then be 320 or 360 amp/hours and 12volts.

Given the above ratings, the assumption that 6 volt batteries is better is not correct. However, 6 volt golf cart batteries are more durable and withstand deep discharges better, meaning for the extra money, they will have a longer life span.


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[shiggs68]

This link also explains the same https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/battery-bank-tutorial.html


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[Hodgy]

,

All good points and I have heard some of them before.

Our camping will probably be 60% dry camping and 40% with shore power. For this next season I think I will add another 12 volt deep cycle to the one I already have. If I can't cut the power drain when dry camping I might look at a solar panel, but I need time. I have already got rid of all of the incandescent bulbs and replaced with LED. The water pump and furnace are the only other power draw.

So what is the cost of two, 6 volt batteries compared to one 12 volt deep cycle ? Does it make sense to spent a whole bunch more on the 6 volt or spend less on the 12 volt and replace them more often ?


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[ctbruce]

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All good points and I have heard some of them before.

Our camping will probably be 60% dry camping and 40% with shore power. For this next season I think I will add another 12 volt deep cycle to the one I already have. If I can't cut the power drain when dry camping I might look at a solar panel, but I need time. I have already got rid of all of the incandescent bulbs and replaced with LED. The water pump and furnace are the only other power draw.

So what is the cost of two, 6 volt batteries compared to one 12 volt deep cycle ? Does it make sense to spent a whole bunch more on the 6 volt or spend less on the 12 volt and replace them more often ?


.You don't want two different age batteries hooked together. They should be the same age to work optimally.

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[JRTJH]

Good 6 volt batteries are around $100-125. Good 12 volt batteries are around $125-150. The "rub" comes from mixing batteries that are different construction, different age (plate resistance), different capacities, etc

If you "just add another 12 volt deep cycle battery" to the existing DC system, both batteries will be limited to the charge capacity of the weakest battery. Once it's fully charged (to it's capacity) the charger will continue to supply charging current until the "better battery" is fully charged. During that time, the weaker battery will be "cooking off water" and or overheating/damaging the plates.

The main benefit of a 6 volt battery system is the thicker plates which are able to withstand repeated "deep discharge and recharge cycles". This advantage makes them a "no brainer" for anyone who spends much time dry camping.

It's possible that you could go to bed one evening, your furnace could run for a while (keeping you comfortable) and fully discharge the "weaker 12 volt battery" to a point that it can not be recharged. Once you connect the generator the next morning, you could inadvertently damage that battery even further, and once your system is on the "charger" for an extended time, you may damage the good battery as well.

I'd urge you to just use the single 12 volt battery for the rest of this season. If you do need to have added battery power, just disconnect that battery and install the next, fully charged battery on the trailer. Then, when you charge them, leave one on the converter to charge and use a "stand alone charger" to charge the second battery. It sounds complicated, but will give you the best "topping off capability" for two batteries of different capacity (whether they are identical or not, if one is significantly older, they are a different capacity)...

Once you decide which way you want to go, then buy a "matched pair" of either 6 volt or 12 volt batteries so you can "start fresh" without battery problems.

[sourdough]

Having had problems due to different age batteries being installed on my RV at purchase, I can attest to the importance of having the same age batteries, every time. When you mess with them, they should always be replaced at the same time....don't run 2 batteries of different ages and different stages of deterioration.

[B-O-B'03]

It’s all about the battery ratings. For instance, 6 volt batteries are usually in the 225 amp/hour rating. Two in series would be 12 volts at 225 amp/hours. On the other hand, 12 volt batteries usually are in the range of 160 or 180 amp/hours. Two 12 volt in parallel would then be 320 or 360 amp/hours and 12volts...

The group 24 interstate deep cycle batteries I had were rated at 84 AH, so ~168 AH for the pair.

I replaced them with 2 GC2 batteries, from batteries +, rated at 230 AH, for a paper gain of 62 AH.

If you buy from batteries + on line and pick up in a store, they were offering a 10% discount so I paid under $200 for the pair and they took my group 24s for the cores.

The GC2 are true deep cycle batteries, that will withstand multiple discharge/recharge cycles and are quite a bit heavier than the G24, with the same foot print, only taller (I had to buy a new battery box that held both, end-2-end).

