Mixing different volatage batteries
Have 2 new 6v Interstate batteries, if I have enough room for just 1 more, would this work for 12v? if so, where would you connect the load.
Forum Discussion
I have never had good luck mixing two 6VDC batteries in series with one 12VDC battery.
I have found it is best to be sure the batteries you're connecting have the same voltage and capacity rating. Otherwise, you may end up with charging problems, and shortened battery life.
I have on occasion connected these two battery groups together using my BLUE SEA 4-position battery switches still maintaining 12VDC but when it comes to charging them I would never combine these two groups. I would charge them as independent groups.
The differences of the two type of batteries would not charge the same when paralleled together with a single charger source...
The same less battery performance is probably screwed up as well when drawing current from the two groups in parallel but that is more livable.
When charging you want both group to get to their 90% or 100% charge state before using them again...
I'm probably splitting hairs here but have been following this procedure for a few years now and getting long battery life...
All of this is only based on observed approximate charge states of each of the batteries.
Roy Ken
I have found it is best to be sure the batteries you're connecting have the same voltage and capacity rating. Otherwise, you may end up with charging problems, and shortened battery life.
I have on occasion connected these two battery groups together using my BLUE SEA 4-position battery switches still maintaining 12VDC but when it comes to charging them I would never combine these two groups. I would charge them as independent groups.
The differences of the two type of batteries would not charge the same when paralleled together with a single charger source...
The same less battery performance is probably screwed up as well when drawing current from the two groups in parallel but that is more livable.
When charging you want both group to get to their 90% or 100% charge state before using them again...
I'm probably splitting hairs here but have been following this procedure for a few years now and getting long battery life...
All of this is only based on observed approximate charge states of each of the batteries.
Roy Ken
