|
02-18-2020, 06:06 PM
|
#1
|
Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: TX
Posts: 35
|
12V or 6V?
I bought two interstate 12 volt deep cycle batteries from COSTCO 13 months ago. One now has a bad cell. I am thinking about switching to two 6 volt batteries. Pros, Cons? Which 6 volt batteries have given you good service?
|
|
|
02-18-2020, 07:12 PM
|
#2
|
Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,151
|
I have never liked Interstate batteries. They came standard with our camper. Seems like I had to change them out in no time.
When I installed my solar system I went with two (2) Trojan 6volt deep cycle. They lasted 6 years. I now have a set of 6 volt Deep cycle I picked up from Farm and Fleet. (lot less money). I think this will be their 3rd year.
We don't boon dock as much as we use to, so these are doing fine for me.
|
|
|
02-18-2020, 09:04 PM
|
#3
|
Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 220
|
I also opted for Trojans after our 12 volts diminished. I have only had them for 1 season so far, Solar included as well. I am sure the panel helps things but they never dip down low on power. A pair of 6 volts will provide you more amp hours than a 12 volt. Also I believe the 6 volts are a true deep cycle vs vast majority of the 12 volts, which in turn means they are capable of more cycles.
__________________
2015 Z-218TD (sold)
2001 6.0 2500HD Gasser (sold)
2009 Ram 2500 6.7 QCLB Cummins Power
2019 Grand Design Imagine 2800bh
|
|
|
02-19-2020, 08:06 AM
|
#4
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 1,714
|
This is just my opinion because I only have room for one battery. I've always looked at it as if one cell goes bad when you have 2 6v batteries, you'll only have about 10.5 volts available, but if one goes bad in a 2 12v battery setup, you can always disconnect the battery with the bad cell and still have full voltage available.
__________________
2013 Silverado 2500HD LTZ CC 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2023 Rockwood 2445WS
Buster, miniature Dachshund
2023: 9 trips, 48 nights in 12 states, 2 provinces, 8120 miles
2022: 3 trips, 18 nights in 4 states, 2352 miles
2019: 7 trips, 43 nights in 6 states, 5336 miles
|
|
|
02-19-2020, 08:18 AM
|
#5
|
Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: TX
Posts: 35
|
6volt or 12 volt
Thanks to all of you for responding so quickly. I also understand that if you have two batteries that they must be replaced in pairs which would be more costly. I haven't quite made up my mind. We really don't do any boondocking so I may just keep the good battery.
|
|
|
02-19-2020, 08:21 AM
|
#6
|
Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: TX
Posts: 35
|
6 volt 12 volt
To follow up, I live in Dallas Texas and can't find an outlet for Trojan batteries or anyone who will ship less than 15 or 20 of them.
|
|
|
02-19-2020, 09:29 AM
|
#7
|
Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,151
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NEVER2LATE
To follow up, I live in Dallas Texas and can't find an outlet for Trojan batteries or anyone who will ship less than 15 or 20 of them.
|
You should be able to buy from batteries plus. I did.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator/tx/147
I also found out when I bought mine----they don't ship them. I think they are considered hazardous material. I don't think we would like the freight bill anyway.
|
|
|
02-21-2020, 07:55 PM
|
#8
|
Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 220
|
Also, any place that sells golf carts should be able to get you the Trojans if that’s the brand you decide on. That’s where I got mine from.
__________________
2015 Z-218TD (sold)
2001 6.0 2500HD Gasser (sold)
2009 Ram 2500 6.7 QCLB Cummins Power
2019 Grand Design Imagine 2800bh
|
|
|
02-27-2020, 04:26 PM
|
#9
|
Weekend Camper
Join Date: May 2011
Location:
Posts: 47
|
Is it alright to pair a new battery with an old one in series?
__________________
|
|
|
02-27-2020, 05:40 PM
|
#10
|
Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: NY
Posts: 181
|
No.
