Battery boxes

Rick · 04-29-2021, 03:05 PM

Going to two 6v GC2 batteries instead of two 12v. Question is what type of plastic battery box(es)? A single long box that holds both batteries or two individual boxes as I have now? Pros/cons? I also use B-D battery locks to secure my current batteries. Probably go with them again as they work well, or do you have any recommendations?

jmy74 · 05-05-2021, 12:43 PM

I used 2 battery boxes on my TT when I switched to the 6v. They worked great bought them off of Amazon. We just made the switch to a fifth wheel and I’m now trying to answer the same question as you. Which boxes do I need. The boxes that are in there seem pretty tall my fingers are crossed that the 6v’s will fit without having to buy new ones

Fishhook · 05-06-2021, 07:50 AM

Why use 6V ? I know there is a reason, but I don't understand it myself. What is the benefit?

Thanks

Fishhook

**chuckster57** · 05-06-2021, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishhook

Why use 6V ? I know there is a reason, but I don't understand it myself. What is the benefit?

Thanks

Fishhook

It’s all about total amp hours when your dry camping. A pair of 6V wired in series will provide more than a pair of 12V wired in parallel. Our mantra : if it doesn’t have full hookups we don’t go there. I have a pair of Gp 24 batteries and it’s plenty.

Canonman · 05-06-2021, 08:10 AM

I installed a single, 2 battery box when I replaced my 12 volt batteries with 6 volt. I find it easier for me to remove one lid/cover rather than two for maintenance water level checks etc. 6 volt over 12 volt for RV use because the 6 volt construction uses much thicker lead plates and are made for amp storage, usually around 200 amp hours, rather than engine starting. Just a more robust heavy duty application.

jmy74 · 05-06-2021, 09:01 AM

I agree with canonman just seem to be a more robust build. Also we basically never go where there are any hookups and the 6v golf cart batteries seem to last much longer between charges. Also they are designed to be run all the way down and then charged back up. You can find heavy duty 12v batteries that will respond to that abuse but not most. I also believe that their lifespan is much longer than a 12v.

B-O-B'03 · 05-06-2021, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canonman

I installed a single, 2 battery box when I replaced my 12 volt batteries with 6 volt. I find it easier for me to remove one lid/cover rather than two for maintenance water level checks etc. 6 volt over 12 volt for RV use because the 6 volt construction uses much thicker lead plates and are made for amp storage, usually around 200 amp hours, rather than engine starting. Just a more robust heavy duty application.

I have one box, that holds both GC2 batteries end to end and got this battery filler and this pump so all I have to do is put the end of the hose into a bottle of distilled water and pump the bulb until it won't squeeze anymore.

Never have to open the lid on the battery box, except to check the connections for corrosion, the mating end of the pump system sticks out of one of the lid holes in the battery box.

-Brian

**JRTJH** · 05-06-2021, 09:35 AM

GC2 "golf cart batteries" have the same footprint as a GP24 battery. They will fit in GP24 battery boxes, however some (maybe even most) GP24 boxes are not tall enough for the GC2 batteries and the lid won't close completely. So, if you have "tall" GP24 boxes, the GC2's will fit. If not, then you'll need to buy "tall boxes" for golf cart batteries to fit in.

As for "discharging all the way down", most people recommend not discharging GC2 batteries below 50% to extend their lifespan. I try not to discharge mine below about 12.2 VDC which is around 60% discharged. Mine are going on 7 years old and are still holding a charge/providing power near the same levels as when they were new.

I had planned to keep using them for at least "one more year".... That said, Sam's Club has a sale on Duralast GC2 batteries (the ones I already have) for $20 off each battery. Normal price is $89 and they're on sale May 8-16 for $69 each... That's the cheapest I've seen GC2 batteries in about 25 years.... So, I'm considering buying two and toying with the idea of using all 4 or just replacing the existing pair. I don't "need new batteries" but at that price, it's hard to say no

Rick · 05-06-2021, 01:32 PM

Thanks to everyone, especially B-O-B'03 and JRTJH. Love the idea for easy topping off of battery water. Also, I'm going next week for that battery sale! Was going to wait til the end of the year, but too good a deal.

