RV batteries: 12v or 6v?

[FrankA]

My current batteries are about ready to 'die' and need some advice on what to replace them with; two 12v (currently have) or two 6v. I know the gel and AGM are more expensive than the flooded type but am more concerned about longer usage without having to recharge them often. I do about 50/50 dry vs. shore hook-up. Which batteries will work better (not sulphate as much) when I am connected to shore power for over a week? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks- frank

 

[fkovalski]

When I needed to replace my camper batteries I put in 2 new group 27's which fit into the compartment where the stock 24's were. They are standard RV/ Marine batteries purchased from my local NAPA auto parts store.



I decided to go with these as I needed them right away... and because I did a LOT of reading and decided that these were the best option for me at this time. I also have a Honda eu3000i generator for when I am not connected to shore power.



The main research sources I used were these:



The 12 Volt Side of Life, Part 1



The 12 Volt Side of Life, Part 2



It is a fair amount reading, but it gave me the info to make my decision... Among these was the need for a good quality converter/ 3 stage charger. This is recommended for certain batteries to be maintained properly. While I have a WFCO converter/ charger that will maintain other than standard 12V batteries, I opted for these because of the cost factor and the immediate need for new cells.



Perhaps you will find the links useful too in order to help your decision making.







.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Trojan 105 are the battery of choice 2 6V more power than to 12v JMO

 

[SPucillo]

Bang for the buck you can't beat 6V golf cart batteries. They make them tough, and in quantity so they are relatively cheap and have large water reservoirs.
But they are flooded cells so they need to be kept charged in storage. If you need to go large time spans between charges, AGM is the way to go. Better have a fat wallet! Concord makes the Lifeline AGM's that are available at marine dealers. You can get them in 6V golf cart sizes also. You need to take a look at your battery area to determine what size and type of battery will work best.

 

[CKelley1]

fkovalski gave good advice on the charger. even now very fiew trailers come with a three stage charger, check yours and if it is not replace the charger before the batteries. most go with the charge wizard. i think it is made by magniteck and it even has a desulfation mode. if you can wait the 6v golf cart is the way to go. change your lights to L. E. D. and get a liquid quarts tv. it will suprise you how long it will extend charge

 

[Bill Stockard]

fkovalski gave good advice on the charger. even now very fiew trailers come with a three stage charger, check yours and if it is not replace the charger before the batteries. most go with the charge wizard. i think it is made by magniteck and it even has a desulfation mode.

It is Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Charger with the Charge Wizard converter. Progressive Dynamics for RV and Marine electronics and lighting.



I have one in my Lance camper (factory installed) and I keep the camper plugged in to 120-volt AC 24/7 when not traveling. With the Charge Wizard, it maintains the battery, but does not "boil" the electrolyte. I check the battery electrolyte level monthly and usually add a little distilled water about once every 4-6 months.



Bill

 

[BGlidewell]

I got tired of replacing 6v wet batteries every year, so I bought optima 12v blue tops and hooked them up in parallel.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I got tired of replacing 6v wet batteries every year, so I bought optima 12v blue tops and hooked them up in parallel.

Did you have a battery maintainer on charge? And I hope they weren't COSTCO 6v I like Costco batteries but the 6v didnt last and would never fully charge for me. Switch to Trojan 105's and battery tender and have had them for 3 years at least.

 

[FrankA]

Well, all the advice you folks have given me is greatly appreciated. I'm still in quandry about what to purchase though. 6v AGM is on my wish list but the wallet speaks differently. I'll check out the Trojan 105's &, yes, stay away from the Costco brand. Thanks, flovalski for the website source; I read it all. My coach comes with a 65 amp one stage converter & I'm not too much on changing a whole lot things to accomadate 6v batteries. Anything else you can help me, please send my way.
thanks-
franka

 

[FrankA]

Got another question. I went to the Progressive Dynamics website & a little on overload (no pun intended) as to which charger would work best for me. I know there are factors to consider like: types of batteries currently in my bank , storage, length of time dry camping vs. shore power hook-up, etc. I currently have the factory installed WFCO 65amp single stage converter. My initial post was wanting advice on new batteries. Now after reading some suggestions on changing to a 3-stage converter, what can you suggest? thanks-franka

