6 volt vs. 12 volt batteries

Some claim more run time with the 6's. I think I'm gonna give it a try whenever I need to replace the 12's

Look in the tech section and you'll find lots of topics there. Do a search and you should find your answer.

:S

I chose three 8D 12V's this time around because the size fit better and $ vs. AH was a little cheaper for AGM's.

Hi,

If the battery banks are equally sized and the 12 volt jars are wired in a balance manner:

6 volt

fewer cells so statistically lower likelihood of failure
if there is a failure no redundancy
each cell must produce 100% of the amps drawn
thicker plates
greater voltage drop under heavy loads
higher antimony content
faster self discharge
more tolerant of abuse (but deep cycling below 50% not the best idea)

12 volt

double the cells so statistically more likelihood of single cell failure
redundancy if one cell fails
each cell produces 50% of the amps drawn
should be wired in a balanced manner
thinner plates
lower voltage drop under heavy loads
often lower antimony content so not "true" deep cycle
lower self discharge
less tolerant of abuse (deep cycling kills, and I'd AVOID going below 50%)

The battery bank needs to reflect the camping style. What works for me may be unsuitable to another camper.

Most battery banks are woefully undersized for the increasing loads found in modern RV's.

A modest solar system almost always improves battery bank life.

Thanks for the helpful information. I do believe that most battery banks ARE woefully undersized. In the past (2-12 volt batteries) I would charge the batteries all day for a full charge. Just running the heater overnight (in cold weather) would completely drain both batteries. I was hoping that 2-6 volt batteries would prolong the battery life so it could at least have enough juice to start the generator in the morning! :) As a backup I will be bringing my Honda.

I have considered adding two more batteries for a 4 bank system.

I have camped in mid teens temps and never ran them down that far. With 2 grp 27's. The furnace will shut off the gas sail switch @ 10.5 v

I think going with the option the OEM builder selected takes less effort. :)

We have 2 12v 27DC because they fit just right.

Crazy Cooter wrote:
:S

I chose three 8D 12V's this time around because the size fit better and $ vs. AH was a little cheaper for AGM's.

Nice battery bank..!

If they are the Trojan's, thats almost $2000 for your battery pack. They are 230ah ea... very nice.

Each battery weighs in at 170# and is 20" long by 10" wide... I'd need a crane(and a new back) to change out your batteries...lol

I looked at those 8d 12v agm Trojan batteries couple years ago,very nice. Almost got them.
I went with the DieHard Marine RV AGM Battery Size 31m, 100ah and 75#(identical to Odyssey 2150). Almost 1/2 the cost for 2 of them, 3year total(not prorated) free replacement warranty, and individual weight made my decision.
If money, warranty and weight weren't an issue for me, the more powerful 8D 12v agm Trojans are the upper echelon of 12v agm rv batteries...

jmo

I have real life experience.
Been running 2 6V's for 10 years now.
I have a 40' trailer.
I set my heat at 70F at night when it is in the mid 30's outside. My heat runs alot.
Heater will run all night and I am still on green in the morning.

No way will I ever go back to 12V's again.

dieseldan723 wrote:
Thanks for the helpful information. I do believe that most battery banks ARE woefully undersized. In the past (2-12 volt batteries) I would charge the batteries all day for a full charge. Just running the heater overnight (in cold weather) would completely drain both batteries. I was hoping that 2-6 volt batteries would prolong the battery life so it could at least have enough juice to start the generator in the morning! :) As a backup I will be bringing my Honda.

I have considered adding two more batteries for a 4 bank system.

Now we have a real issue to solve. (vs another 12v or 6v debate)

The real trouble might be your charging system. You need to verify that your converter will charge at 14.4/14.8 volts and actually does when you expect it too. Get in there and find the converter model and post it up for best suggestions.

Also consider a real battery monitor to count amp/hours.

When you start going 4+ batteries the 6v starts to look better for keeping them balanced and eliminates the "one is dead so I am stuck" issue.

Since you have a Honda great.... but also consider a separate 12v start battery for the generator. Or a jump box to get started.

I have considered adding two more batteries for a 4 bank system.

Dieseldan723,
Our first TC had 1 truck battery that powered a few lights and furnace fan. Manual water pump, ice box. It had limited use.

Our present TC which is our forth, has 330W solar, 4 -6VAGM batteries, 2000W inverter, LED,s, micro, AC/DC fridge/freezer. We dry camp or boondock almost always. Lots of daily short time use of hairdryer, blender, toaster, even micro. Honda genny time is a few hours over the last 3 years of close to 200 days camping.

I am convinced that a good solar and battery system is the key to running all of the electronics as long as you are not extravagant with your electricity.

At the very least, expand your battery system.

Dave