How to use two batteries

I went the dual 12v in parallel route on mine, my new RV came with a brand new 12v battery and I felt guilty just recycling it, and had no other use for it, so I just bought a 2nd one just like it. When these two die, I will replace them with dual 6v in series though.
I used 4awg "starter" cables from the auto parts store, figured they would be plenty since the RV wiring is only like 8awg. Be sure all the wiring is as balanced as you can make it, identical length parallel cables, and have RV "-" cable on one batteries "-" terminal, and the RVs "+" cable on the other batteries "+" terminal to help balance things out.

momentum rv wrote:
Yes, for 12v batts all pos together, all neg together (Parallel configuration)

EDIT: (beat me to it)

Just be sure you connect them PROPERLY in parallel. See
http://rvbasics.com/techtips/RV-batteries-series-parallel.html

Note where the connection from the batteryies to the trailer .... This is a point a lot of people forget.

As long as you are adding a battery for more capacity it is a good time to review your plan to recharge them. If using a generator a 3 stage converter will make a huge improvement. If you have several hours of sun you might do well with a couple solar panels.

I would recommend 2 6 volt batteries. Example this weekend it was cold and we were boondocking. Stayed toasty all night in 40F degree weather. The guy next to me froze as his brand new camper and batteries died in the night. Matter of fact he went home the next day to get warmed up. One of the best improvements (6 volts in series) I,ve made. Ron Day

Thanks!

If you want to get just a little fancy get a battery switch for 2 batterys. Then you can manage your consumption by drawing from battery #1, #2 or both together. The advantage of the switch is that if you are on just one battery & forget to turn something off, draining the battery, you still have the other to switch to. A very common arrangement on boats.

You need to GOOGLE 12volt side of life, READ and LEARN

You can use either two 6V golf cart batteries, or two 12V deep cycle batteries. The 6V batteries are connected in series to give you 12V output.

The 12V batteries are connected in parallel. The golf cart batteries are large and give you more capacity, but of course take more room and are heavier. Take a look at these: link 1 and link 2

Yes, for 12v batts all pos together, all neg together (Parallel configuration)

EDIT: (beat me to it)

Yes, negative to negative and positive to positive. That is parallel. Same voltage and 2 times the amp hours.