I need HELP!!!: Batteries question 12 vs 6v

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Batteries question 12 vs 6v

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Topic: Batteries question 12 vs 6v

Posted By: Gulo
Subject: Batteries question 12 vs 6v
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2024 at 9:05pm

I have an Rpod 178. Recently both 6v golf cart batteries died while in a remote location. The best battery I could find within 100 miles was a 12v deep cell battery for boats and RV's. I changed the cables around and made it work to get home but am now considering refitting the battery system. I now have two 12V deep cell batteries that will fit nicely into my battery boxes when wired in parallel. One is three days old, one about a year, both in good condition. These are batteries supposedly designed for use with boats or RVs. My local RV guy tells me I should use two 6v golf cart batteries because they will give me "a deeper charge" whatever that means. I am mostly using shore power when camping, which is why I didn't realize my old batteries were toast.

I'm wondering, a.) whether what my RV guy says is true and b.) whether it is worth buying two new 6v batteries and letting two good 12v batteries sit on the bench and c.) what are the advantages/disadvantages of 6v vs 12v?

Can you tell I'm new to this stuff?

Replies:

Posted By: Riobug
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2024 at 8:18am

Do not know about the battery charge, etc., but a major reason for using 6v in a boat is that, for comparable energy, one can actually lift the batteries without a crane and fit them in cramped spaces.

If your 12 volts fit and have a tough case then probably good enough for the next 3-5 years.

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2024 at 8:35am

You will get all kinds of opinions on this. There are some old-schoolers that think two 6 volt batteries are the beez kneez. I had two 12v batteries as you have now and never had an issue. This debate rages on the Escape forum as well.

What I do know is that the age difference between your two batteries could prove to be a problem. Batteries in a battery bank should be close in age.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2024 at 7:04pm

+1 WRT what Gpokluda said.

Some say the charge will be more balanced with 2 6-volt batteries in series.

That said, we have been using 2 12-volt batteries since ours was new in 2017.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: Alan-D
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2024 at 4:43pm

Gpokluda has it right. Get yourself a battery load tester (<$30) to keep an eye on the batteries. In a few years when one them starts show replace, get 2 new batteries. No need to spend money now. In a couple of years you may have sold your camper or new battery technology will help you make up your mind.