12 volt question worked on

[maxr]

After listening to everyone I checked the system and when the converter was on everthing was great, but when I went to batt power the lights wernt very bright and volt meter read 11.6 volts. i am looking at sams club golf cart batteries is the 6 volt in series or 12 volt parallel the best way. I am new to airstream and would like everything orginal specs.

thanks
Max

[Westfalia]

Sounds like the batteries are on their way out, or are just not getting voltage from the convertor. It would be helpful to know what year and type or trailer you have or know what kind of convertor you are using.

[vinstream]

There have ben several questions on this topic on this forum. Your volt meter reads in-line with what it should be. The best that I have used and found is 4 golf cart batteries. I am not going to tell you how to set them up, you realy need to know 100% for sure on your own or have someone else do it for you! The other thing is depending on were you are and the temp... (except for inside vented storage) your power will be somewhat noticable less. Batteries do not like the cold!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by maxr

After listening to everyone I checked the system and when the converter was on everthing was great, but when I went to batt power the lights wernt very bright and volt meter read 11.6 volts. i am looking at sams club golf cart batteries is the 6 volt in series or 12 volt parallel the best way. I am new to airstream and would like everything orginal specs.

thanks
Max

I have a pair of Lifeline 6VDC AGM golf cart batteries in my CCD. They perform very well and I fully expect them to last 8+ years. 6VDC batteries need to be connected in series (Pos to Neg for the pair, then using Pos from battery one and Neg from battery two for the outputs.

For 4 of these, it's a little more complicated, as you have to do a series connection for the 2 pairs to make 12VDC, then parallel the pairs to go into the coach.

I know a diagram would be most beneficial,.........just don't have one. You might check on-line for a series/parallel connection for golf cart batteries.

How much usage are you contemplating that you feel you need 4 of these?

[68 Overlander]

I'm becoming a 6 volt fan because I abuse them for testing purposes and if the AH, space and weight combination is right, they do have benifits.
I've also resourced some additional battery boxes designed for them and will post a seperate thread soon when they get here, in about a week. They were hard to find but I convinced them to sell to us. Also available in 4D and 8D sizes but not too much Airstream application there. Anyway, here is a photo and link:
Battery Boxes

[Over59]

Originally Posted by maxr

After listening to everyone I checked the system and when the converter was on everthing was great, but when I went to batt power the lights wernt very bright and volt meter read 11.6 volts. i am looking at sams club golf cart batteries is the 6 volt in series or 12 volt parallel the best way. I am new to airstream and would like everything orginal specs.

thanks
Max

This seems strange to me. Check the output voltage on your converter. At 11.6 they are not fully charged. Thus it is strange that the lights brigthen with out the converter. New Converter is cheaper than all those 6 volts. How old is the convert and what type?

I use 2 220amp 6 volt's and may get two more. They are heavy and expensive. After much research I bought AGM not gell.