Forum Discussion

Roman_Duck's avatar
Roman_Duck
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015

12 volts to 6 volts; whats the benefit?

So we're replacing our coach batteries which are four 12 volts group 27 batteries.
We've heard some say they can get a longer run time off of four golf cart batteries over same number of deep cell types.
We were only getting a few hrs. of power before the existing ones would die. The reason for replacement. Two are about 5 yrs old the other 2 are about two years old. Guess we're lucky they work at all.
Was wondering if anyone else switched over and what was the positives and negatives? (no pun intended)
Appreciate any insights on the switch over (12 v to 6 v).
Also battery type will be a wet cell no AGMs, and any AH ratings versus cost would be helpful
Class A
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2015
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    You would need room for 8 6V to equal your 4 12V but it's really all about amp/hours so you have to look at what you have and what you would have if you change.


    Your math is wrong. GCs would be more than adequate. GCs have more than twice the amphour capacity of 27s. They have the same footprint as group 24, (which are shorter than 27s) but GCs are taller than either.

    Group 27s run about 90 to 100 Amp hours each. Four would be able to provide 360 to 400 AH.

    The "standard" Golf Cart type run from 220 to 240 AH

    4 in series-parallel would provide 440 to 480 AH. 8 GCs would give 880 or more AH at 12 volts.
  • chuckftboy's avatar
    chuckftboy
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2015
    The biggest advantage for using 6 volt batteries is, they are readily available in a true deep cycle version so they last a very long time and arn't expensive. Mine are in the 7th year of use and are still in good condition.
    12 volt batteries often are Marine/RV type deep cycle and do the same job but because the plates are thinner, they have a shorter life cycle in a deep cycle operation.
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Jun 03, 2015
    pianotuna wrote:

    If you want long life, consider added a solar system.


    Can I get one with only small planets? I can't see gas giants fitting in my minivan.

    Sincerely,

    The Little Prince
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 03, 2015
    Hi,

    Do an energy audit. Select a battery that will allow the bank to be at least double that number of amp-hours.

    If you want long life, consider added a solar system.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Jun 03, 2015
    You would need room for 8 6V to equal your 4 12V but it's really all about amp/hours so you have to look at what you have and what you would have if you change.
  • Shadow_Catcher's avatar
    Shadow_Catcher
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2015
    Given similar construction there is no advantage, the 'similar' being the key word. All batteries in a bank need to be the same age and type or the weak will draw down the strong, that weak link thingy.
    Care and feeding of deep cycle batteries i.e. not drawing down below 50% state of charge, bringing them to 100% SOC with regularity are important. Using a battery monitor, Victron,Bogart Engineering.

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