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cnord
07/08/05, 8:56 AM
I am having issues with my battery going dead in a short time, what are some good batteries to choose from lasting 24hours with a 13 in tv and playstation. I dont use it that long, but thats the general idea.
this is not for the motor just the coach portion

dscherbx
07/08/05, 11:22 AM
Get rid of the 12 volt battery and get a real deep cylcle batterys 6 volt golf cart batteries. 2 of them in parrell is the same as one 12 volt except you have almoust 8 times the battery life. they are ceap at sams club 45.00 each

Arizona Griz
07/08/05, 1:26 PM
quote:Originally posted by dscherbx

Get rid of the 12 volt battery and get a real deep cylcle batterys 6 volt golf cart batteries. 2 of them in parrell is the same as one 12 volt except you have almoust 8 times the battery life. they are ceap at sams club 45.00 each

Actually you would install them in series, not parallel.

Cletus
07/08/05, 1:58 PM
quote:Originally posted by dscherbx

Get rid of the 12 volt battery and get a real deep cylcle batterys 6 volt golf cart batteries. 2 of them in parrell is the same as one 12 volt except you have almoust 8 times the battery life. they are ceap at sams club 45.00 each


I have heard of this before, but have also heard that two 6 volt batteries did not last any longer than deep cycle 12 volt batteries.

Is this (two 6 volt batts) the way you actually have it in your RV? If so, what kind of appliances (lights, stereo's, etc.) can you run and for how long?

Also, can your current on-board charging system charge two six volt batteries? or do you have to charge them with a different charger?

I currently have two deep cycle 12 volt batts for the coach part of my motorhome and they seem to do pretty good.

One key to keeping batteries in good shape is to always keep them fully charged and full of electrolyte.

V10man
07/08/05, 7:10 PM
Check out www.rv.net/forum Lots of info on batteries. The general concensus is that two 6v will outlast 2 12v batteries. You can use a regular 12V charger on 2 6V batteries because they total 12 volts. I personally use 2 12v on my trailer.

steveb
07/08/05, 8:45 PM
Fleetwood uses the 6 volt baterries as far as I know, and Winnebago uses the 12 volt. Check with your owners manual. All systems are different and some companies will void your warranty if you alter the factory reccomended battery voltage between 12 or 6 volt! If yours is using 12 volt, get an extra one or two and that will solve your problem.

Advisory Council Member

steveb

Lucky
07/08/05, 9:09 PM
Disagree completely. 2 6 volt batteries running in series will far exceed 2 12 volt batteries, and both systems will run at 12 volts. You aren't changing anything that could void your warranty. I just did this swap. Kids played X box on the TV for about 4 hours and we watched movies at night for about 3 hours 2 nights in a row and had no battery drain. I did run my little Honda after 2 days to charge the batteries up.

quote:Originally posted by steveb

Fleetwood uses the 6 volt baterries as far as I know, and Winnebago uses the 12 volt. Check with your owners manual. All systems are different and some companies will void your warranty if you alter the factory reccomended battery voltage between 12 or 6 volt! If yours is using 12 volt, get an extra one or two and that will solve your problem.

Advisory Council Member

steveb

cnord
07/09/05, 5:45 AM
Thats exactly what Im looking for Lucky, letting the kids watch movies and play PS2. I found out from Beaudry that I can get an 80 deepcycle maintainable battery 12 volt from a rv dealer for about 149.00 but he said the identical battery at kragens or any autopart store is about 69.00. running 2X6volt in series seems to be longer lasting overall and was a second option mentioned by the rv store. the 3rd item was I might be having issues since my battery is 5+ years old, they stated replace them every 3-4 years as they expire.

Carl

steveb
07/09/05, 6:06 AM
quote:Originally posted by Lucky

Disagree completely. 2 6 volt batteries running in series will far exceed 2 12 volt batteries, and both systems will run at 12 volts. You aren't changing anything that could void your warranty. I just did this swap. Kids played X box on the TV for about 4 hours and we watched movies at night for about 3 hours 2 nights in a row and had no battery drain. I did run my little Honda after 2 days to charge the batteries up.





