12 to 6 volt batteries

[nwclassic]

We converted 12v parallel to 6v series 11yrs ago along with two 2 solar panels and a catalytic heater (to avoid furnace fan use if desired). The conversion was laborious (because we wanted four batteries), but worth it. Modifying the original boxes, installing new boxes with venting under the couch, replacing the converter to get three stage charging and ensuring that tongue weight was within limits gave us a very capable dry camping rig. We may add a small wind turbine for cloudy winter camping (but have a 2000W Honda generator for back up). The solar panels are capable of giving +8Ah. The conversion first used T105s. As another stated, the high price to replace Trojans required another choice which Les Schwab Tire Store provided 18months ago. We keep them under continual charge, check fluid levels 2-3 times a year (which is a necessary pain, given their weight and less than easy access). For full hookup campers, its probably not worth the effort and expense, but if boon docking is your thing, its pretty nice!

[scamp]

Most likelly why airstream uses 12 volt batteries is there available everywhere, just because it says deep cycle doesn't mean it's a true deep cycle battery is if its written cold cranking amps on the battery somewhere then it's not a true deep cycle battery (cca) real deep cycle batteries have thicker plates containing more lead and that's why they are heavier,Cost more and last longer, also some airstreams come with one battery and since all dc electrical systems are based on 12 volt that's another reason why airstream uses 12 volt batteries ,to cut inventory cost , also I'm sure they're all the same size battery my 2012 flying cloud had the same size battery as my 2015 sport,keeping cost down, I'm not a fan of interstate batteries. As after the first year they were no good in my 2012 ( first airstream) and they would not Warantee them , I remouve the factory interstate battery on my 2015 sport and put a real 12 volt sun extender concord AGM battery ,it's got lead in as it weighs 75 lbs ! And since its AGM battery you don't have to worry about it getting damaged from freezing like flooded batteries , although all batteries should not be left in a discharge state as there capacity will suffer, 6 volt batteries have higher amp hours but you need two and when put in series your voltage doubles but amps per hour stay the same as one battery, and in 12 volt batteries connected parallel as all factory airstreams the voltage stays the same as one battery the weakest 12 volts and the amps per hour double the rating on one battery , and since airstream is suppose to be a high end trailer most people go for full hook ups at campgrounds and the batteries are not used so this is another reason why you get less capacity batteries with less weight to tow around. I'm not trying to offend people that take full hook ups as We're all different as I do more boondocking then full hook ups , I also still enjoy tent camping on your scooter as we do 40% of our season of camping in a ultra light tent on our scooter,I guess this is why we have only the 16 footer sport airstream

[idroba]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

My Safari has one 12 v battery mounted on the tongue. I've been thinking about adding a second battery. Is 2 6v batteries is an option on the tongue? I wonder if there is a manufactured plastic box that will work? Does anyone have photos of a tongue mounted 2 battery box with 6v batteries?

Here is another battery box source:

Dual Group Size GC2 Battery Box - Remy Battery

[Florida 55]

If you would like a brushed aluminum battery box to match the Airstream, below is a link to a resource. Also polyethylene boxes.

Brushed Aluminum Battery Boxes - Best Converter

[BigButtUgly]

2 each T-105s get my vote. Size the wires correctly.

[Danny Bell]

I have a 1966 Ambassador. I'm currently using (1) 12 battery. My question is : Does anyone know the weight capacity in my battery storage compartment ? My existing battery resides under one of the twin beds that is accessible from the outside of the trailer or from the inside, under the bed. I know the advantages of (2) 6 volt batteries in series...I'm just a affraid of the added weight in the compartment.
Thanks, Dan

[srpuywa]

you might look into getting a marine battery setup - they are better than auto batteries

[paiceman]

I ran a golf cart (car) company for years. Most golf carts today use 4 12v deep cycle batteries. Despite what the stats say, Trojain makes the best golf car battery. I know, we had numerous failures when we went with three other brands in an effort to cut product costs and before I retired went back to T and as far as I know limited problems. The posts saying 6v so far are pretty accurate. What they give you is "more fuel in the tank" as opposed to 12v.

Cost is a major factor in the batteries placed in golf cars, during the industries problem years - about five or so, each of the three major companies replaced under warranty MILLIONS of dollars worth of batteries destroyed by inappropriate charging systems.

We have 2 AGI in our AS. Keep them in and charged by factory solar. So far they work. For me, knowing what I do know I don't think I'd bother re configuring battery compartments etc. Others have done so with great success, but batteries fail and we just build the replacement into our budget.

Be Well

Bud

[Fred L]

Looking at converting to 6 volt batteries. Stopped by Costco and they no longer sell them.
So two questions :
1. Any ideas on where the best deal on a 6 V battery will be.
2. I am looking at adding on the height extension, but notice that my propane cover is cut to fit the existing box. Havent seen any discussion on that, but assume I would need to raise the cut out ? Any experience with that?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Given that you get *maybe* a 10% improvement, why go crazy for 6V batteries? You will get a bigger boost in capacity putting a temperature probe on your converter / charger ....

Bob

[TouringDan]

Fred

I bought my 6v Energizer Batteries (EGC2) from Sam's Club 7 years ago and they are still doing fine. They cost about $75 each.

