6v vs 12v batteries

[McMonk]

Okay - for all you boondockers out there...

I'm rather unhappy with the stock battery that came with the 23K - especially as doesn't seem to last nearly as long as I'd like. My Dad just picked up a 24RKS and (being the smart guy that he is) upgraded at the dealer to a couple of 6volt batteries. I've seen modifications & some discussion on swapping over to the golf-cart style batteries but I'm curious if anyone else has done this & if they believe it's worth the money (and what it cost you).

Eventually, I'd like to invest in a solar trickle charger, change off the lights to LED, and upgrade the batteries to increase my capabilities...but I question if it's worth doing...

Any suggestions or comments?

[edatlanta]

I changed my original single 12v that came with the 5'er to 6 volt yesterday. I have a use for a single 12v battery in another application so this was a good time to make the switch. I used 2 Trojan T-105's. The only modification I had to make to the battery box was to trim the front of the battery tray for each (plastic) to allow the slightly taller golf cart batteries to fit. No other modifications were required and they fit like a glove. I will see if I can upload a picture. I still need to mark the cable that goes from the positive from one battery to the negative on the other, but don't have the tags yet. It was a tight fit, but probably seemed worse that is really was because these batteries weigh a bit over 70 pounds each and are hard to handle in a tight spot. They don't have a built in handle wither so I made one with several loops of heavy twine. I looks strange, but it worked great. Thanks to Jayco for providing cables that are "just long enough".

[edatlanta]

This is on a 2010 Designer 35RLTS. You can see the red twine "handles" I used to lift these suckers in place. As I said in my original post "these suckers are heavy".

[ByDesign]

If the extra time off-grid is what u seek then the 6Vs are worth the extra cost and weight. How much longer is another question.

When properly care for, any battery can supply enough power for basic needs.
And as mentioned, conversion to LED is a big power saver.

[Penguelephants]

Pardon me for my lack of knowledge on this subject, but why would 6v be a better option than 12v? The charge lasts longer or they charge quicker, both or another reason?

Thanks in advance.

[Seann45]

I boondock a lot... (will spend 5.5 months in the Calif desert this winter) and the 6's are the best bet. They have thicker plates hold charge better and are more tolerant of discharge.
**Penguelephants you must always buy in pairs and wire + to - so you get 12 volts..
I have 6 on the A frame but due to their weight I take 2 off when driving. I also have 500 watts of solar on the roof and a 2000 watt inverter. Satelite internet and TV this keeps me going all winter with very minimal use of the genny.

[Rolle]

In general 6V batteries are used in industrial applications. Thicker plates makes them last longer. (But charge a little bit slower) If you have an adjustable charger I recommend increasing voltage to 14.8 V. ( That is Trojans recommended voltage. Then they charge faster then normal 12V batterys at 14.4V.

Finally as the 6V batteries are industrial they give you more Bang for the buck. Avoid the RV or Marine store...

[RetiredOne]

Wow, a 10 year old thread, reconstituted.

[Vicr]

Anymore manufacturers are making true deep cycle 12v batteries with plates just as thick as 6v batteries and as much or more ah. The 6v is better argument is now an old wives tale.

[Rolle]

Originally Posted by Vicr

Anymore manufacturers are making true deep cycle 12v batteries with plates just as thick as 6v batteries and as much or more ah. The 6v is better argument is now an old wives tale.

Hmm. Watch this youtube video. Charles Sterling is one of the bigger manufacturers of charging equipment In Europe for the leisure market.

He does not really sell batteries. But he knows the difference between good and bad batteries.


https://youtu.be/sJZlounw4oE