Let me clarify for you with my own example. I have a Winnebago motorhome with the 3-12v batteries that will outlast the 2-6volt's. Try and hook up 3-6 volts and come up with the correct voltage. Again, check your owners manual regarding your charging system and warranty if applicable.

steveb

Arizona Griz
07/09/05, 6:08 AM
quote:Originally posted by steveb
Try and hook up 3-6 volts and come up with the correct voltage.
steveb

Parallel two of the batteries and series the third. Pretty simple. :)

gtrplyr
07/09/05, 11:02 AM
Here is a link to the diagram for 6-volt set up's:

http://www.glamisdunes.com/invision/index.php?s=7f3b8c59e948844c1645315ce4ba286d&showtopic=36849

steveb
07/09/05, 11:15 AM
Check this link
http://www.partsonsale.com/learnwiring.htm

6 volts wired in series, the amp hour stays the same, and the voltage increases

12 volts wired in parallel, the amp hour increases while the voltage stays the same.

steveb

steveb
07/09/05, 11:18 AM
[/quote]
Parallel two of the batteries and series the third. Pretty simple. :)
[/quote]

That is illegal in most States

steveb

cnord
07/09/05, 3:47 PM
Steve thanks for the info, I think I wll just buy me a better newer battery with deep cycle rating of like 80 hours, I should be fine for a day or 2.
Carl

Cletus
07/09/05, 8:40 PM
quote:Originally posted by steveb



Parallel two of the batteries and series the third. Pretty simple. :)
[/quote]

That is illegal in most States

steveb
[/quote]

Is this really "illegal in most states"???? Why??

Although I don't intend on doing anything like that, I am just curious.

rap660
07/10/05, 8:55 AM
Camp at a campground with full hookups !!!:D:D

drtrider145
07/11/05, 7:28 PM
just get 12volt deep cycle marine or rv optima gel cells from costco for about 100 bucks spend $200 and don't worry about them for the next 5 years

paulnick
07/11/05, 7:38 PM
YOu guys are a wealth of information!

steveb
07/11/05, 8:44 PM
quote:Originally posted by paulnick

YOu guys are a wealth of information!


Thank's Paulnick;)

steveb

gdavis
08/08/05, 9:26 AM
It's time for batteries. I've decided which way I'm going. Here's the facts from Interstate Batteries. Pay attention to the RC (reserve capacity). This is how long a battery will last at the rated draw without recharging.

Even with two 12 volts the RC of the 6 volt is more than double.

You decide.

6 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_6volt.asp


12 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_deepcyclemp.asp


And for you Optima lovers:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_comsealed.asp

I be sure to let you all know how my two 6 volt batteries are working. (I hope I'm right. [:I] )

Cletus
08/08/05, 12:03 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


It's time for batteries. I've decided which way I'm going. Here's the facts from Interstate Batteries. Pay attention to the RC (reserve capacity). This is how long a battery will last at the rated draw without recharging.

Even with two 12 volts the RC of the 6 volt is more than double.

You decide.

6 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_6volt.asp


12 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_deepcyclemp.asp


And for you Optima lovers:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_comsealed.asp

I be sure to let you all know how my two 6 volt batteries are working. (I hope I'm right. [:I] )



glenn,

Great info.....keep us informed on how the 6 volts compare to your old system.

CT

Arizona Griz
08/08/05, 12:57 PM
Most of my friends have switched to two 6 volts. My two 12 volts are still holding up though.

cnord
08/08/05, 1:29 PM
I switched to 2 12volts since my batteries are just fine, the Deep Cycle I purchased has an excellent rate to use and the other I have no idea but it does well also.

gdavis
08/08/05, 1:41 PM
It was brought to my attention by my neighbor...."what happens if one of the batteries takes a s**t?"

So now I'll also be purchasing one of them 12 volt power stations. Been wantin' one of them anyway. :D

Arizona Griz
08/08/05, 4:44 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


It was brought to my attention by my neighbor...."what happens if one of the batteries takes a s**t?"

