12v and 6v hookup

RussellBerge wrote:
Hi all,

My trailer is equipped to install 4 batteries. I did intend to put in four 6v Trojans. But now after examining my two 12 v deep cycles, I think they may have a couple more years in them. Keeping them would save me $300 for the time being. I know how to wire batteries together but my question is : If I hook up my 2 old 12v batteries together with 2 new 6v Trojans, will this arrangement decrease the life or performance of the Trojans ?

Russell

I'm a bit confused here. First off, are you wiring your batteries in series or parallel? Large trucks still often use 2 6 volt batteries in series to replace one 12 volt. The voltage is the same but the amperage available is quite a bit more. Look at a pre-1955 car and you'll see the cable are much heavier than late model cars as the amperage draw is much more.

If you're going to mount the btteries in parallel, you're going to have three battery sets. If you're going to use 2 12 volt batteries, there's no need for any 6 volt units. I'd either use 2 12 volts units that you have or 4, 6 volt units new. This will make charging more reliable. Unbalanced battery charging can boil a weaker battery and make it go boom. Then you have to clean acid off everything. With the hydrogen gasses given off, you have a fire risk too.