I also bought a neat system for filling them both, at the same time, with distilled water.

-Brian

[notanlines]

Might I take this opportunity to remind folks that Costco has a four year warrantee, non-prorated, on their batteries....

[shiggs68]

The group 24 interstate deep cycle batteries I had were rated at 84 AH, so ~168 AH for the pair.



I replaced them with 2 GC2 batteries, from batteries +, rated at 230 AH, for a paper gain of 62 AH.



If you buy from batteries + on line and pick up in a store, they were offering a 10% discount so I paid under $200 for the pair and they took my group 24s for the cores.



The GC2 are true deep cycle batteries, that will withstand multiple discharge/recharge cycles and are quite a bit heavier than the G24, with the same foot print, only taller (I had to buy a new battery box that held both, end-2-end).



I also bought a neat system for filling them both, at the same time, with distilled water.



-Brian



Brian, as I said, it’s all about the ratings and in your case, the GC2 batteries provided the better choice.


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[Hodgy]

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Thanks to everyone for their input, here is my decision subject to change. As this is our first foray back into camping for 30 years, other than borrowing my Son's trailer, I am open to all options.

Since I have no idea how the single 12 volt deep cycle is going to perform, I will start the season next year with it and see what happens. I have already changed all the incandescent bulbs to LED, we don't camp in the cold so the water pump will be most of our electrical draw.

CG2 batteries, for that matter all batteries are more expensive here in Canada so buying a matched set is a outlay of a bit of dollars. Princess Auto Pro-Point $189 each, Trojan T-105 $225 each.


Has anyone tried AGM batteries ?

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[Canonman]

We dry camp over half the time as well. Our 2 12v Exide (dealer installed bare-bones) batteries are OK but when they poop out we'll replace them with a 6v pair. Cost here is about the same.
We also have a generator but recently purchased a portable solar panel. We love the flexibility of the solar since we are not limited to charging the batteries only when we are at camp. Solar is also much quieter and keeps our batteries topped off quite nicely.
Others may disagree but I'd recommend a second 12v for now if cost is an issue and the current battery is fairly new; then move to the 6v when you're ready/need to upgrade. There is an Interstate battery distributor in Calgary. They will be able to test your current battery and provide a quality mate if yours is good. You might even look at a "blem" option.
Interstate Batteries Distributor
Car Battery Store
Calgary, AB, Canada · +1 403-216-3390
A single battery set up will be somewhat limiting and installing a second battery doesn't need to be a budget breaker.
Finally, IMHO, AGM batteries would not be worth the the added cost.

[JRTJH]

I have AGM batteries in snowmobiles and ATV's. My experience with the ATV's is that AGM batteries are no better than conventional batteries and can be easily damaged by jump starting. They don't hold up well to winch use (heavy demands) and once they are "dead", that's pretty much the end of that $125 battery. So, for anything that is subject to a complete discharge (RV's definitely fit that category, especially in storage) AGM batteries aren't a good choice. Their disadvantages far outweigh their ease of maintenance/need to check electrolyte level.

[CWtheMan]

Full timed to all lower 48. Never boondocked or used overnight parking without electrical power. OEM 12 volt deep cycle battery lasted 7 years.

[madmaxmutt]

14535I did the same a Brian. 2 6V Duracell Golf Cart batteries from Batteries + Bulbs. Hit this link and you will also popup the 10% coupon. Pick up in the local store, easy peasy.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc110

They have a model up and down from these as well.

[ChuckS]

Switched from two 12 volt RV batteries two seasons ago to two Costco 6 volt golf cart batteries.

I looked at at Trojan 105 and Interstate golf cart batteries and their price..

The ones I got at Costco are stamped on the side with an Interstate battery sticker. At $74 each I could not even replace the 12 volt RV style for that..

Dry camping I have better than half life left in the morning with running a furnace thru the night , four door fridge with fans.. etc.. etc

Specific gravity reads great on all cells.

I’m pleased with the Costco brand.


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[Hodgy]

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Good price at batteries and bulbs, unfortunately none are located North of 49'.


Costco.ca do not carry the 6 volt golf cart batteries.


Strike three !


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[madmaxmutt]

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Good price at batteries and bulbs, unfortunately none are located North of 49'.