__________________
Joe Munson
2024 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.6 Gas
2013 Zinger ZT23FB
Reese Weight Dist. w/friction sway control
|
|
|
02-27-2020, 09:55 PM
|
#11
|
Gone Traveling
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,392
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monarch
Is it alright to pair a new battery with an old one in series?
|
No!!!
The old battery will drain the new. Always replace with matched batteries.
|
|
|
02-28-2020, 12:02 AM
|
#12
|
Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TN
Posts: 136
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NEVER2LATE
I bought two interstate 12 volt deep cycle batteries from COSTCO 13 months ago. One now has a bad cell. I am thinking about switching to two 6 volt batteries. Pros, Cons? Which 6 volt batteries have given you good service?
|
FIRST 6-volt= shorter length, but wider and taller, so will they fit?; 2) Do you boondock much? If so, you will see benefit; If not, WHY increase your cost? 3) Starter high current needs? = NO CCA Rating, so you may NEED the 12v-RV/ Marine grade?; 4) Ask about Pro-Rated warranty? Believe the 100% is 12-month, but pro-rated after that???
|
|
|
02-28-2020, 08:07 AM
|
#13
|
Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 391
|
If you're really not doing any boondocking, I would stay with just one good battery.
That said, I do a mix of full hookup camping, and dry camping. I find that, for instance, the state parks in my area have a much wider selection of roomier campsites if I choose a non-electric site. Most Minnesota state parks don't have sewer hookups, but do have water hookups, so I still use the dump station either way.
So, I chose to get rid of the cheap little battery that my unit came with, and chose two 6 volt, 215 amp GC2, golf cart type batteries from Costco. They are well under $100 each.
I have only had them for one season, so I can't speak for the longevity, but I have gone three days 'non-electric' and dry camping with light use of the furnace, fridge on gas, regular (not much) LED light use. I brought the batteries to just under 50% before I used my generator to recharge them. I am very happy with those batteries.
__________________
Doug and Patience and Shelby the mutt
2015 Crossroads Sunset Trail Reserve ST26RB
2013 Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost XLT Supercab 4x4
|
|
|
02-28-2020, 08:49 AM
|
#14
|
Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TN
Posts: 136
|
I.e. if bad is pro-rated at 13-months, (12mo@100%) you may get replaced for little to nothing? Worth asking?
|
|
|
02-28-2020, 11:45 AM
|
#15
|
Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,151
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingerdinger
I brought the batteries to just under 50% before I used my generator to recharge them. I am very happy with those batteries.
|
From all the info I have ever read, they consider 50% a dead battery.
It might be better to start the generator sooner.
They have a chart on this link showing what the different states of charge are compared to volts.
http://www.mmbalmainauto.com.au/PDF/..._batteries.pdf
|
|
|
02-28-2020, 05:53 PM
|
#16
|
Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 391
|
Lloyd, yes, 50% is at 12.0 volts, and considered as low as you want to go before you risk damage to your battery bank. I understand the 6 volt GC batteries can tolerate a lower drop, and many more charge/discharge cycles before they are no longer useful. This is because of the thicker lead plates used.
I had no need or opportunity to charge them til the third day.
__________________
Doug and Patience and Shelby the mutt
2015 Crossroads Sunset Trail Reserve ST26RB
2013 Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost XLT Supercab 4x4
|
|
|
02-29-2020, 11:21 AM
|
#17
|
Seasonal Camper
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 417
|
I just bought 3 group31 flooded acid last week from a very busy wholesale/retail battery warehouse(Sask Battery) and I asked them that very question. What was a safe area to draw my batteries as a safe minimum. Response was somewhat sketchy and 12V was kinda at a shrug of the shoulders as can everyone absolutely believe there3 battery monitor isn't lying a tad. At the end of the conversation was play it safe with a 12.1min and more is better at 12.2. I know for a fact after buying 3 batteries, adding solar as an assist charging system I'll be watching my monitor for a 12.2 min then if need be, start the gen/inverter. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than replacing batteries...
__________________
2011 ST25RB SunSet Trail - RESERVE
Silverado LT Z71
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|