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[mtntrek]

OP: have a great trip but I think we'd be emptying the Refrig.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TyCreek
1 battery is better than 2 and 2 is better than 4 etc... from a technical perspective think of minimizing series and parallel cells required to provide X capacity and voltage for an optimal storage design. The 6V golf cart batteries have historically been a great compromise based on cost. It was the cheapest way to get the best cell storage per $ and typical capacity/use time in RV like situations. Still possibly true for some uses or views today even if simply based on local availability. However the apples to apples battery cells for 12V cost difference gap has become much more competitive making the 6V GC battery argument/belief have less validity these days. Now days about the only remaining argument is that 6V batteries are half the weight of the same cells in 12V, so individually they are easier to handle.

Then based on your own information, 3 cells would be better than 6 within the same battery, which are configured in series? Less cells less plastic cell dividers = more lead plates, electrolyte = more energy dense in same space.
BTW: flooded cells heavier is better, more lead longer lasting battery. The batteries in our RV, EZGo are about 60-65 Lbs. ea. far from half the weight of the 2ea. 12V in the diesel truck.

Parallel configuration always present equalization issues as well. The batteries in a bank get out of sync with each other and the bank takes on the characteristics of the lowest common denominator(s) in the group. Not a desirable trait for required frequent cycling. GC’s, RV’s perhaps most solar arrays will perform much better in series configurations.

Redundancy is the primary benefit of parallel being able to use the bank minus a member. As in the diesel truck. Or adopted by say a POTS back-up systems perhaps only called into use a couple times a yr. High on maintenance, with individual cell testing of SG etc. and equalization of individual cells to optimize overall bank efficiency.

Lithium type cells will be the future as production costs continue to fall if you want to compare size and weights.. What I’d like to switch to. Ahh $$ but what’s in my wallet ?