which way is best 2 6V or 2 12V batteries

Matt_Colie wrote:
Then there is the interesting issue when they get old and one cell goes bad. It can use the full power of the other to boil the acid or explode the battery.
Matt

6 Volt batteries can do this to if you have 4 of them, 2 x 2, series x parallel.

Golf Cart batteries typically have thicker plates and do not heat up to warp the plates. You can get 12 Volt batteries with the same type of plates.

And the idea of one lasting longer than the other is absurd. It comes down to design of the plates and heat dissipation. Typically a 12 V battery that has the same design as a "golf cart" battery cost 2x as much per battery.

About the same unless you have some specific concerns.

Neither is intrinsically better. I suggest AGM batteries, and go with highest AH/lb or AH/$.
Assume you know that for 12v output AHs do not add for 6v (series connection), and do add for 12v (parallel connection).

Ed,

Believe Hershey.

I do boat electrics. Most are serious cruisers. If they can't handle 4D or 8D (Gunga Mama batteries) then I set them up with T-105, T-120s or GC2 in series.

If you put 12Vs in parallel you will be hard pressed to get both to charge to full density - ever. Then there is the interesting issue when they get old and one cell goes bad. It can use the full power of the other to boil the acid or explode the battery.

Just my take and 50+years of experience.

Matt

You'll get plenty of input on your query.
I've had both.
I now have 4 - 6 volt batteries rather than 2 - 12 volt batteries.
The 4 6 volt batteries out perform the 2 12 volt batteries by about 25%. I'll never go back to 12 volt batteries.
Ever wonder why golf carts use 6 or 8 volt batteries and not 12 volt????

Either combination will work as it's about total amphours in the long run. 6 volt golfcart batteries do tend to withstand lower discharging levels better than their 12 volt counterparts, but I've run both types and have had good success with either set-up. I currently have a pair of Interstate 6 volt GC2 batteries I purchased from Samsclub 3 years back that are holding up well.

Moved to the Tech Issues Forum.

Wayne
Moderator