 

[JMetzger]

I have a 96 HR trailer & I am on my second set of battery's since new. I have two 6 volt battery's & they are plugged in 24/7 & I have never had a problem with them as far as charge & I use the battery's about 50% of the time when traveling. Stay in a lot of Wal-Marts & Flying J's when going across country.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I have the Trojan 105 (4) when camping I have a Yamaha EF3000ISEB INVERTER Generator to charge batt's and watch the weather channel on the Tube run the Micro and AC. When I return home I plug in to Battery Tender as soon as I unhook from truck and NEVER let the batteries run down near 50% Good for at least 3 years. I rarely stay in camps with full hookups so dont know much about the Converter/Inverter in the TT and how the batteries like that setup. JMO but I dont think you could go wrong with the Trojan batteries

 

[BGlidewell]

Did you have a battery maintainer on charge? And I hope they weren't COSTCO 6v I like Costco batteries but the 6v didnt last and would never fully charge for me. Switch to Trojan 105's and battery tender and have had them for 3 years at least.

interstate from sams in a 2005 mobile suites 38l 5th wheel. It has a DC controller system but the make escapes me at the moment...

 

[BIGNASTY]

interstate from sams in a 2005 mobile suites 38l 5th wheel. It has a DC controller system but the make escapes me at the moment...

So you leave your 5TH wheel plugged in with your shore power cable? My BRO IN LAW does that I dont like having that converter/inverter in the trailer on all the time. I installed a battery isolator switch from a boat shop that cuts off all battery power to the trailer then the Battery Tender just charges the batts with no connection to the trailer.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Got another question. I went to the Progressive Dynamics website & a little on overload (no pun intended) as to which charger would work best for me. I know there are factors to consider like: types of batteries currently in my bank , storage, length of time dry camping vs. shore power hook-up, etc. I currently have the factory installed WFCO 65amp single stage converter. My initial post was wanting advice on new batteries. Now after reading some suggestions on changing to a 3-stage converter, what can you suggest? thanks-franka

If I were you, I would get the PD 4655 which is the replacement for your WFCO converter. The Intelli-Power 4600 Series Upgrade or Replacement RV Converter/Charger with built-in Charge Wizard is the Brand of choice by leading RV manufacturers.

If you scroll down the page, the installation instructions are listed.



Bill

 

[CKelley1]

bill x2, it does not matter that much wether you go 6v or 12v. with the progressive your batteries will never boil dry and will last longer than 5 years. stay with standard batteries not the gellsell. a tip on picking 6 or 12v measure the case holding the batteries and take a ruler and bathroom scales to the place you are going to purchase the batteries and find the heaviest combination that fits in the compartment.

 

[Bill Stockard]

bill x2, it does not matter that much wether you go 6v or 12v. with the progressive your batteries will never boil dry and will last longer than 5 years. stay with standard batteries not the gellsell.

Yep, that's been my experience. My camper has room for only one group 31 battery. I buy/use a flooded group 31 RV battery from Walmart... less than $100 to replace, are available everywhere, and has never let me down.



Bill

 

[BIGNASTY]

If I were you, I would get the PD 4655 which is the replacement for your WFCO converter. The Intelli-Power 4600 Series Upgrade or Replacement RV Converter/Charger with built-in Charge Wizard is the Brand of choice by leading RV manufacturers.

If you scroll down the page, the installation instructions are listed.



Bill

Let me ask a question Bill. My wife and her sisters went camping in our TT last summer they had a problem with the elect. Power. When they got it home we took it to the RV shop that I have always used. He replaced the Converter with what he calls an Converter/Inverter said its better than just a converter. He said that the Inverter part will bring the batteries up to FULL charge where the converter wont. Is this Intelli-power a converter or inverter or? Both boy that was confusing

 

[Bill Stockard]

Is this Intelli-power a converter or inverter or?

It's only a converter which converts 120-volts AC to 12-volts DC. It will bring the batteries up to a full charge and maintain them.



Bill

 

[Tractorat]

I believe an inverter is the opposite of a converter. It changes DC (12v battery) to AC so you can run your electric shaver, TV, toaster, etc.