Adding another 12 volt battery

Dakzuki wrote:
1) Convert to 6 volt true deep cycle (like GC) batteries (virtually all 12V wet cell batteries are not true deep cycle).

2) Get a multi stage converter. Most RVs are still coming with single stage converters that charge slowly and are not good for leaving your RV plugged in for extended periods. A multi stage unit like what Progressive Dynamics offers will charge faster and can be left hooked up indefinitely.

3) Convert to LED lighting.

4) Add solar. This will keep the batteries charging during the day, all day (if you are in the open).

5) One can also go a little nuts and install AGM batteries. They are sealed, charge faster than wet batteries (if your charger can supply the current), and are better at deep discharges. Down side is they are expensive.....like 3X. I did it anyway.

I agree with exception to to 3x the price mentioned in #5. Sam's Club HERE offers the standard 6V GC2 wet acid for $85 per battery and the sealed AGM for $180. I bought two AGMs because the increased height of the 6V batteries in my particular battery compartment, made checking fluid levels extremely difficult. I gave up my battery tray to gain the required height as shown below. It has also been very nice not to handle the batteries in that manner any longer, checking & adding distilled water, cleaning terminals and all that. Now I only pay attention when it's time to recharge. As mentioned in other replies, I also changed our converter/inverter settings to AGM charging.

Here is our twin 12V Battery Compartment with 6V batteries installed. I removed the battery tray to gain the extra height needed.


Here is our original 12V setup with the tray.



I installed a 3-function monitor on our control panel which displays battery voltage, clock, and temperature. It helps to have a constant reminder in our face to tell us when to recharge.