Replacement batteries

[Djmacks]

I know this has probably been discussed many times but is it better to have 4 6 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries for on board power?

[Bob Denman]

There have been just a few threads covering this topic...

My gut tells me that the 6-volt batteries will give you more power, and last longer...
But I'll let the experts in here tell you why (If I'm right...)
Or why I'm full of crap.... (If I'm not! )

[taylorbob1]

6 volt always best, especially for solar

but...always check your water when plugged into shore power for extended lengths

[Bob Denman]

Can't you get 6-Volt AGM batteries?

[taylorbob1]

anything's available if you "gots da cash"

if you go with AGM sealed batteries, you need to either re-program your WFCO Converter (if your model can be re-programmed) or purchase a new-fangled converter for AGM and Lithium batteries.

the standard WFCO will burn up AGMs

anything's available if $$$ is no object

[Long & Winding road]

I have TWO Full River AGM 6 volts (DC 220 - 6) and I love them. 6 Volts can can abuse better. Plus AGM's discharge much slower than Lead Acid. Only way to go IMO (Other then lithium).

My OEM converter charged the AGM's just fine but I replaced it after a year with a better one mostly because I heard of the horror stories of the OEM converters over charging both Lead Acid and AGMs batteries.

But AGM's are a direct replacement for LA so they work fine with converters.

Most entry level converters cannot be reprogramed.

So just pull the trigger on new 6v AGM's and test the charging voltage from time to time on your converter (at the battery) to make sure its Okay. Dont leave RV plugged in as much when not in use (you wont have to since the AGM's hold charge much longer than LA).

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Djmacks

I know this has probably been discussed many times but is it better to have 4 6 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries for on board power?

For the money 6v Trojan T105 AGM will give you long service and a lot less headaches than flooded, and more capacity than 12v

[Bob Denman]

I've got a pair of Type 27 12-Volt batteries under the steps...
(Duracell Lead acid)
Are those T105 batteries a drop-in replacement?

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

For the money 6v Trojan T105 AGM will give you long service and a lot less headaches than flooded, and more capacity than 12v

that is a great/best option.

Trojan 6 volt AGM



but as discussed...
1) very pricey
2) the standard WFCO converter (that cannot be re-programmed for AGM) will burn them up
3) will these fit inside existing battery compartment? (they are too tall for my rig)

other than that...they are great!!!

[Bob Denman]

Since they're sealed: can I assume that they can be tipped over, and mounted on their sides?
(Then; they're not as tall...)

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Since they're sealed: can I assume that they can be tipped over, and mounted on their sides?
(Then; they're not as tall...)

Yes, Bob, you may remember on my post with the other threads, that is what we did with our 24.1 Axis. Two 6 volt LifeLine batteries turned on their sides. We did make a shroud of sheet metal to give more protection to the exposed terminals however.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for that info.... I did forget about your setup that was discussed in a different thread... Sorry!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Djmacks

I know this has probably been discussed many times but is it better to have 4 6 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries for on board power?

"Better" is such a subjective word......

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by axis earl

Yes, Bob, you may remember on my post with the other threads, that is what we did with our 24.1 Axis. Two 6 volt LifeLine batteries turned on their sides. We did make a shroud of sheet metal to give more protection to the exposed terminals however.

did you replace your WFCO converter when you installed the AGM batteries?
if not, how did you avoid over-cooking them?

[Fish and Dear]

Following

[Pete'sMH]

I went through this entire thought process just recently and decided to replace my two 6 volt lead acid batteries with 2 new 6 volt lead acid batteries. Looked at Trojan 105s but settled on a pair of Duracell Ultras from Batteries Plus. Dirt cheap, same warranty and easy. Originals lasted nearly 5 years so it seemed like the logical plan. I did add a remote watering system so I don’t have to fuss with checking the water quite so often. We’ll see how it goes.

[taylorbob1]

[QUOTE=Pete'sMH;174599]I went through this entire thought process just recently and decided to replace my two 6 volt lead acid batteries with 2 new 6 volt lead acid batteries. Looked at Trojan 105s but settled on a pair of Duracell Ultras from Batteries Plus. Dirt cheap, same warranty and easy. Originals lasted nearly 5 years so it seemed like the logical plan. I did add a remote watering system so I don’t have to fuss with checking the water quite so often. We’ll see how it goes.[/QUOTE

http://www.batteriesplus.com


As previously discussed...
For 90% of RV owners, 12 volt deep cycle flooded batteries are sufficient.
The next obvious choice is what you did with 6 volt flooded golf cart batteries.

Even when an inverter and/or solar is added, the two flooded types are generally used and work fine for most RVers.

As you say...“Dirt cheap, same warranty and easy. Originals lasted nearly 5 years so it seemed like the logical plan”

Thanks for contributing to the topic.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by Djmacks

I know this has probably been discussed many times but is it better to have 4 6 volt batteries or 4 12 volt batteries for on board power?

To answer succinctly, no. The lead/acid chemistry is the same in flooded, VRLA, AGM or gel, so the the weight of the lead in the batteries that determines the stored amps. Low long the bateries last and max amperage draw is dependent on the construction. Considering the cost per pound of L/A batteries will always be the cheapest in group GC-2 because 34% of all batteries manufactured in the NA are GC-2. I know because I have 8 in my golf cart. A deep cycle group 31, 12 volt battery weighs 67 lbs and the 20 hour rate is 100 AH. A deep cycle GC-2 battery weighs 68 lbs and has 20 hour rate of 217 AH. So two group 31 give 200 AH @12 volts and weigh 134 lbs where as two GC-2 give 217 AH @ 12 volts and weigh 138 lbs.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Beau388

To answer succinctly, no. The lead/acid chemistry is the same in flooded, VRLA, AGM or gel, so the the weight of the lead in the batteries that determines the stored amps. Low long the bateries last and max amperage draw is dependent on the construction. Considering the cost per pound of L/A batteries will always be the cheapest in group GC-2 because 34% of all batteries manufactured in the NA are GC-2. I know because I have 8 in my golf cart. A deep cycle group 31, 12 volt battery weighs 67 lbs and the 20 hour rate is 100 AH. A deep cycle GC-2 battery weighs 68 lbs and has 20 hour rate of 217 AH. So two group 31 give 200 AH @12 volts and weigh 134 lbs where as two GC-2 give 217 AH @ 12 volts and weigh 138 lbs.

To really sum it up the 6v deep cycle batteries hold up better in severe discharge situations

If you don't boondock use the cheapest battery you like that fits

[Blindcoyote]

I have a question about this thread. What is this thread about? We have a 2017 Thor Chateau 29g which we bought new. There are two batteries under the steps. They are working fine.
But: need I check to see if they are 6 volt or 12 volt? If they are 12 volt should I replace them with 6 volt? If so, should I get the best 6 volt available?
Sorry about the noob type post, but I just don't understand the issue.