Forum Discussion

Vintage465's avatar
Vintage465
Nomad
Jun 10, 2019

Series, then Parallel or Parallel then Series?

Hi,
I've set up my four 6v G.C. batteries in a Series/Series, then parallel. Meaning I series'd each pair of 6v batteries, making them two 12v banks, the paralleled them.

Then I saw a photo the other day of a set up that was Parllel/Parallel then series. Meaning he paralleled the each 6v bank, having two double 6v banks then series'd them with one big wire between a positive and negative.

Is there an advantage doing the second method?

I tried to load a couple drawing to simplify my question, but the RV.NET PHOTO POSTING Link is struggling on my end today.

Thanks,
  • Dusty_R's avatar
    Dusty_R
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2019
    I always looked at it this way.
    Two 6v batteries is series may give a you more power but if one battery dies while you are out in the boonies, you are out of power.
    But if you are using 2-12v batteries in parallel and one dies, you can keep going, you just need to run your generator more often.

    Dusty
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2019
    KD4UPL wrote:
    It doesn't matter. Either way will work. The first way uses 1 less cable.

    x2

    Also, the 2nd diagram isn't drawn correctly. The trailer wires come from the smaller jumpers in between each pair of batteries. In that drawing they are connected to each other.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2019
    I too do not think it makes much difference so long as all 4 batteries are good but.. IF one battery dies.. Well. the Put 'em in series tHEN parallel works better I think.

    I'm fond of saying there are no six volt batteries in RV's.. This is because when you take two IDENTICAL 6 volt GC-2's and put 'em in series they "Magically" (No magic about it) become one big 12 volt battery.

    You then parallel as many 12 volt batteries as you can carry.

    So why not just put in a 4D (12 volt 220 amp hour).. WEIGHT. Those suckers are HEAVY!!!!!!!
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2019
    It doesn't matter. Either way will work. The first way uses 1 less cable.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2019
    I don't think it makes a hoot of difference. I must admit I had a bit of a struggle drawing it the parallel first way. I came up with one more interconnect that the series first way. 4 vs 5 as you did.
  • Vintage465's avatar
    Vintage465
    Nomad
    Jun 10, 2019
    Vintage465 wrote:
    Hi,
    I've set up my four 6v G.C. batteries in a Series/Series, then parallel. Meaning I series'd each pair of 6v batteries, making them two 12v banks, the paralleled them.

    Then I saw a photo the other day of a set up that was Parllel/Parallel then series. Meaning he paralleled the each 6v bank, having two double 6v banks then series'd them with one big wire between a positive and negative.

    Is there an advantage doing the second method?

    I tried to load a couple drawing to simplify my question, but the RV.NET PHOTO POSTING Link is struggling on my end today.

    Thanks,


    I got it. This what I have now.


    This is what I was describing that I saw.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2019
    My 24 individual 2-volt cells have paralleling couplings across all 12 series points. But they are inch thick by two inch wide lead srips.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,209 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 25, 2025