6 volt vs 12 volt batteries for boondocking
Hi all, While waiting for our new 28' Stealth toy hauler we're trying to figure out the best batteries to get for when we're back in the hills camped off the grid. We ordered the optional 200 watt ...
Forum Discussion
theoldwizard1 wrote:placergold wrote:
I've been told the golf cart type 6 volt batteries will last much longer than the 12 volt deep cycle batteries available. Mainly because of the constant discharge/charge cycle that occurs.
The real issue is cost and availability. TRUE "deep discharge" 12V batteries are not very common, or maybe I should are not found in most places that sell batteries. What you will find are "dual purpose" marine/RV batteries which will not last any where near as long (fewer cycles).
Golf cart batteries can be found at Costco, Sams and even some Walmart stores. They are moderately priced.
If you "premium" deep discharge batteries, they can be found at most solar energy stores. The 2 best brands are Trojan and Rolls. Both sell many different types of deep discharge batteries. The best are ones design for "renewable energy". Much more expensive than golf cart batteries, but this is a case of "you get what you pay for".
Both companies also sell deep discharge AGM batteries.
Even true deep discharge 12V like Trojan 12V renewable energy 12V have about 1/2 the cycle life of a similar 6V configuration. still way way better than a marine battery, so if your power draw is high they are a good alternative. And instead of 500 cycles, you may "ONLY" get 250. wow, for many RV apps, that just fine.
Issue is they aren't nearly as readily available as a golf cart
