Battery replacement decision 6v or 12v?

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Can't answer specifics unless I know the capabilities of all the batteries you're looking at. Multiple 12V batteries will lower the current drain from each one such that you can get into longer drain times. You can get high quality 6V batteries for less than high quality 12V batteries.
The best way to compare batteries regardless of voltage is to take the AH rating of an individual battery, and calculate the watt-hours. (AH * voltage = watt-hours). At that point you can just add up the watt-hours (regardless of whether they are parallel or series), and see what gets you the most power over time.

For example. Compare two 6V batteries with 100 AH capability to three 12 volt batteries at 75 AH capability (this is only an example):

Two 6 volts @ 100 AH each:
	6 * 100 = 600 watt-hours (each)
	600 * 2 = 1200 watt hours total

Three 12V @ 75 AH each:
	12 * 75 = 900 watt-hours (each)
	900 * 3 = 2700 watt-hours total

Remember. All batteries are not created equal. If the battery is rated in "cold cranking amps", and not amp-hours (AH), don't bother with it. You are concerned with deep cycle batteries that are designed to drain deeply; not turn over a monster V8 at 20 below.

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GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2709	Topic: Battery replacement decision 6v or 12v? Posted: 30 Jun 2017 at 1:41pm
	Can't answer specifics unless I know the capabilities of all the batteries you're looking at. Multiple 12V batteries will lower the current drain from each one such that you can get into longer drain times. You can get high quality 6V batteries for less than high quality 12V batteries. The best way to compare batteries regardless of voltage is to take the AH rating of an individual battery, and calculate the watt-hours. (AH * voltage = watt-hours). At that point you can just add up the watt-hours (regardless of whether they are parallel or series), and see what gets you the most power over time. For example. Compare two 6V batteries with 100 AH capability to three 12 volt batteries at 75 AH capability (this is only an example): Two 6 volts @ 100 AH each: 6 * 100 = 600 watt-hours (each) 600 * 2 = 1200 watt hours total Three 12V @ 75 AH each: 12 * 75 = 900 watt-hours (each) 900 * 3 = 2700 watt-hours total Remember. All batteries are not created equal. If the battery is rated in "cold cranking amps", and not amp-hours (AH), don't bother with it. You are concerned with deep cycle batteries that are designed to drain deeply; not turn over a monster V8 at 20 below.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

D Plex Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 30 Jun 2017 at 1:25pm
	Thanks for that - how long do they give you power for the essentials (lights, water pump, a little heat)?

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6428	Posted: 30 Jun 2017 at 1:04pm
	I have the dual 6V batteries and have been pleased with their performance.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

D Plex Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 30 Jun 2017 at 12:58pm
	Hi all- my batteries just died and I'm trying to determine how to replace them on my 2014 182g. The r-Pod's previous owner set it up with space for three 12 volt batteries, but I'm considering a switch to two 6 volts, mainly because I co-own the R-Pod and can't be in charge of how the batteries may be discharged when I'm not there with the other owner. The durability/extent of drain of 6v batteries appeals in that regard, especially for dry camping, which we do about 40-50% of the time. I could get three 12 volts or two 6 volts, and either way, hitch weight sums (about 500 lbs tongue weight) and cost would be similar, given Costco prices (a little less for the 6v system). What do you all recommend?