So now I'll also be purchasing one of them 12 volt power stations. Been wantin' one of them anyway. :D

Glen, I am assuming you are talking about the 6 volt batteries. What is a 12 volt power station?

gdavis
08/08/05, 4:53 PM
quote:Originally posted by Arizona Griz

quote:Originally posted by gdavis


It was brought to my attention by my neighbor...."what happens if one of the batteries takes a s**t?"

So now I'll also be purchasing one of them 12 volt power stations. Been wantin' one of them anyway. :D

Glen, I am assuming you are talking about the 6 volt batteries. What is a 12 volt power station?


One of them small packages with the jumper cables, a 12 volt receptacle and some with an inverter with a 110 volt receptacle and an air compressor. It's got the power of an automotive battery.

It's enough to keep the 12 volt essentials going (refrigerator, water pump) in case one of the 6 volt batteries dies. For now I just have a 12 volt deep cycle battery as a spare.....just in case.

Arizona Griz
08/08/05, 6:07 PM
Okay, now I know what you are talking about. :)

TANK
08/08/05, 9:12 PM
Why not do what I did, I bought a 12 volt school bus battery over a year ago and have not ran out of juice once. Just like buying 3 batteries in one. Just have to modify the battery holder.

gdavis
08/08/05, 10:36 PM
These 6 volt batteries don't fit in a standard battery box either. Too tall. Kind of looks like two batteries sittin' in boxes with a roof strapped on. :D

mcraigmasson
08/09/05, 10:48 AM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


These 6 volt batteries don't fit in a standard battery box either. Too tall. Kind of looks like two batteries sittin' in boxes with a roof strapped on. :D



I agree with that. Has anyone found a battery box for the 6 volt batteries?

gdavis
08/09/05, 11:16 AM
Camping World or an Interstate Battery store can set you up. Expensive though, $70 - $100 is the estimates I've heard.

I'll just use the strapped on roof till these batteries prove themselves. :D

gdavis
08/09/05, 11:18 AM
quote:Originally posted by TANK

Why not do what I did, I bought a 12 volt school bus battery over a year ago and have not ran out of juice once. Just like buying 3 batteries in one. Just have to modify the battery holder.


I'd like to see a picture of that. [^]

TANK
08/09/05, 6:06 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis

quote:Originally posted by TANK

Why not do what I did, I bought a 12 volt school bus battery over a year ago and have not ran out of juice once. Just like buying 3 batteries in one. Just have to modify the battery holder.


I'd like to see a picture of that. [^]





Well "G" you asked. I love it!! But I don't have kids playing play station all weekend either. But I know it will run the heater for three nights in a row! And that makes the wife very happy!! And when she is happy, I'm happy!!!

I had two deep cell 12 volt before and I always would have to wake up in the middle of the night to change batteries. Nothing like wake up to the carbon monoxide alarm going of at 3 a.m.

My neighbor has been doing it for years. I guess it is pretty poplar in the dunes. I believe I paid $150 and it will out last any car size battery by years.


http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/TANK/2005810337_Battery 1.jpg



http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/TANK/20058103334_BatteryII.jpg

gdavis
08/09/05, 8:20 PM
I see they don't make a battery box for that size either. :D

steveb
08/10/05, 5:47 AM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


It's time for batteries. I've decided which way I'm going. Here's the facts from Interstate Batteries. Pay attention to the RC (reserve capacity). This is how long a battery will last at the rated draw without recharging.

Even with two 12 volts the RC of the 6 volt is more than double.

You decide.

6 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_6volt.asp


12 volt deep cycle batteries:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_deepcyclemp.asp


And for you Optima lovers:

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_comsealed.asp

I be sure to let you all know how my two 6 volt batteries are working. (I hope I'm right. [:I] )





Divide the reserve capacity by 2 on the 6 volt batteries (since you will be using 12 volt);) The 12 volt batteries have more if I am correct.

steveb

gdavis
08/10/05, 6:40 AM
We're using two 6 volt batteries in series. The Reserve Capacity stays the same as the voltage doubles.

When using two 12 volt batteries wired in parallel, the voltage stays the same while the RC doubles. (if they are the same rated batteries)

With that, the two 6 volt batteries still have almost double the RC of the two 12 volt batteries, unless you get one of those monster ones as shown above.

