Educate me on 12 volt batteries
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Forum Discussion
You'll read many posts supporting both types of batteries. Things like Amp Hours (AH), plate thickness, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)discharge level before damage, etc. But to me it really comes down to a few factors. How much power does the battery have available for me to use. How robust is the battery, and what is the cost or return on investment of the battery.
Here's a brief analogy that might help. Picture a battery like the fuel tank in your vehicle.
In general a 12 volt battery is a smaller fuel tank than two 6 volt batteries. So in the same vehicle the two 6 volt batteries (larger tank) will give you more distance. If there are many gas stations around so you don't need that longer distance then the bigger tank is nothing more than a convenience. If you are traveling out in the sticks where stations are rare, you'll want a larger tank.
So if your 12 volt battery is only used to power the lights and water pump for an hour or so while you pack up camp. And the rest of the time you are plugged in to a pedestal. Then all you really need is an inexpensive 12v battery.
If you are off grid, dry camping or boondocking, you'll want a larger fuel tank (battery)
You can get the same size fuel tank (battery) in both 6 and 12 volt. But because the 6 volt is used more widely (golf carts and such). The price per size of the tank is lower for 6 volt than comparable 12 volt batteries.
Here's a brief analogy that might help. Picture a battery like the fuel tank in your vehicle.
In general a 12 volt battery is a smaller fuel tank than two 6 volt batteries. So in the same vehicle the two 6 volt batteries (larger tank) will give you more distance. If there are many gas stations around so you don't need that longer distance then the bigger tank is nothing more than a convenience. If you are traveling out in the sticks where stations are rare, you'll want a larger tank.
So if your 12 volt battery is only used to power the lights and water pump for an hour or so while you pack up camp. And the rest of the time you are plugged in to a pedestal. Then all you really need is an inexpensive 12v battery.
If you are off grid, dry camping or boondocking, you'll want a larger fuel tank (battery)
You can get the same size fuel tank (battery) in both 6 and 12 volt. But because the 6 volt is used more widely (golf carts and such). The price per size of the tank is lower for 6 volt than comparable 12 volt batteries.