**JRTJH** · 05-06-2021, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Thanks to everyone, especially B-O-B'03 and JRTJH. Love the idea for easy topping off of battery water. Also, I'm going next week for that battery sale! Was going to wait til the end of the year, but too good a deal.

That's pretty much what I said to myself as well... "Why the hell did I read that ad??? Now it's costing me money".....

jmy74 · 05-07-2021, 04:33 AM

Do you have a link to the box you bought. Sounds intriguing

B-O-B'03 · 05-07-2021, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmy74

Do you have a link to the box you bought. Sounds intriguing

I bought this one

It was $53 in 2017, has not gone up in price by much.

It fits in the original batter support bracket on the tongue.

I had to add some steel straps, in the middle of the opening of the battery tray, because there was not enough support and the bottom of the box was sagging.

-Brian

jasin1 · 05-07-2021, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Going to two 6v GC2 batteries instead of two 12v. Question is what type of plastic battery box(es)? A single long box that holds both batteries or two individual boxes as I have now? Pros/cons? I also use B-D battery locks to secure my current batteries. Probably go with them again as they work well, or do you have any recommendations?

This is what I use...I bought two of them

bbells · 05-13-2021, 10:39 AM

In my ice fishing house I used a cooler and added a vent for the 2 batteries. FYI: You can buy 12v 200ah real deep cycle batteries from Batteries Plus for $279. Saves messing around.

hxckidd · 05-14-2021, 08:40 AM

I just added this box from harbor freight to wire in dual batteries. Worked out nice as i had to cut out the angle iron mount for the sway control... plus i didnt really like the individual battery boxes. This one has a lock as well.

Bandit12 · 05-15-2021, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishhook

Why use 6V ? I know there is a reason, but I don't understand it myself. What is the benefit?

Thanks

Fishhook

I'm retired from both the USAF (Jet engine Mechanic) and Napa Auto Parts so take this FWIW. If you have a marine deep cycle group 24 battery part #8302 from Napa it will provide 75 amp hours. Wire two in parallel, the amps double, so 150 amp hours, but the voltage remains the same. Wire a pair of Napa part #8146 deep cycle golf cart batteries in series, they will double the voltage, thus 12 volts, but the amps remain the same and those 2 batteries will provide 235 amp hours. Because the golf cart batteries have larger, thicker heavier plates, they are capable of longer deeper discharges. The 8302 batteries at a 25 amp draw will last 260 minutes. The golf cart batteries with the same 25 amp draw will last 396 minutes.

Bandit12 · 05-15-2021, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hxckidd

I just added this box from harbor freight to wire in dual batteries. Worked out nice as i had to cut out the angle iron mount for the sway control... plus i didnt really like the individual battery boxes. This one has a lock as well.

Got a link to HF or an item number?

hxckidd · 05-15-2021, 07:11 PM

It’s the top one, added a vent to the back today.

Jeff615 · 05-24-2021, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Going to two 6v GC2 batteries instead of two 12v. Question is what type of plastic battery box(es)? A single long box that holds both batteries or two individual boxes as I have now? Pros/cons? I also use B-D battery locks to secure my current batteries. Probably go with them again as they work well, or do you have any recommendations?

I bought tow boxes from Batteries Plus & Bulbs. They are only $11.99 each.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/box6v

Bandit12 · 05-24-2021, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hxckidd

I just added this box from harbor freight to wire in dual batteries. Worked out nice as i had to cut out the angle iron mount for the sway control... plus i didnt really like the individual battery boxes. This one has a lock as well.

How did you attach the box to the frame? It looks like it doesn't quite fit on the factory tray.

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