Nice try Steveb. [:p] :D

steveb
08/10/05, 4:20 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis

We're using two 6 volt batteries in series. The Reserve Capacity stays the same as the voltage doubles.

When using two 12 volt batteries wired in parallel, the voltage stays the same while the RC doubles. (if they are the same rated batteries)

With that, the two 6 volt batteries still have almost double the RC of the two 12 volt batteries, unless you get one of those monster ones as shown above.

Nice try Steveb. [:p] :D





What's the matter can't afford some good twelve volt Batteries?[:o)]
Been there done that with the six volt set and was very dissatisfied with the performance. Lose one cell and your dead in the water. BTW, That little silly pack your talking about wont last 5 minutes with the heater, water pump, TV, Sat dish and etc. I will lend you some power on the next get together when your lite-less;)

Somebody give Moose a flashlight:D

Electrical Engineer, steveb

gdavis
08/10/05, 5:08 PM
Hey mister....at least I bought mine new and didn't steal 'em from the local golf course.[:0] You should a picked out a newer set. [:I]

Next time we get together, I'll park next to ya and run my generator just to disturb your ass. It'll be the only reason I'll need it. [}:)]

Steveb's Mentor
Cougar21-2

Moose
08/10/05, 9:39 PM
Steveb, leave me out of this. I don't need no flashlight. I can see in the dark.;) Thanks for the offer, though.

But, can I borrow your shower?

Fat ass Moosie, Bubble Butt, Two-ton Tessy. 21-2:D

[:X]

Sykoman
08/11/05, 7:47 AM
Can't we just all get along........I feel the love in the Computer Cyberspace!!!!!!!!!!!

gdavis
08/11/05, 10:24 AM
quote:Originally posted by steveb

BTW, That little silly pack your talking about wont last 5 minutes with the heater, water pump, TV, Sat dish and etc.




BTW....my two 12 volt batteries didn't last 5 min. with the heater, water pump, TV, sat dish and etc.

Anyway just to satisfy YOU, I'll be carrying an extra 12 volt battery, fully charged in case I loose "one cell"......dickhead. :D

Hey Rif.....me and Steveb.....we get along just fine. [:0] [B)] ;) :D

Sykoman
08/11/05, 10:53 AM
gdavis I figured you did sounds like me and my cousin tlkin Lol

steveb
08/11/05, 8:39 PM
quote:Originally posted by Moose


Steveb, Thanks for the offer,
can I borrow your shower?

Fat ass Moosie, Bubble Butt, Two-ton Tessy. 21-2:D

[:X]



Uh I guess so[8)]

Are you gonna tell Glenn?

Me,
steveb

Lucky
08/11/05, 9:25 PM
Well all I can add is I have had 1 12 volt then 2 12 volts, and now 2 6 volts. The difference in the amount of time they work and remain viable with my kids and me watching about 4 hours TV a night is HUGE. There is no comparison, so all you engineering and other stuff means nothing to me in a real life application.

I can go 3 or 4 days without ever turning the generator on either the little Honda or my big built in. Before I would have been running one of them every day.

Moose
08/11/05, 10:01 PM
quote:Originally posted by steveb
Uh I guess so[8)]

Are you gonna tell Glenn?

Me,
steveb


We'll keep it a secret, k? ;)

Oh, don't tell Sheri either.

gdavis
08/11/05, 10:43 PM
quote:Originally posted by Moose

quote:Originally posted by steveb
Uh I guess so[8)]

Are you gonna tell Glenn?

Me,
steveb


We'll keep it a secret, k? ;)

Oh, don't tell Sheri either.




Oh....don't worry about that, she's used our shower a few times. ;)

steveb
08/12/05, 5:06 AM
I am in the process of connecting 600 D cell batteries together for my RV power. The reserve capacity will be huge. I will let you know how it works. Now I need to find a battery box....

