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03-20-2017, 08:09 PM
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#1
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New Camper
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Alberta
Posts: 3
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Battery Advice
Hi all. I'm in need of a new battery. I have a 2015 Sunset Trail 270 BH and was hoping to hear what people think of using one 12 V vs two 6 V? If possible, can you give reasoning behind your choice? Brands would be helpful as well. Thanks a lot
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03-21-2017, 05:38 AM
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#2
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 274
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Two 6 v batteries will hold up better both in discharge time and battery longevity since they are designed for constant charge/discharge cycles in golf carts as apposed to most 12 v batteries intended to occasionally turn over a motor. That is how it was explained to me. There are apparently 12v batteries that will give equal ruggedness but they are very expensive and may not last as long to discharge. I don't think its that critical unless you dry camp more than just
overnight.
__________________
2015 Crossroads Cruiser Aire CAF27RL, 2018 F250 diesel crewcab SRW 4WD short bed, Trailer Saver hitch with Reese adapter on Ford OEM underbed 5th wheel connector.
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03-21-2017, 10:10 AM
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#3
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,392
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You wouldn't use the same style 12 volt battery used to "occasionally turn over a motor", but a deep cycle battery intended for rv/marine type use, 2 different batteries.
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03-21-2017, 11:44 AM
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#4
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Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: California
Posts: 333
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I have kind of a minority viewpoint on 6v batteries. I LOVE them and I'm completely sold on their performance, but I don't trust them. If one goes bad, you don't have one 6v battery left: you have NO power!
I think your safest bet is to either go with two 12v batteries wired in parallel or four 6v batteries (or more). With two banks of two 6v, if one battery dies, you still have power from two functioning batteries.
In the 13 years that I've run 6v batteries, I've had two of them go bad on me and leave me stranded. I figured the first one was a fluke, but after the second one died I've always used four.
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Dave Edmiston
2015 Crossroads Elevation Homestead toy hauler
2014 Dodge RAM 3500 4x4 Diesel Dually
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03-21-2017, 02:57 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,721
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If you do not intend to go dry camping, stick to one 12 volt. Dry camping, go with the 2 6's,
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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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03-21-2017, 09:00 PM
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#6
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New Camper
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Alberta
Posts: 3
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Thanks
Thanks for the tips everyone. We do dry camp occasionally, and I was just hoping to get an idea of what other Crossroads users have had success with.
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03-24-2017, 03:02 PM
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#7
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: CO
Posts: 209
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I converted to 2 6V. We mostly dry camp.
We had no issues with them, only issue is you MUST ensure you have them charged, the deep cycling means they won't fully charge off your tow vehicle on the way to camp. For us, I have to make sure they are charged off the house or charger before we leave. I also take the 2000i to charge if needed or as as a back up.
Its a valid concern that if 1 of your 2 6v dies, you are left with nothing. However if your 1 12v dies, you are also left with nothing...
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'12 3500 Ram ST; '15 CR Rezerve RTZ31SB
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03-24-2017, 03:14 PM
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#8
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AbbaZabba
I converted to 2 6V. We mostly dry camp.
Its a valid concern that if 1 of your 2 6v dies, you are left with nothing. However if your 1 12v dies, you are also left with nothing...
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If you are willing to accept the cost and weight of 2 six volt batteries , then 2 twelve batteries is no worse and provides redundancy.
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03-30-2017, 01:03 PM
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#9
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 95
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Just get a deep cycle. Can spend from $75 to $300. U can get a decent deep cycle at walmart for about $100. (there are starter and deep cycle types of batteries)
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Greg and Criss
Pflugerville, Tx
2016 F-250 Powerstroke
2011 27' RLX
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03-30-2017, 01:24 PM
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#10
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 95
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If u want to use 6 volt batteries, hook up in series, + to + to get 12 volts and will have more amps than one 12 volt battery. Or, u can get two 12 volt batteries and hook up in parallel, + to - posts, u would still have 12 volts, but twice the amps. youtube has good videos to understand how it all works.
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Greg and Criss
Pflugerville, Tx
2016 F-250 Powerstroke
2011 27' RLX
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03-30-2017, 01:38 PM
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#11
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 750
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gregtx
If u want to use 6 volt batteries, hook up in series, + to + to get 12 volts and will have more amps than one 12 volt battery. Or, u can get two 12 volt batteries and hook up in parallel, + to - posts, u would still have 12 volts, but twice the amps. youtube has good videos to understand how it all works.
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You have the connections reversed, 6v in series is plus to neg. 12v parallel is plus to plus, neg to neg.
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Russ
Forney,TX
2010 Cruiser CTX CT29RLX
2009 F-150XLT
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03-30-2017, 02:04 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,160
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Russb
You have the connections reversed, 6v in series is plus to neg. 12v parallel is plus to plus, neg to neg.
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I agree.
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03-30-2017, 02:38 PM
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#13
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 95
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U are 100% correct. I have my notes from when I added my second battery. Series pos to neg, to get 24 volts, or parallel pos to pos to maintain 12 volts and double the amps...... thanx for catchin my brain fart !
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Greg and Criss
Pflugerville, Tx
2016 F-250 Powerstroke
2011 27' RLX
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03-30-2017, 08:29 PM
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#14
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Mn
Posts: 20
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In our Cruiser I installed 2 6volt Duracell deep cycle batteries in series to get12 volts. Found A battery box on Amazon that both batteries fit in and hooked up the air vent. Installed master disconnect switch for safety and to be able to power down entire rig when not in use. Changed all bulbs in rig to LED. I can dry camp for a week using furnace at night. Batteries will last 5 days before needing a charge.
6volt batteries have a larger amp hr capacity than 12 volt. This config is not cheap but very reliable and with good maintenance will last a long time.
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