12v or 2 6v batteries?

j-d wrote:
For some reasons 12's don't make friends as well in sets as the 6's do. I can't say I understand why from a technical standpoint, but I've come to believe it. We had 2x12 and went to just one. We don't boondock so no big deal, but as far as the batteries "lasting" in terms of months before replacement, one 12 lasts several years. With two it seems we were always replacing one of them.

it is weird things like this as well as other similar ones w/ boat motors, some cars, and the rv that make me leery of some modern all-electric things like a roadtrek e-trek or a chevy volt. they mix so many technologies to deliver power...

i think they could prove too complex to diagnose even for the best electrical wizs.

an example is all the weird voltage readings on either coach or chassis batts...i attribute this to the BIRD system. i can put a 12.65V batt in the chassis, and after hooking it up, it reads 12.50V. also, the chassis batt can be fully charged. but turn on one DC light, and the battery meter (all-in-one FW,BW,GW,propane, coach batt) goes from 4 red leds to 3.

i woud love to un-complicate rhe wiring.

One fly in the ointment for Canadian is that parallel kit generators are not sold here.

I prefer the convenience of electric and/or remote start generators. Especially at -20 C temperatures.

Vulcan Rider wrote:

Bobbo wrote:

And, if you don't need to power both air conditioners, you can run only one generator and save half the fuel.

OK, I get it. Don't necessarily agree with it though as now you have TWO things to keep maintained; oil changes and the like.

A single generator running at half load would save a fair amount of gas; maybe not half though.

To each his own, I guess. Thanks for explaining.

It's pretty common to parallel two smaller generators. "2000" size generators can be lifted with one hand and are more easily stored than larger units. If one is not expecting to need the power of two generators, just leave one at home. Generator maintenance is pretty trivial so there's no real extra effort there. Manufacturers realized this and designed it into their products.

Another way to look at it, while you DO have 2 things to maintain, you also have a backup in case one of them fails. >G<

P.S. There are a LOT of things I may understand, but don't necessarily agree with. Personally, I don't have 2 generators, I only have a built-in ONAN in my MH.

Bobbo wrote:

And, if you don't need to power both air conditioners, you can run only one generator and save half the fuel.

OK, I get it. Don't necessarily agree with it though as now you have TWO things to keep maintained; oil changes and the like.

A single generator running at half load would save a fair amount of gas; maybe not half though.

To each his own, I guess. Thanks for explaining.

Two generators to provide enough power to power both air conditioners.

It is not dangerous because this particular generator is designed to be paralleled. There is a wiring kit to hook both generators together, and plug in to the pair.

And, if you don't need to power both air conditioners, you can run only one generator and save half the fuel.

Bluesconnector wrote:
We're buying two Yamaha 2000 generators

I'm a little late to this party and can't really add much to the battery discussion but his caught my eye.

WHY would you want or need TWO generators ??

Used incorrectly, that could be dangerous......to you and the equipment.

Hi j-d,

Here is why 12 volt jars don't "make friends":

This is what is balanced and best for twin twelve volt batteries.



As it often doesn't cost a dime more to do this, I think it is worth the trouble.

If you wish to understand the "why" surf here:

correctly interconnecting multiple twelve volt batteries

Others may say it doesn't matter--but unless there is a compelling reason to not optimize charging and discharging why not do it the best possible way?

Here is a video of 3 twelve volt batteries that have been wired in an unbalanced manner for 2 years. They have been equalized. The test shows how CCA has been adversely affected.

unbalanced for 2 years

j-d wrote:
For some reasons 12's don't make friends as well in sets as the 6's do. I can't say I understand why from a technical standpoint, but I've come to believe it. We had 2x12 and went to just one. We don't boondock so no big deal, but as far as the batteries "lasting" in terms of months before replacement, one 12 lasts several years. With two it seems we were always replacing one of them.

Hi,

Not always. It depends on the needs. I run relatively huge loads so 12 volt jars are a better "fit" for my needs.

phillyg wrote:
Sixes are superior in every way except price. Since you already have one 12v, I suggest you buy one similar 12v and use them till they fail, then upgrade to 6v.

Dakzuki wrote:

phillyg wrote:
Sixes are superior in every way except price. Since you already have one 12v, I suggest you buy one similar 12v and use them till they fail, then upgrade to 6v.

You won't have to wait long.

Took mine 7 years. And I abused them. I had a Magnajunk 7345 for the first 3 years, and only checked the water about twice a year. When adding water, the two batteries took at least 3/4 of a gallon to refill.