Converting 12 volt coach batteries to 6 volt
I have a 2000 Tiffin Zephyr. It has 4 deep cycle 12 volt batteries that power the coach. The batteries need to be replaced. I have heard that using 6 volt batteries is a more efficient and economic...
Forum Discussion
You first wire two 6 volt batteries at a time in series (neg - to pos +) and now you have created two 12 volt battery banks that must be wired in parallel (neg - to neg - & pos + to pos +) before connecting them to your rig's DC system. Using the same length and diameter of wire throughout makes the set-up more balanced.
Whether you use 12 volt or 6 volt, it still boils down to total amphours, there are pros and cons to either set-up. We purchased our current pair of Interstate GC2 6 volt batteries from Samsclub and they have been providing reliable service over the past 4 years. We are utilizing a smart charging converter that keeps them healthy and strong, we try not to discharge them below 50% SOC, keep them clean and monitor fluid levels, although they rarely exhibit corrosion or require distilled water.
We were planning on adding a second set of golf cart batteries, but have not needed to since replacing all our incandescent lighting to LEDs. We run our onboard audio/video equipment throughout the day even when we're camping off the power grid, most times consuming a small portion of available amphours which is quickly restored via generator and Iota IQ4 the next morning while making breakfast.
Whether you use 12 volt or 6 volt, it still boils down to total amphours, there are pros and cons to either set-up. We purchased our current pair of Interstate GC2 6 volt batteries from Samsclub and they have been providing reliable service over the past 4 years. We are utilizing a smart charging converter that keeps them healthy and strong, we try not to discharge them below 50% SOC, keep them clean and monitor fluid levels, although they rarely exhibit corrosion or require distilled water.
We were planning on adding a second set of golf cart batteries, but have not needed to since replacing all our incandescent lighting to LEDs. We run our onboard audio/video equipment throughout the day even when we're camping off the power grid, most times consuming a small portion of available amphours which is quickly restored via generator and Iota IQ4 the next morning while making breakfast.