All the best,

Bob Bentondorf

ArmPump
08/12/05, 5:16 AM
quote:Originally posted by steveb

I am in the process of connecting 600 D cell batteries together for my RV power. The reserve capacity will be huge. I will let you know how it works. Now I need to find a battery box....

All the best,

Bob Bentondorf


steveb,

you give up on the duct tape and paper towel roll idea for a holder? If not, i been saving my toilet paper rolls for a year now. I got 3 so far.

Moose
08/12/05, 5:17 AM
quote:Originally posted by steveb

I am in the process of connecting 600 D cell batteries together for my RV power. The reserve capacity will be huge. I will let you know how it works. Now I need to find a battery box....

All the best,

Bob Bentondorf



:D:D:D

Where do you come up with this stuff????

Steve.....sometimes ya scare me. [:0][:p]:D

[:X]

steveb
08/12/05, 5:37 AM
Hey Armpump, I know you have been saving the rolls for that model rocket project,are you really willing to part with them? How much are ya askin? I don't have any rolls, I quit using TP..

Wood Shop Foreman '83

Bobby Bentondorf

gdavis
08/12/05, 8:49 AM
quote:Originally posted by steveb

I am in the process of connecting 600 D cell batteries together for my RV power. The reserve capacity will be huge. I will let you know how it works. Now I need to find a battery box....

All the best,

Bob Bentondorf


Man........good thing you have a good Mentor......I'll teach ya everything ya need to know......you'll never be alone.....don't worry son, it's gonna be all right. :(

gdavis
08/15/05, 8:58 PM
OK.....Here's the 6 volt battery review.....

With all the rain we had this past weekend, especially Friday and Saturday night, we watched close to 10 hours of satellite TV without having to start the generator and re-charge the batteries.

Steveb don't know what he's talking about!!!! [V] grrrrrrr........

Shane1
08/15/05, 10:10 PM
quote:Originally posted by steveb

I am in the process of connecting 600 D cell batteries together for my RV power. The reserve capacity will be huge. I will let you know how it works. Now I need to find a battery box....

All the best,

Bob Bentondorf


I heard the hot setup these days is 1200 C Cells in series. But it's illegal in 48 states and 2 countries.[:o)][}:)]

Shane

TANK
08/16/05, 9:52 AM
Are those 1200 C cells rechargeable?

Man that would be a pain!!!!

Cletus
08/16/05, 12:52 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


OK.....Here's the 6 volt battery review.....

With all the rain we had this past weekend, especially Friday and Saturday night, we watched close to 10 hours of satellite TV without having to start the generator and re-charge the batteries.

Steveb don't know what he's talking about!!!! [V] grrrrrrr........


glenn,

What is the re-charge time? Just wondering if they take longer to recharge, etc.

Thanks.

gdavis
08/16/05, 1:38 PM
Don't know exactly what the recharge time is, of course that depends on how discharged they are. All things equal, they do take longer than 12 volt.

gary12
08/16/05, 8:53 PM
We just installed a large solar panel on the roof with 2-6 volt batteries. This should solve all. What kind of inverers are you guys using? We have a PS2, TV, and DVD? Anyone have a solar panel?

steveb
08/17/05, 2:04 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


OK.....Here's the 6 volt battery review.....

With all the rain we had this past weekend, especially Friday and Saturday night, we watched close to 10 hours of satellite TV without having to start the generator and re-charge the batteries.

Steveb don't know what he's talking about!!!! [V] grrrrrrr........






Gdavis after TEN HOURS OF TV


http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/steveb/200581723014_DCP_0085~1.JPG


Gdavis's Wiring Work


http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/steveb/200581723338_RV Fire.jpg


steveb

steveb
08/17/05, 6:54 PM
quote:Originally posted by gdavis


OK.....Here's the 6 volt battery review.....

With all the rain we had this past weekend, especially Friday and Saturday night, we watched close to 10 hours of satellite TV

Steveb don't know what he's talking about!!!! [V] grrrrrrr........





That explains the (Moose)[:o)] You ever hear the word Hobby?

Hobby Enthusiast,
steveb

quadman20
08/30/05, 4:07 AM
I'm useing a battery saver solar panel. Works great to keep batteries up in between camping trips.