Dan

[prairieschooner]

Trojan T105 6 Volt "Golf Cart Batteries are the standard but take maintenance (filling with distilled water). The typically have more usable power and better duty cycles.
Best

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I'm not arguing that the Trojan T-105's are bad batteries. My point is that they really don't last a lot longer than other *good* batteries. They also are not magical in terms of capacity. They do what the spec sheet says they will do. My question is not - "are Trojan T-105's good batteries?"

A lot of people buy 6V batteries that *are not* T-105's or buy T-105's from outfits other than Trojan. Once you toss those variables in the mix, I"m back to - why 6V?

Bob

[pteck]

More for the sake of more?

Though more in the context of lead acid batteries is not a bad thing. If you consider that discharge depth is one of the major factors in battery longevity...

For a given user that uses let's say X capacity. They will always discharge a larger battery bank to a more shallow level of discharge than a battery bank of smaller capacity. Causing less wear and tear on the larger battery bank vs smaller bank.

But I hear you that there's many other factors at play. Money can be spent elsewhere, say on a better charger, solar, AGM, etc...

I personally went for plain group 27s. Adding 200W of solar currently. And since we are campers (not full time), and will rely on solar to trickle and float charge the batteries, I'm not bothering with upgrading the converter as I just leave the batts disconnected when hooked-up (via store switch). Best value mods in my mind.

If there's one thing I also learned from 6 years of solar on my house, it's a much more effective investment to conserve energy than to add capacity or generation. With so many lightweight power-saving electronics these days, that's the way to go. It's not like I'll ever be running the A/C from batteries.

[Troutboy]

I'm no expert here, but did extensive research and the consensus was that the 6V batteries are more rugged and durable. They have thicker plates, etc. built for golf cart environment and use which is not same as smooth road.

Downside is, you need two to get to 12 volt, so if one dies, then you are hosed. With two 12V, if one dies, you are still good.

I went lithium, so stopped research. Looking lately, it seems that Advanced RV is testing higher voltage systems, like 48-50, and that could be a real advantage in terms of weight of wires and such. Interesting to see how things evolve.

Bottom line, I think, is to know your use, boondocking, off road, low maintenance, etc. there are many good choices depending on needs.

When I was looking at 6 volt batteries, there is a place called Batteries Plus, I think they are national, and they had the best deal I could find.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

I'm no expert here, but did extensive research and the consensus was that the 6V batteries are more rugged and durable. They have thicker plates, etc. built for golf cart environment and use which is not same as smooth road.

Downside is, you need two to get to 12 volt, so if one dies, then you are hosed. With two 12V, if one dies, you are still good.

I went lithium, so stopped research. Looking lately, it seems that Advanced RV is testing higher voltage systems, like 48-50, and that could be a real advantage in terms of weight of wires and such. Interesting to see how things evolve.

Bottom line, I think, is to know your use, boondocking, off road, low maintenance, etc. there are many good choices depending on needs.

When I was looking at 6 volt batteries, there is a place called Batteries Plus, I think they are national, and they had the best deal I could find.

Hi

... and there's the gotcha....

Some 12V batteries have issues. They are designed for automotive use. Some 6V batteries are equally crappy. There is nothing at all about "6V" that makes them more durable or better for this or that. SOME very specific 6V batteries are pretty good, but not *all* 6V batteries.

It is equally true that you can find 12V batteries that are every bit as good as the better 6V batteries. Doing the digging to sort them out is not as easy as it might be.

It comes right back to "Trojan 6V T-105's are good batteries", yes this is true. That does not make *all* T-105's good batteries (some of them are junk). It also does not make all 6V batteries good. Even the T-105's have some issues compared to AGM's so the term is simply "good" and not "best".

Bob

[prairieschooner]

Do your research and make your own decision. There are more than one type of Battery and each has a reason for use.

On my Motorhome (1982 Newell 38' Classic) I use Trojan t-105 in a bank for the house and 8D sealed flooded lead acid batteries for the starting bank...why ...because it works! There are 3 SOLAR panels fixed top the roof & onboard gen for recharging/dry camping
On our 1958 18' Traveler I have 2 size 24 AGM Batteries for the house...because this works for us. I have 2 SOLAR panels and a Honda eu1000i for recharging/dry camping.

[DryFly]

I haven't seen any discussion of using a 12v golf cart battery.This one would fit perfectly without modification to my battery box. Any thoughts?
https://www.thesolarbiz.com/trojan-t...yABEgLNwvD_BwE

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There's nothing particularly magic about golf cart batteries. Some of them are good. Many of them are nothing special. It varies both by type and manufacturer. The issue is still finding a good brand and model. For whatever reason, flooded batteries are more "diverse" than AGM's. My guess is that is caused by the larger number of odd little guys making flooded cells in far away places .... That may be bunk and it's simply market forces creating the "need" for dirt cheap / not so good flooded cells.

Bob

[prairieschooner]

Here is a quote from another site and a link;
http://www.power-talk.net/golf-cart-batteries.html

On the other side, heavy charge-discharge cycles for prolonged periods of time can distort and damage the thin, delicate plates. Furthermore, the positive plates will corrode much faster than a true deep cycle battery - which results in a very short lifespan.
6 volt golf cart batteries, with its thicker plates, are able to endure long periods of deep discharging and recharging with less effect on its life span.
there are many many other resources, just google them. Meanwhile the earth is not flat!