Costco.ca do not carry the 6 volt golf cart batteries.


Strike three !
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You could always get them when you are on a camping trip down south. . .

[JRTJH]

14535I did the same a Brian. 2 6V Duracell Golf Cart batteries from Batteries + Bulbs. Hit this link and you will also popup the 10% coupon. Pick up in the local store, easy peasy.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc110

They have a model up and down from these as well.

Those batteries $99.99 (capacity 20 hr/215AH) are for sale at Sams Club listed for $84.52. While I can't be sure that they are "exactly" the same, the amp/hour rating is the same. Any reputable GC2 battery for less than $100 is a good buy, but it pays to shop around for the best value. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-gc2/prod3590228.ip?xid=plp3990117-auto:product:1:1

[Hodgy]

You could always get them when you are on a camping trip down south. . .


Very true, but I would have to tell the truth coming back into Canada and give the crown their pound of flesh !




https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=5040

Albas Falls, Shuswap Lake, British Columbia, May 2012.



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[madmaxmutt]

Those batteries $99.99 (capacity 20 hr/215AH) are for sale at Sams Club listed for $84.52. While I can't be sure that they are "exactly" the same, the amp/hour rating is the same. Any reputable GC2 battery for less than $100 is a good buy, but it pays to shop around for the best value. https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-gc2/prod3590228.ip?xid=plp3990117-auto:product:1:1

They are really $89.99 at Batteries Plus (10% off) and they don't charge membership fees, for those that are not already members.

[madmaxmutt]

Very true, but I would have to tell the truth coming back into Canada and give the crown their pound of flesh !


Albas Falls, Shuswap Lake, British Columbia, May 2012.



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Wow! They charge you to bring things back home installed on a camper ? WTH? I thought our taxes were bad.

[Hodgy]

Wow! They charge you to bring things back home installed on a camper ? WTH? I thought our taxes were bad.


Yup, any repairs done on a vehicle, trailer, etc. You are charged GST (Federal Goods and Services Tax at 5%), and you could be charged the PST (Provincial Sales Tax that is at various rates depending on the Province). But the PST is not usually charged.

And they treat you like a criminal when coming back to your own country. I get a better reception from US customs going down to the States than when I return home.

All part of the adventure . . . . . .


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[CaptnJohn]

Yup, any repairs done on a vehicle, trailer, etc. You are charged GST (Federal Goods and Services Tax at 5%), and you could be charged the PST (Provincial Sales Tax that is at various rates depending on the Province). But the PST is not usually charged.

And they treat you like a criminal when coming back to your own country. I get a better reception from US customs going down to the States than when I return home.

All part of the adventure . . . . . .


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Currently in a CG in TN. It seems 10% of Ontario RV owners are here and most have been in CW next door more than once.

[JRTJH]

They are really $89.99 at Batteries Plus (10% off) and they don't charge membership fees, for those that are not already members.

I'm not saying you bought for a "bad price" but rather, simply saying that "it pays to shop around, sometimes you can find a better price"..... As for membership fees, once you are a member, no further fees are charged, so for someone who is a member, Sam's Club would be about $20 cheaper for a pair of batteries. Even with the 10% discount you mention, Sam's is still $10 cheaper. Again, I'm not challenging your price, if you're satisfied, that's all that really matters. Shopping around, often a better price can be found, that's all I'm saying.

[madmaxmutt]

No worries, just didn't think you saw the true price.

We are Costco members. For some reason DW thinks we need jumbo size everything . . .

[JRTJH]

Yup, we're "membership poor".... Between Sam's Club, COSTCO, Good Sam (cancelling when renewal comes up because of the CEO) and several other "membership benefit programs" I'd probably be able to afford to camp more often if I had that money instead of the plastic "membership cards" in my wallet LOL

We "jumbo size" more than two people could ever consume, but my DW swears it's still cheaper to buy a lot and give some away rather than buy what we need and keep it all..... Hmmmmmm :hide:

[Canonman]

Another alternative, if your local "big box" doesn't carry the 6v batteries, try a pair of 12v group 27's if you can fit them onto your battery tray. They provide quite a bit more amp hours for roughly the same price as the group 24.