Evening all,I recently purchased my first TT. 2002 Dutchmen 27' Bunkhouse. (Not sure of the model # because the sticker is missing from beside the door. Anywhere else to find this info?)When I purchased this TT there were no batteries on it. I am trying to figure out what my best options for batteries will be. My questions are, will it be best to do 2 12v or 2 6v? Should I run them in series or parallel? I can't find a converter or an inverter (not sure which one it should be.) What exactly are the batteries for, are they just for boon docking purposes or do they serve a purpose while connected to shore power as well? Will they charge while connected to shore power?Sorry for so many questions thanks all in advance for the help.Matt

Best "bang for the buck" are 2 6V golf cart batteries hooked in series to provide 12V. Batteries are not required, but make sure the cable ends are insulated and don't touch anything metallic. They are required if you have a 12V breakaway emergency braking system.Your converter (converts AC to 12VDC) is likely built into the fuse panel.

The batteries provide control power for the fridge, thermostats , water pump, lightsThe fridge will not work while traveling, if there are no batteriesYour converter charges the batteries, and supplies power for the 12v system, powering lights water pump, while keeping the batteries charged

Need to know what you plan to do in your RV? If you will be hooked up to electric in a campground all the time then 2 12 volts is cheapest route.If you plan to boondock and not be hooked up to campground electric then 2 6volt batteries are best because you can usually get more Amp hours (AH) in 6 volt batteries.Then you will have to determine if you want wet cell or AGM? If you are lazy like me and don't want to have to worry about putting water in them then buy AGM type. If you don't mind maintaining the batteries then wet cell will be a little less cost. Another perk with AGM is there will be no corrosion on the cables and battery terminals :)

MrWizard wrote:The batteries provide control power for the fridge, thermostats , water pump, lightsThe fridge will not work while traveling, if there are no batteriesYour converter charges the batteries, and supplies power for the 12v system, powering lights water pump, while keeping the batteries chargedSo even if the fridge is running off propane down the road I still have to have the batteries? Ok so since I am connected to shore power at my house now and everything is working then it's safe to assume to converter is working then right?

lc0338 wrote:Need to know what you plan to do in your RV? If you will be hooked up to electric in a campground all the time then 2 12 volts is cheapest route.If you plan to boondock and not be hooked up to campground electric then 2 6volt batteries are best because you can usually get more Amp hours (AH) in 6 volt batteries.Then you will have to determine if you want wet cell or AGM? If you are lazy like me and don't want to have to worry about putting water in them then buy AGM type. If you don't mind maintaining the batteries then wet cell will be a little less cost. Another perk with AGM is there will be no corrosion on the cables and battery terminals :)I mostly plan to be at a campground connected to shore power. But I would like my fridge to be able to run while going down the road.

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MandKJohns
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
lc0338 wrote:
Need to know what you plan to do in your RV? If you will be hooked up to electric in a campground all the time then 2 12 volts is cheapest route.

If you plan to boondock and not be hooked up to campground electric then 2 6volt batteries are best because you can usually get more Amp hours (AH) in 6 volt batteries.

Then you will have to determine if you want wet cell or AGM? If you are lazy like me and don't want to have to worry about putting water in them then buy AGM type. If you don't mind maintaining the batteries then wet cell will be a little less cost. Another perk with AGM is there will be no corrosion on the cables and battery terminals :)

I mostly plan to be at a campground connected to shore power. But I would like my fridge to be able to run while going down the road.
MandKJohns
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
MrWizard wrote:
The batteries provide control power for the fridge, thermostats , water pump, lights
The fridge will not work while traveling, if there are no batteries

Your converter charges the batteries, and supplies power for the 12v system, powering lights water pump, while keeping the batteries charged

So even if the fridge is running off propane down the road I still have to have the batteries? Ok so since I am connected to shore power at my house now and everything is working then it's safe to assume to converter is working then right?
lc0338
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
Need to know what you plan to do in your RV? If you will be hooked up to electric in a campground all the time then 2 12 volts is cheapest route.

If you plan to boondock and not be hooked up to campground electric then 2 6volt batteries are best because you can usually get more Amp hours (AH) in 6 volt batteries.

Then you will have to determine if you want wet cell or AGM? If you are lazy like me and don't want to have to worry about putting water in them then buy AGM type. If you don't mind maintaining the batteries then wet cell will be a little less cost. Another perk with AGM is there will be no corrosion on the cables and battery terminals :)
MrWizard
Moderator
Nov 29, 2016
The batteries provide control power for the fridge, thermostats , water pump, lights
The fridge will not work while traveling, if there are no batteries

Your converter charges the batteries, and supplies power for the 12v system, powering lights water pump, while keeping the batteries charged
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2016
Best "bang for the buck" are 2 6V golf cart batteries hooked in series to provide 12V. Batteries are not required, but make sure the cable ends are insulated and don't touch anything metallic. They are required if you have a 12V breakaway emergency braking system.

Your converter (converts AC to 12VDC) is likely built into the fuse panel.

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