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Old 02-18-2020, 06:06 PM   #1
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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?
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Old 02-18-2020, 07:12 PM   #2
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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.
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Old 02-18-2020, 09:04 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 02-19-2020, 08:06 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 02-19-2020, 08:18 AM   #5
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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.
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Old 02-19-2020, 08:21 AM   #6
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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.
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Old 02-19-2020, 09:29 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 02-21-2020, 07:55 PM   #8
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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.
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Old 02-27-2020, 04:26 PM   #9
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Is it alright to pair a new battery with an old one in series?
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Old 02-27-2020, 05:40 PM   #10
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No.
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Old 02-27-2020, 09:55 PM   #11
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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.
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Old 02-28-2020, 12:02 AM   #12
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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???
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Old 02-28-2020, 08:07 AM   #13
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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.
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Old 02-28-2020, 08:49 AM   #14
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I.e. if bad is pro-rated at 13-months, (12mo@100%) you may get replaced for little to nothing? Worth asking?
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Old 02-28-2020, 11:45 AM   #15
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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
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Old 02-28-2020, 05:53 PM   #16
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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.
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Old 02-29-2020, 11:21 AM   #17
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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...
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