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11-07-2017, 05:08 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bragg Creek
Posts: 636
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Batteries . . . . . .
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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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__________________
2016 Bullet 1800RB, UVW 3260, led by a 2005 Chev Silverado Z-71 1500, Crew Cab, 5.3L, 4WD, Tow & Off Road Package with 4.10 Rear Axle, GVR 7000 lbs, Front GWAR 3925 lbs & Rear GWAR 4000 lbs., Payload 1600 lbs., Hellwig 6012 Air Bags. 97' Honda Goldwing GL1500.
Home Base is the Alberta Foothills at 4300 ' ASL.
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11-07-2017, 05:32 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,669
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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
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11-07-2017, 05:36 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pataskala
Posts: 70
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Batteries . . . . . .
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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11-07-2017, 05:51 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bragg Creek
Posts: 636
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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 ?
.
__________________
2016 Bullet 1800RB, UVW 3260, led by a 2005 Chev Silverado Z-71 1500, Crew Cab, 5.3L, 4WD, Tow & Off Road Package with 4.10 Rear Axle, GVR 7000 lbs, Front GWAR 3925 lbs & Rear GWAR 4000 lbs., Payload 1600 lbs., Hellwig 6012 Air Bags. 97' Honda Goldwing GL1500.
Home Base is the Alberta Foothills at 4300 ' ASL.
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11-07-2017, 05:57 PM
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#6
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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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You don't want two different age batteries hooked together. They should be the same age to work optimally.
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__________________
Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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11-07-2017, 06:43 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,979
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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.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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11-07-2017, 06:57 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,669
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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.
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11-08-2017, 12:42 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,089
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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...
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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
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 22RBPR - let the camping commence!
2013 F150 Platinum - 5.0 - 3.55 ELD + towing package
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11-08-2017, 02:18 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,327
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Might I take this opportunity to remind folks that Costco has a four year warrantee, non-prorated, on their batteries....
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
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11-08-2017, 03:22 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pataskala
Posts: 70
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B-O-B'03
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
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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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11-08-2017, 04:56 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bragg Creek
Posts: 636
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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 ?
.
__________________
2016 Bullet 1800RB, UVW 3260, led by a 2005 Chev Silverado Z-71 1500, Crew Cab, 5.3L, 4WD, Tow & Off Road Package with 4.10 Rear Axle, GVR 7000 lbs, Front GWAR 3925 lbs & Rear GWAR 4000 lbs., Payload 1600 lbs., Hellwig 6012 Air Bags. 97' Honda Goldwing GL1500.
Home Base is the Alberta Foothills at 4300 ' ASL.
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11-08-2017, 08:00 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,222
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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.
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
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11-08-2017, 08:03 AM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,979
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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.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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11-08-2017, 01:08 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Taylors, SC
Posts: 3,031
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Full timed to all lower 48. Never boondocked or used overnight parking without electrical power. OEM 12 volt deep cycle battery lasted 7 years.
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11-08-2017, 04:04 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 409
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I 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.
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11-08-2017, 04:07 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 3,007
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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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__________________
2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
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11-08-2017, 05:05 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bragg Creek
Posts: 636
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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 !
.
__________________
2016 Bullet 1800RB, UVW 3260, led by a 2005 Chev Silverado Z-71 1500, Crew Cab, 5.3L, 4WD, Tow & Off Road Package with 4.10 Rear Axle, GVR 7000 lbs, Front GWAR 3925 lbs & Rear GWAR 4000 lbs., Payload 1600 lbs., Hellwig 6012 Air Bags. 97' Honda Goldwing GL1500.
Home Base is the Alberta Foothills at 4300 ' ASL.
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11-08-2017, 06:25 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 409
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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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You could always get them when you are on a camping trip down south. . .
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11-08-2017, 06:54 PM
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#20
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,979
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madmaxmutt
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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/durace...to:product:1:1
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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