We replaced our two 12V group 24's with two 6 volt golf cart batteries - 220 amp hours. We also have 270 watts of solar, a Trimetric monitor and a Progressive Dynamic 9100 converter with a Charge Wizard.When we first go into the trailer the monitor says the batteries are at 13.4, which is fully charged. Within 4 or 5 hours the batteries are down to 12.5 and this is after using only the water pump, a few LED lights for a couple of hours and the fridge (on propane) - no furnace. What can we expect using these batteries? When we had our 12V's we could go several days, even using the furnace and that was before we had the solar.

12.5 with minimal use? Something is wrong with your 270w of solar.

x2 something is wrong How about a few more details We might be able to venture a good guess as to what is wrong

KJINTF wrote:x2 something is wrong How about a few more details We might be able to venture a good guess as to what is wrongWhat other information will be helpful? We'd love to get this figured out.

I assume you are in full sun. Measure the voltage on the solar controller input, then on the output.I assume 12 volt nominal panels but post the controller model if you have it.

If the sun went down, this would be normal.

Expectations for 6 volt batteries | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2013
Thanks. Pretty vague from what I could see.
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 19, 2013
2oldman wrote:
AFHauler wrote:
it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper?
This is news to me. Without further explanation from sm, I don't really know what this means. I can't imagine there's a whole lot of difference from out-of-the-box to 'full capacity.'

See item #2 US Battery

Not sure it is huge. I think I saw a graph of maybe 5%

Trojan’s batteries take between 50 – 100 cycles to work up to providing full, peak capacity. from Trojan, see item 06
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
crcr wrote:
2oldman wrote:
AFHauler wrote:
it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper?
This is news to me. Without further explanation from sm, I don't really know what this means. I can't imagine there's a whole lot of difference from out-of-the-box to 'full capacity.'

I've never heard this before either. It's news to me. I hope others can chime in on this assertion so we can get to the truth.

If you read battery specs, they say they are only valid after a certain number of cycles. You do not get full capacity until then.

Jim
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
Skip the messy doctor checkup. He can just as easily make a casket call.
crcr
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
2oldman wrote:
AFHauler wrote:
it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper?
This is news to me. Without further explanation from sm, I don't really know what this means. I can't imagine there's a whole lot of difference from out-of-the-box to 'full capacity.'

I've never heard this before either. It's news to me. I hope others can chime in on this assertion so we can get to the truth.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2013
AFHauler wrote:
it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper?
This is news to me. Without further explanation from sm, I don't really know what this means. I can't imagine there's a whole lot of difference from out-of-the-box to 'full capacity.'
AFHauler
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
"Also keep in mind GC2 needs to be cycled 20 to 50 times before it reaches full capacity. So go camping and don't fear running them down a bit. "

Just a question: it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper? If we have to wait months for the 6v to come into their prime, it would not be a good thing to buy them in the winter if you are not planning to be hooked up the whole time.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
smkettner wrote:
Skip the messy hydrometer until you have an actual problem.

X4
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 19, 2013
Skip the messy hydrometer until you have an actual problem.
AFHauler
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
hmknightnc wrote:
mena661 wrote:
Specific gravity should be 1.275 fully charged. Might be a little higher (maybe 1.285) for new batteries. Also, like what was said, 12.5V with a load would be quite normal IF the solar isn't doing it's thing (which would be at night). Solar should be keeping the voltage up with light loads. Need to check your solar output voltage at the controller during the day with and without loads.

x2, What controller do you have? For the 6 volt batteries you need a controller that will take the batteries to 14.4+ and hold it there for some period of time during the day to ensure they are fully charged and maintained that way.

We have a PWM charge controller, 20 amp,sold by PAP Solar in Vancouver, BC.