![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Electrical Discussion of preventative/corrective maintenance and other technical issues regarding your coach's electrical system. |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
The four 6 volt Marine deep cycle batteries we installed about 6 years ago are getting weak. Is there any atvantage or disadvantage to replacing with four 12 volt deep cycle batteries? I know the wiring will have to be all in parallel but other than that any other issues? Also, I still have the original battery charger on her, should I be considering a new one that's updated/more efficient?
__________________
Jack Mayers Damascus, PA 1982 FC-35 SB "Chaos Coach" 570-493-9013 cell paflyboy55@yahoo.com email |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
In many cases people change from 12V to 6V to increase their available amperage.
__________________
Rob Robinson |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
The old chargers were brute force single stage chargers. 'Battery Boiler' is the term we use for them. A modern 3 stage charger will extend the life of the batteries. I believe the common thought is that 6 volt deep cycle are a better choice, but 12 volt deep cycle have also been used by Wogers. In the end it is the total amp hour rating that pretty much determines how they will work.
Amp hours for 12 volt batteries in parallel is the sum of the individual batteries. For 6 volt batteries in series/parallel it is the 1/2 the sum of the individual batteries. That doesn't mean you loose amp hours, it is just that when two 6 volts are connected in series they make 1 12 volt battery and the amp/hour rating is done using the 12 volts. So a 100 amp hour 12 volt battery provides the same total power as two 100 amp hour 6 volt batteries in series producing 12 volts.
__________________
86 PT-36 Golden Memories (sold) 83FC35 SB $IXTEEN TON$ SOLD 78 FC 33 Happinest (Sold) Ridgewood, New Jersey |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Go with 4 - 6 volt golf cart batteries. In 2008 I changed my SOB over from two 12v marine batts to 4 - 6 volt golf cart batts from Costco and never looked back. They were superior in every way for my situation. Thanks to daily solar charging with a sophisticated Blue Sky controller they are STILL going strong! Search the WOG and you'll find lots of excellent information on the changeover you are contemplating. Good luck with it.
__________________
Van & Toni in TX & AZ 2004 M380 DS & 2013 Fiat 500 Pop or 2021 Jeep JL NoGasWelcomeAboard on YT |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Gardner, trying to decyfer your explanation. Not your fault, I'm a little thick when it comes to amp hours. If four 6 volt 100 amp hour batteries produce 200 amp hours and four 12 volt 100 amp hour batteries produce 400 amp hours isn't the four 12 volt 100 amp hour batteries better?
__________________
Jack Mayers Damascus, PA 1982 FC-35 SB "Chaos Coach" 570-493-9013 cell paflyboy55@yahoo.com email |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
Usually, you will have closer to 200Ah (or slightly more) per 6V battery instead of 100Ah that you get with a 12V battery. And really, its more like 200-210Ah (instead of 200Ah). You'll get about 5% extra capacity from 2 6V vs 2 12V. Now, this isn't strictly true for all batteries. But, for comparable batteries, 6V batteries will have a little higher energy density. That is why many folks choose 6V instead of 12V. So, what you would typically have is 4 6V @ 210Ah each. This is 420Ah. You'd have 4 12V at 100Ah each for a total of 400Ah. That is a better comparison of the capabilities. The other thing to consider is that 6V batteries have thicker plates and can handle the deep discharge better than 12V batteries. And, the are usually a little cheaper.
__________________
Jonathan Leifheit 2001 Bluebird Wanderlodge LX ME (Sold) WanderBee Pensacola, FL |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Thank you Jonathan. I think I understand a little more now. I don't do much running on just battery power. I use the genny or plug into shore power most of the time, so if four 12 volts don't have as much reserve power it won't make that much difference for me, right?
__________________
Jack Mayers Damascus, PA 1982 FC-35 SB "Chaos Coach" 570-493-9013 cell paflyboy55@yahoo.com email |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
I use my motorhome for tailgating and that means I do boondock a good bit. So, I like to get every bit of extra capacity I can get.
__________________
Jonathan Leifheit 2001 Bluebird Wanderlodge LX ME (Sold) WanderBee Pensacola, FL |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
I am old and get confused easily
![]() I used the 100 amp hour value for both 6 and 12 volt batteries to simplify the calculation. I knew, however, that if you go and look at the amp hour ratings and prices (and physical size) when researching 6 and 12 volt batteries, the 6 volt batteries have an advantage. As noted in the responses, it is not a huge difference, but my experience with the 12 volt ones that were in my coach vs the 6 volt ones I replaced them with, it has been an improvement. We do boondock a lot (National parks, State parks Walmart, and other venues without power) so I added a third pair of 6 volt batteries.
__________________
86 PT-36 Golden Memories (sold) 83FC35 SB $IXTEEN TON$ SOLD 78 FC 33 Happinest (Sold) Ridgewood, New Jersey |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
And of course you need to choose between virgin lead or recycled lead.
![]() ![]() ![]() http://www.vulcangms.com/2014/03/03/...n-lead-supply/ http://africanenergy.com/products/deep-cycle-batteries/
__________________
Dick & Patsy Gideon Former Caretakers of: 1989 FC 1988 WB 1999 43 LXI SINGLE SLIDE ROLLA MISSOURI 65401 |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
24 volt solar panel for 12 volt battery bank | 1derer | Electrical | 4 | 05-28-2014 10:47 AM |
6 volt or 12 volt golf cart batteries???? | yesmar | Electrical | 18 | 09-10-2010 06:07 AM |
78 12 Volt system | 78bbird | Electrical | 4 | 05-15-2010 01:17 PM |
24 Volt Regulator | Somervillebus | Parts and Other Items For Sale | 3 | 11-20-2009 11:54 PM |
120 Volt Outlets | sanibel | Electrical | 2 | 04-12-2009 03:48 PM |