Posted 2014-07-09 5:04 PM (#159813) Subject: 6 volt batteries?
Regular
Posts: 83 Location: Minnesota
I've had my batteries go dead a couple times recently and am in the process of shopping for new ones. I just visited with an RV'er who was camping near us who told me he's using two 6 volt batteries connected in series and that gives him as much power for a longer period of time than having two 12 volt batteries connected parallel. He claims they won't die down as quickly and will ultimately last longer. Has anyone else tried that? Thank you.
Posted 2014-07-09 5:43 PM (#159814 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
It would appear that there is no significant difference in capacity and voltage between these two examples. But this really is not the case. The plates designed for the T-105 use the same active material and alloy of the group 27 deep cycle batteries but both the T-105 negative and positive plates are 60% thicker than those found in the deep cycle 27 group sizes. The significance of this is that these 6 Volt batteries should have a longer lifespan than the two deep cycle 27 group sizes, if properly cared for. While the capacities are similar (220 versus 225 Amp Hrs.), battery longevity favors the two 6 Volt batteries. Why? Because a major cause of deep cycle battery failure is the shedding of active material from the battery plates.
Posted 2014-07-10 8:02 AM (#159825 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Regular
Posts: 83 Location: Minnesota
Thank you, Paul. Your explanation makes sense. I was skeptical when the guy told me that they last longer, but he couldn't offer a reason why that would be. I do believe I'll give the 6 volts a try unless anyone knows about possible disadvantages of doing so.
Posted 2014-07-11 6:45 AM (#159836 - in reply to #159825) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I've been doing research on batteries myself as mine are getting up in age. The information I've learned I plan to go with two six volt batteries. The limiting factor for many people is space. Luckily my battery tray holds two batteries already so it will be easy to make the switch.
Posted 2014-07-11 10:19 AM (#159838 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: mancelona michigan
I had to replace mine a couple months ago and was going to do the 6v x 2 thing,but for some unknown reason,the battery box was built for 2 group 24's and the 6's wont fit fit.
Posted 2014-08-02 7:19 PM (#160233 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Member
Posts: 30 Location: Big Prairie, Ohio
As we are new owners of a lightly use Trails West 3hs 8/13 w slide that it was equipped with 6V batteries- thanks for the info. 3 yrs old and they look like new. Have had lights on for hours and batteries seem to never go below 3/4 reserve. Even after using the electric hitch several times. Was worried it wasn't enough and thought it would be something to watch closely since we also have a generator and do want to get too low on charge and not have enough to start it. Thanks again for the info and eliminating some worry on our end!
Posted 2014-08-02 7:21 PM (#160234 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Member
Posts: 30 Location: Big Prairie, Ohio
As we are new owners of a lightly use Trails West 3hs 8/13 w slide that it was equipped with 6V batteries- thanks for the info. 3 yrs old and they look like new. Have had lights on for hours and batteries seem to never go below 3/4 reserve. Even after using the electric hitch several times. Was worried it wasn't enough and thought it would be something to watch closely since we also have a generator and do NOT want to get too low on charge and not have enough to start it. Thanks again for the info and eliminating some worry on our end!
Posted 2014-08-03 4:26 PM (#160251 - in reply to #159813) Subject: RE: 6 volt batteries?
Member
Posts: 43 Location: Close to the Heart of The Great Smokey Mtns.
I special ordered a new Lakota living quarters for a customer who is an Engineer at Boeing in Washington state,He had switched to the six volt batteries on a fifth wheel he owned and said much the same thing,saying he had run on one bank for several days, so I had Lakota install the larger battery boxes with a switch for bank #1 and Bank#2 on his new Lakota and he loves it.
6 volt batteries?
