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  1. #1
    Fireside Member
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    2 12v Batteries vs 2 6v Batteries

    I realize the dual 6v Trojan batteries are a better choice than 2 12v OEM batteries. And I was ready to buy 2 new Trojans for $300+. But since I'm also buying a converter and then solar, I thought I might just buy another new 12v interstate just like my OEM battery for a hundred bucks or so. I estimate that I will spend 40 nights boondocking per year. Shouldn't I get by just fine with the 12v interstates for a couple of years?? Since I already have one?? Then after the $$'s dust settles, upgrade to Trojans in a year or two..

    Also I see where many install a mirror OEM battery box on the left side of the front storage. But it seams it would be better to keep the batteries closer, in an aftermarket box to keep the cables shorter. Yes, No??

    Finally, what marine battery 4 way switch is best to use??

    Sorry, I have so many questions.......

  2. #2
    Long Hauler Paul & Deb's Avatar
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    I went that route for years and think it's a fine idea. There are even benefits such as if 1 - 12v goes bad, you still have 12v power while if 1 - 6v goes bad you're up a creek.
    Paul "Poppy" and Deb Cervone
    2022 Imagine XLS 22MLE
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  3. #3
    Seasoned Camper
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    Well, if you follow proper battery protocol, you never mix an old battery with new. That being said, you should be fine. For under $100, you can see if it meets your needs. If not, upgrade to 6 volts later.

    Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Big Traveler arhayes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dagwood_55 View Post
    But it seams it would be better to keep the batteries closer, in an aftermarket box to keep the cables shorter. Yes, No??

    .....
    I don't believe the loss for 4-5 feet of cable would be significant, but if you have the layout to have them closer go for it.


    Alan
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    Alan and Kathleen
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  5. #5
    Left The Driveway
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    Having two 12 volt batteries in parallel will give you twice as many amp-hours (capacity) as two 6 volt batteries wired in series. I assume they are deep cycle batteries and not car starter batteries.


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    Don and Terri
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  6. #6
    Fireside Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Parker View Post
    Having two 12 volt batteries in parallel will give you twice as many amp-hours (capacity) as two 6 volt batteries wired in series. I assume they are deep cycle batteries and not car starter batteries.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    I was actually thinking of wiring them thru a marine switch: Batt 1, 2, both or none, tho I'm not sure exactly how to wire them this way...

    What size and kind of battery wire should I use??

  7. #7
    Seasoned Camper
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    Quote Originally Posted by Parker View Post
    Having two 12 volt batteries in parallel will give you twice as many amp-hours (capacity) as two 6 volt batteries wired in series. I assume they are deep cycle batteries and not car starter batteries.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Not necessarily. Depends on the amp-hour capacity of each battery, 6V or 12V. 6V in series will likely have longer life than 12's in parallel. I have had excellent results with 6V golf cart batteries in series.

  8. #8
    Left The Driveway
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    I was assuming the battery pair would be the same size and type. I would discourage anything other than that. Wiring the 12 volt batteries with a switch to select one or the other has the advantage that if one gets low you can switch to the other one. The disadvantage to this configuration is that you have to monitor the charge state of each battery independently. You also need to set the switch to charge the battery you want charged. It gets confusing and is unnecessarily complicated. Also, my previous post about the capacity of two options is correct.


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    Don and Terri
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  9. #9
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    A typical 6V deep cycle battery (golf cart) will have about 200 Ahr capacity. A 12V deep cycle battery will have about 100 Ahr capacity. So, two 6V in series or two 12V in parallel gives you the same 200 Ahr bank.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
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  10. #10
    Left The Driveway
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    My point is that the amp hour capacity of each 12 volt battery in parallel will add. If each battery is 100 AH the system is 200 AH. If each battery in the 6 volt system in series is 100 AH, the total is 100 AH. They don't add.


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    Don and Terri
    2018 Solitude 310GK
    2017 Ford F-350 Platinum TD SB SWD

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