Converting from 12 Volt to 6Volt costs, pros and cons

[Seaton]

I need to replace my 12 volt batteries on my Jayco 23 MRB. Thoughts on converting to 6 volt? We have portable solar panels and a generator. Is it worth the cost? We typically use the batteries at night for a CPAP.

[RogerR]

My question is why? Do you run your current battery below safe margin frequently, occasionally or very rarely? If rarely then the only reason is if your needs are going up. As I understand it, 6 volt "golf cart" withstand more cycles and more over-discharge cycles than a true deep discharge 12 volt battery. When doing the math don't forget the need for new battery boxes and cables to link them together.
It is nice to have extra capacity to run 2 or more nights without running the generator a long time on cloudy days.

[Murff]

If you are boondocking without hookups for the majority of your camping, then two 6-volt golf cart batteries are a good investment. I found a battery box that holds both 6-volts and fits the space on the tongue.

Murff

[GHen]

We do a lot of Boondocking. Based on our usage, four 6volt and 400 watts of solar is perfect. With this setup my batteries seldom bet under 60% when using a lot of furnace overnight.

[Flyrotor]

Just do it, we’ll worth it!

[GHen]

Depending on the batteries you choose, here is why I switched.

Pro: My CG2 6 volt are true deep cycles, they can be discharged lower with less chance of damage. They have more storage capacity (generally 12v are around 75amphour, 6v are around 110amphour, think larger fuel tank).

Con: None for me. They are taller and heavier. Cost more than the stock marine/rv battery. Because they have more storage they take longer to recharge. But so does a 36 gallon fuel tank compared to 20 gallon.

Like said above, just do it. They should come that way from the factory. I got four 6volt.

If you don’t take of your batteries over the winter and ruin them every year, then just stay with the cheap batteries. If you don’t run the furnace at night to stay warm, the stock batteries may also work. If you never boondock and are always plugged into shore power, the stock batteries are fine also.