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Camper Bob View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery
    Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 9:15am

While researching a new 171 they now come with a dual battery rack.  Although our camping will be pretty much limited to full hookups, I'm sure there will be times that we will be boondocking.   I was wondering about the efficiency of two #24 batteries versus one #27 size battery.  Any input?
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
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2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
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Joined: 18 Sep 2011
Location: Bloomington Mn.
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Posts: 134 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 9:28am
I have heard 2 -6 volt batteries in series is the best way 2 go. I believe they are golf cart batteries.
sjf
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Camper Bob View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 9:31am
How do they compare weight wise with a size 27 battery?
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 2:34pm
I agree, you have less of a chance of having problems with two 6 volt batteries in series vs. two 12 volt batteries in parallel.  They are about the same size and weight either way.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Saint Augustine
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 3:45pm
Normally you will get more amps out of 6 volt batteries.  I think you will find they are heavier also.  Go to a battery web site and see what you can find out.

Terry
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Joined: 25 Oct 2011
Location: Edmonton AB Can
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Posts: 1003 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 4:10pm
I use 2- 6 volt batteries, together say weigh about 125 pounds. we dont use campsites with hookups.we run the generator twice a day for coocking, while doing that it  charges the batteries. Never ran out of power, All LED lighting.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 4:39pm
I have 2 group 24 12v batteries.  One was included in the purchase price of the camper so, the cheap easy way to go was simply add a second.  The longest I have dry camped (without recharging) is 4 and 1/2 days and the batteries were in fine shape. 
 
I have not looked at group 27 batteries so, I really can't comment other than make these very broad statements:
 
1.  2 - 6 volt batteries in series = same amp/hours as stated on the single one, but double the voltage (12)
 
2.  2 - 12 volt batteries in parallel = twice the amp/hour rating as stated on the single one, but voltage remains the same (12).
 
When I have money to burn (any day now) I am going with AGM gel cell batteries.
 
Good luck in your search.
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Joined: 10 Oct 2011
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 7:23pm
I agree with David, 2, 6 volt batteries at 125 amps in series each equals 12 volts at 125 amps. 2 12 volt batteries in parallel at 125 amps is 12 volts at 250 amps. I know golf cart batteries are better, but compare cost, weight and modern batteries are much better than 10 years ago.  you can check out output and watch the curve on deep cycle batteries, they perform at near full output and then fall fast, thats ok, there are gel cells and what not that perform better, but I think any good name brand, Interstate, AC Delco, Excide will perform well under most conditons. Throw another log on the fire. Happy Campin
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dsmiths View Drop Down
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 8:04pm
OOh p.s. 2- 6 volt batteries are ok until one of the 3 plates in a 6 volt batterie  seperates from vibration then you have zero volts until you find which one opened, then remove it from the circuit, now you have 6 volts at rated amps, if this happens with a dual 12 volt battery set up, isolate the defective battery and you have 12 volts at the rated amps. shorter life but can still operate your devices. I also wonder about solar panels on the roof to help charge batteries while dry camping. cost versus weight. how about a wind generator on top of the pod that will increase the drag to the point you will need a semi tractor trailer to pull it. I am getting crazy, must be the full moon. HOWL
Dane and Donna Smith
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Nov 2011 at 8:36pm

David, make sure your camper's converter can be set to charge AGMs correctly.  With standard flooded lead-acid charge and float set points you might damage the AGMs.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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