6v battery lifespan?

I'm at just over 10 years on my 2 6-volt batteries, and they still do fine with the way I use them. I do have a charge wizard installed, and make sure they are always topped off with distilled water. I don't believe they have ever been down since I don't boondock and keep them disconnected when not in use.

Average life is One to Ten years, Some run longer with lots of tender loving care but with a reasonable level of care, (Regular cleaning, and watering with DISTILLED water, Do not discharge too far, and recharge promptly) 7-10 years seems to be about right.

What will shorten it: Improper charging,, Leaving them run down for months on end, or over charging for extended periods (IE: Magnetek 6300 line on 120 volts (the unit was designed for lower voltage) for like six month) failure to water or using tap instead of distilled water. Discharging way beyond 50 percent SOC (or higher for Marine/Deep cycle but you ask about six volt which are normally DEEP CYCLE) Physical abuse and high temps will not help them either.

How to extend the life: When discharged, recharge promptly with a good 3-stage charger.. Check fluid levels frequently and add DISTILLED WATER (nothing else) as needed, Some think a slight topping with a couple TBl. of Mineral oil helps too, I won't argue the point since I have no valid research to reference.

An occasional slight overcharge to "Stir things up" a bit. These seem to help.

mthockeydad wrote:

korbe wrote:
I have 2 6-volt T105's that I bought new in 2008. I installed a disconnect switch after about 1 year because my converter seemed to over charge them while on shore power. I use a volt meter to keep an eye on them while dry camping and as far as I know, they have only dropped a little below 50% of full charge a couple of times.

Smart charger/convertor or old style transformer charger/convertor?

If we're spending $300-600 on batteries, it makes sense to invest in a $200 charger/convertor to make them last.

My converter is a three stage but for some reason it did a bit more than just maintain while fully charged.

korbe wrote:
I have 2 6-volt T105's that I bought new in 2008. I installed a disconnect switch after about 1 year because my converter seemed to over charge them while on shore power. I use a volt meter to keep an eye on them while dry camping and as far as I know, they have only dropped a little below 50% of full charge a couple of times.

Smart charger/convertor or old style transformer charger/convertor?

If we're spending $300-600 on batteries, it makes sense to invest in a $200 charger/convertor to make them last.

Op back. Not sure about converter(no inverter), will go out and find out make/model when it stops pouring rain. Think very basic low end and original to '02 coach. Just went through my owners manual, it's an IOTA, single stage. Would it be beneficial to upgrade the converter when I replace the batteries? Oh, I should clarify, when the rv tech replaces :) how difficult a job is it, again rv tech not me to do? Cost?

My 2001 Monaco which spent most of the season plugged in and all winter unplugged, I got 4 years out of the batteries before they started to test lower and lower. It wasnt until all 4 where consistantly low that my xentrex converter/inverter started to complain and I had to replace the 4 batteries.

I have 2 6-volt T105's that I bought new in 2008. I installed a disconnect switch after about 1 year because my converter seemed to over charge them while on shore power. I use a volt meter to keep an eye on them while dry camping and as far as I know, they have only dropped a little below 50% of full charge a couple of times.

HiKim.

A lot also depends on what kind and Brand of Converter/Charger that you have in your Motorhome? Check it out and find out if it is a good Multi-Stage, with 3 or 4 stages of charging and see if your Converter/Charger reaches at least 14.4 volts. Low Water Levels and Boiling the Batter Bank is the fastest way to ruin Battries very quickly, also dropping below the 50% Level to many times will greatly shorten your Batteys Life Span.

Good Luck Happy Travels. Dan & Jill & our two small "YORKIE KID'S who love to travel as much as we do

klm wrote:
OP here. I am a fulltimer, 99% plugged in to shore power. I have 4 6 batteries. Current bank is 3+ yes and need to be replaced. Just wondering if there is something I can do to increase longevity with the new ones? I use the profill system to keep water level topped off. Anything else? Best name brand?

What converter, charger or inverter/charger do you have?

Is it a "smart" charger?

If so, has it been properly programmed?

OP here. I am a fulltimer, 99% plugged in to shore power. I have 4 6 batteries. Current bank is 3+ yes and need to be replaced. Just wondering if there is something I can do to increase longevity with the new ones? I use the profill system to keep water level topped off. Anything else? Best name brand?