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wowens79's avatar
wowens79
Explorer III
Sep 12, 2017

12v vs 6v battery question

I've got to replace my 2 batteries on my TT. We typically camp with power so we don't boondock. We do have a residential fridge, with an inverter, and the batteries to get a little charge from the truck. Currently I have 2 grp 24 deep cycles. Battery power has never been an issue, but since I'm replacing I thought I'd look at my options. We are looking at doing a trip out west, so on the drive out, batteries might be a concern.

I read pages of battery debate last night until my head was spinning, so I thought I'd get opinions based on my situation, and the batteries I'm debating.

I'm looking at Duracell Batteries from Sam's. I'll be buying 2 of which ever I go with.
24 DCC GC2
20 amp hour rate 75 20 amp hour rate 215
minutes at 25 amps: 130 minutes at 25 amps: 395

The price difference is less than $5.

I'm not an electrical genius, so with the ratings of the batteries, do I have to divide the GC2 ratings in half since it is only 6V?? If so, it still looks like it has a significant increase in power.

With them wired in series, will my current converter charge the CG2's??

Any other concerns I should have??

Thanks!

56 Replies

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  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2017
    Yes the GC2 will be a significant increase in power. I think the GC2 will outperform the 24s both in longer life and better service when in use.

    Yes the converter will charge the 24s or GC2s just fine. Although a multi-stage converter would always be better no matter what your battery choice. Post the converter model number for best answers.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2017
    Comparing two Group 24 12 volt batteries to two GC-2 6 volt batteries is like comparing apples to oranges - yes, the footprint will be similar but the former will only be worth ~ 150 AH while the latter ~ 215 AH, @ the 20 Hr rate. Two Group 31 12 volt jugs better match two GC-2s based on rating but of course the footprint will be larger.
  • BadgerMcAdams's avatar
    BadgerMcAdams
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2017
    The GC's are designed to take a pounding. From going out with my dad when he played golf, the carts took a beating. Everyone thought they were Dale Earnhardt or Richard Petty. There were two speeds, dead stop and wide open. I listened to dad talk to the guy who maintained them and he said they would have to change the batteries out every 3 years or so. But that was due to the beating they took. This was also back in the early 70's so not sure how much of an improvement they have made over the years.

    When I was active duty Air Force, we had dozens of them on the base. These too would take a beating (again the 2 speed syndrome)...The batteries lasted for several years under less that optimal conditions (Phoenix Arizona summers to name one). We would weekly check the batteries for corrosion, and wash them off and check the water levels.

    I currently have two of the Sams Club GC2's in my truck camper and have had absolutely no problems with them. Just take care of them, keep the water levels up and they should last you for years.

    Just my 2 cents...
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2017
    The GC2's will likely last more years too. I was lucky to get 2 or 3 years out of my "deep cycle" 12v batteries. The least I've gotten from 6v batteries is 8 years.
  • RDMueller's avatar
    RDMueller
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2017
    With 2 12v batteries in parallel, you double the AH, so in your case, 75x2=150AH. With 2 6V batteries in series, you double the voltage to get 12V, but the AH stays the same, in your case, 215AH.

    Yes, your converter will charge the GC2s.

    Since you don't dry camp, it really is not a big deal either way, but you will have more power available to keep your fridge going while driving if the truck isn't providing enough. IMO, can't go wrong with GC2s.
  • Tiger4x4RV's avatar
    Tiger4x4RV
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2017
    Consider physical size of the batteries. Will they fit where your current batteries are? My 6V's are taller than my former 12V's.

    If the 2 group 24's do the job for you, then keep that setup.

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