Expectations for 6 volt batteries

Quote: "Yes, both batteries (Diehard golf cart batteries, not Interstate as previously stated) are rated at 220 AH and are new. They were tested at the shop with a hydrometer before we took them as they were replacing another set that wasn't performing.

When we switched to 6v we thought we would get longer time than the 12v. Right now, if we were using the furnace at all, we would be lucky to get through one night."

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There seems to be some confusion in last few posts.

Two group 24 12v batteries were most likely 75AH each for a total of 150AH. The new 6 volts when connected in series are 220 AH. First reason to use sixes since you get more AH in the same space.

Batteries in series do not prey on each other in storage, so the sixes can get through the winter (on disconnect) without charging if needed.

Did you actually use the furnace over-night and have dead batteries in the morning? The furnace uses 7 amps per hour and should easily get through the night. With your usage mentioned, getting through a 2 or 3-day weekend would be no problem.

My Trojan T105,s lasted 10 years, along with one Optima Blue Top (for Television). My new ones are Trojan T105's and one Trojan 80AH 12v (for TV). I have no problems with either and the slight loss in early capacity will never be missed.

As for Diehard batteries; all bets are off! I had one go bad in less than a year and would never get another.

HiTech wrote:
Compared to your old 2 group 24's they should start to give you more amp hours after just a few deep discharges and recharges. If they are really getting properly charged. That's where reading the specific gravity comes in handy.

Jim

We will check the specific gravity next weekend when we give them a good work-out.

Compared to your old 2 group 24's they should start to give you more amp hours after just a few deep discharges and recharges. If they are really getting properly charged. That's where reading the specific gravity comes in handy.

Jim

wintersun wrote:
Are both batteries rated at 220AH at 6v so that when combined you get 220AH at 12v to the RV, or are they each 110AH at 6 volts for a combined 110AH at 12v output?

With two 6v batteries a problem with a single cell is going to have a greater impact than with two 12v batteries when powering a 12v system. The 6v industrial deep cycle batteries like the ones from Trojan are not the same as standard duty deep cycle from other manufacturers in their construction and they will not perform as well. You get what you pay for (except as a taxpayer).

Yes, both batteries (Diehard golf cart batteries, not Interstate as previously stated) are rated at 220 AH and are new. They were tested at the shop with a hydrometer before we took them as they were replacing another set that wasn't performing.

When we switched to 6v we thought we would get longer time than the 12v. Right now, if we were using the furnace at all, we would be lucky to get through one night.

Are both batteries rated at 220AH at 6v so that when combined you get 220AH at 12v to the RV, or are they each 110AH at 6 volts for a combined 110AH at 12v output?

With two 6v batteries a problem with a single cell is going to have a greater impact than with two 12v batteries when powering a 12v system. The 6v industrial deep cycle batteries like the ones from Trojan are not the same as standard duty deep cycle from other manufacturers in their construction and they will not perform as well. You get what you pay for (except as a taxpayer).

You could draw those down to 40% SOC on a regular basis (someone here does this routinely) IF you were diligent in returning them to 100%. By diligent, I mean good hydrometer, manual charger or Black & Decker VEC1093DBD portable charger used for getting that last few percent in there to reach 100% (verified by hydrometer). I spent a good amount of money on my 6V's and they are MORE than worth it.

It seems we won't know the answer to our question "Are 6v batteries worth the cost and delayed performance" for another couple of months until ours are broken in. Hopefully we are so thrilled with them then that we will be able to say it was worth the wait.

One thing that has become apparent in this discussion is that the 6v can be drawn down further than the 12v without permanent damage which, when boondocking, can be very important.

We really appreciate this discussion - thanks everyone.

Yeah! That word: BETTER! No! But they will be more beautiful, or engaging, or seductive or some other totally useless descriptive term...

Yeah I'm cranky today.

Look

Thicker plate batteries offer better SURVIVABILITY and increased LIFESPAN using the same kWh transaction lifespan profiles. They are not magic. They offer LESS CCA per pound of weight. Read ever so carefully the part about COMPARABLE meaning IDENTICAL kWh transaction / lifespan profiles.

Want the ULTIMATE bang for the buck? Use engine starting batteries. And Velcro and wingnuts.

Better as in more amp hours? Not much or no, depending on which.

Better as in stand up to abuse? Generally yep.

There is generally a trade off between cycle life and ability to deliver high amps at a more steady voltage. Better is a hard thing to pin down.

Jim

This is the question:

AFHauler wrote:
Are 6v batteries worth the cost and delayed performance?
Once broken in, will they be that much better than 12v batteries?