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Old 04-11-2014, 09:44 PM   #1
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Oem Converter & 6v batteries

I bought an '06 27BH 3yrs ago. It came with 2x6v batteries. I've been trying to read up on all this and have a few questions.
1) how do I determine what converter I have and whether it is suitable for the 2x6v battery configuration?
2) the batteries that came with seem to be neglected - could be that they pretty much do nothing for 7-8 months of the year. (Since I've owned them I've taken off the trailer and stored in my heated garage.). A couple time through the winter I've thrown a deep cycle trickle charger on for several (3-4-5 days) and according to the charger they've not reached full charge. Is this typical or suspect batteries have seen better days and consider replacing?

3) How are the Costco GC2 batt's for RV use and life expectancy?

Thanks for any help you can offer!
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Old 04-12-2014, 07:32 AM   #2
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Your converter/charger is either attached to the back of the Load Center (breaker/fuse panel) or mounted remotely within a couple feet of it. Locate the converter/charger to confirm model number. Since your TT is an '06' model there is a good chance that it is a IOTA 2-Stage converter/charger. The newer 3 & 4 Stage units are much more effective in managing batteries and prolonging life.

I would have your battery cells checked to insure there isn't any degrade being incurred, just one cell can impact optimum battery bank capacity...., only as good as the weakest link.

I have seen good feedback on the Costco GC2 batteries, a search of the JOF forum should bring up some reference to them.

Here are a couple related JOF links that may be helpful:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...rter%2Fcharger

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...ynamics&page=3

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...p+cycle&page=3

Hope this helps.

Bob
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Old 04-12-2014, 07:18 PM   #3
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A lot of people use two 6 volt batteries in series to get the most bang for the buck. Since most converters are not set up for this I use two 12v batteries in parallel using #2 cables to hook up the batteries and I have never had a problem. On paper two 6 volt batteries may be better but in the real world two 12v batteries probably work better for most situations.
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Old 04-12-2014, 11:36 PM   #4
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Geez, depending who you talk to, 2-12's are better or 2-6's are better. This seems kinda like the ford/chev battle.

Btw thanks Mr. R Eagle for the info on the converter. As soon as I get my trailer out of storage I'll dig into it and see what I got. Been reading the mods threads too - I got a few ideas... Bad or good place to hang out - depending on if you ask me or my wife...
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Old 04-13-2014, 03:26 AM   #5
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The issue is somewhat complex however dual purpose batteries don't handle deep discharges as well as true deep cycle batteries do. I have had 2 6 v batteries in series to get to 220 AH but I was constantly going through batteries I.e. once per year. The other problem with flooded lead acid batteries is the Peukert effect. This means if you are using high draw loads such as inverters you lose capacity very quickly. Keep in mind with 2 6 VDC batteries you double the voltage but not the AH. It is the lowest of one of the two 6 VDC batteries in series. The GC2 batteries are inexpensive for the -220ah you get however they like a higher charging voltage. You would have to go to two group 29 batteries to get to a similar (252AH) amp hour. Note 2 group 29 batteries is similar in size and weight as 2 GC2s.
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Old 04-13-2014, 04:18 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PhyerPhyter View Post
snip.... Been reading the mods threads too - I got a few ideas... Bad or good place to hang out - depending on if you ask me or my wife...
Yeah, lurking around the Jayco Mods forum is 'almost' like waking to the smell of bacon cooking at the CG
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Old 04-13-2014, 07:26 AM   #7
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The converter cannot tell the difference between 2-6's or 1-12 or 2-12's as they all put out 12 volts.... the 6's have thicker plates and are true deep cycle batteries. IF you only stay in parks with hookups then 1-12 will do.. but if you like to boondock or spend nights in Wal-marts 2-6's are a better choice.
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Old 04-13-2014, 09:31 AM   #8
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I have had both set ups. I came up with a complicated solution with the 6 VDC GC2s that did work. I had 2 GC2 batteries on the front then 2 Optima blue top deep cycle batteries connected to the 3,000 watt RMS sine wave inverter and then 2 1 ought cables to the front GC2 battery bank. That was connected to a Progressive Dynamics 4 stage converter. I also had separate 6 VDC automatic battery chargers connected to each GC2 when at home. I found that the progressive dynamics converter was adequate on the road . The extra 6 VDC chargers were able to maintain a proper charge on the 6 VDC GC2 batteries. After I did this the GC2 batteries were able to last for 3-4 years. Before I would not get a year. My new setup is very simple 2 group 31 AGM batteries.
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Old 04-13-2014, 04:25 PM   #9
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Another problem with using two 6 volt batteries in series is that if one battery goes bad you are dead in the water. There is very little doubt that this will indeed happen. That is when batteries get replaced, when they go bad. By using two 12 volt batteries one can disconnect the bad one and still get the job done. I guess all you guys using 6 volt batteries need to carry a third spare battery just in case. As for me, I keep it simple. I use two 12 volt batteries in parallel and don't worry about it. Besides, you aren't going to be able to tell much difference in capacity in the real world. What? Maybe a couple of minutes more capacity.
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