My house batteries need to be replaced. I have four 6 volt batteries. I do not have a lot of clearance - the current batteries are 9.5 inches to the top of the case (not the top of the water plugs). Golf cart deep cycle batteries are over 10 inches tall. I can find 12V deep cycle batteries that are shorter.Is there any reason why I could not put four 12V deep cycle batteries in there and wire them in parallel? Wouldn't that give me more capacity anyway?

Yes, the next best thing to a set of 6's is a set of 12's.

It won't give you more capacity.

Are you almost always plugged in? Maybe just one or two 12v would be fine.Or do you have a large 2000+ watt inverter that needs 4+ batteries?

Most 6volt golf cart batteries are the same dimensions for the same amp hour rating . Not sure why new ones would be taller. True 12 volt deep cycle batteries are larger ( wider and longer) and hard to find . 4 won't fit in the same space as 4 golf carts. And no you won't maintain the same amp hours . Are you wanting to replace 4 deep cycle 6 with smaller starter or "marine" 12 volt batteries ? As already said if you don't ever "boondock or overnight without power then even two 12 volt marine batteries . might be just fine. Giving power for a few hours.

Trojan t-105 6 volt batteries, which are very common, are speced as 9.69" to the top of the case, you say yours are 9.5". Are you sure you have 'short' batteries? They spec them as 11.15 but that is to the top of the terminals.Capacity depends on which type 12 volt batteries you replace them with. Yes you could get more *usable* capacity with 12 volt AGMs, but they are pricey. In general 6 volt batteries are more package efficient for multibattery installs.Do you do a lot of dry camping that requires more capacity than 4?

Battery Question: 6V vs 12V | Good Sam Community

jorbill2or
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
Most 6volt golf cart batteries are the same dimensions for the same amp hour rating . Not sure why new ones would be taller. True 12 volt deep cycle batteries are larger ( wider and longer) and hard to find . 4 won't fit in the same space as 4 golf carts. And no you won't maintain the same amp hours . Are you wanting to replace 4 deep cycle 6 with smaller starter or "marine" 12 volt batteries ? As already said if you don't ever "boondock or overnight without power then even two 12 volt marine batteries . might be just fine. Giving power for a few hours.
time2roll
Nomad
Jan 20, 2017
Are you almost always plugged in? Maybe just one or two 12v would be fine.
Or do you have a large 2000+ watt inverter that needs 4+ batteries?
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2017
It won't give you more capacity.
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 20, 2017
Yes, the next best thing to a set of 6's is a set of 12's.

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Battery Question: 6V vs 12V

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