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JimVan's avatar
JimVan
Explorer
Aug 31, 2017

12 volt batteries

Is there any problem mixing 2 different brands of batteries

14 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    2oldman wrote:
    no


    With batteries in parallel you can mix different sizes, Makes, And with limited success types.. (I do not recommend types)

    With six volts in series The two batteries that make up a single pair need to bet twins.. Identical in every way

    But if you have multiple pairs. That only applies to each pair. The other pairs can be different. Or even 12 volt types.
  • Different brands must mean you have an older battery and are wanting to install a newer 2nd battery?. NEVER NEVER mix old and new batteries regardless of brand. Now, it is the right thing to do, to use same brand/model battery and same age. If you are mixing different brands regardless of new and old, are they the same CCA rating. You do not mix different CCA rating batteries, you will have a hard time charging both fully and then the different batteries will also discharge at different rates. It will just open up a can of worms. Doug
  • Jim,

    A lot of this answer depends on the meaning of "Mixing".

    If you are going to strap 2ea 12V jars in parallel, expect trouble. Even if the batteries came off the final line sequentially, they still will not necessarily play nicely in parallel. Lead acid batteries just don't do that well. But, one new and one old and from different supplier? You don't stand a chance.

    I don't feel like going into the whole thing right now (again), but if you are short of capacity, charge both batteries separately and carry them separately and switch when you need more power.

    Matt

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