Coach batteries

[xjpr]

Is there a benefit of using banks of 6v batts instead of 12? anyone use lithium?

[thunderjet]

Usually they weight more and hold more Amp hours. True deep cycle lead plates last longer in years of service. GC6 priced under $100.
12 volt marine batts just not as good.

Not tried any other style batts in RV due to price.

TJ

[Stevegd007]

6v hold more AMP hours. Good if your dry camp a bunch. I personally don’t dry camp. I did go to a pair of maintenance free group 27 Lifeline AMG batteries! Hands down better than lead plate! Kinda of costly but worth it for this: No off gassing, no white build up & no corrosion, no checking water level ever couple of months. Going on 4 years & haven’t had to do a thing with them! They have a 5 year limited warranty! Give em a look

[OLYLEN]

There are true deep cycle 12 volt, so depending on room available for coach batteries 6 or 12 maybe an option(as in 3 12volt might be better than 2 6 volt). Size, amp hours,cost and personal use all enter into the purchase. Lithium price and what temps they can be used in would be a big problem for me.

LEN

[RobbyII]

I tried AGM, 6 volt, deep cycle and very happy. All the cables were ruined by off gassing and corrosion, etc. Now there is no corrosion at all (anywhere) cables stay as new, the discharge rate (disconnected is much less) and they will accept a charge faster. Yes they did cost a bit more but replacing all the cables cost as well. Longevity, well I don't know yet.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by xjpr

Is there a benefit of using banks of 6v batts instead of 12? anyone use lithium?

As you can see from the posts, there are opinions and choices depending on your situation and the size of your wallet.

The accepted "Norm" is using Flooded (Wet Cell) 6V Deep Cycle batteries wired in series parallel to give you 12V supply to the coach.
More commonly known as Golf Car Batteries. These batteries are designed for a steady power draw over a period of time as opposed to a starting battery which gives a high current for a short period to start your engine. Deep Cycle batteries are rated in Amp Hours typically in the range of 200AH per battery. Four of them will give you 800 AH.

12V Marine batteries are designed as an "All Season" type for starting and steady power draw. A compromise of the two types most commonly used in boats. Not a great pick for your RV.

So, which to pick?

The AGM battery is becoming more popular because it is essentially Maintenance Free. But it is pricey.
The Flooded Battery is the least costly and will last for 8-10 years with good care and maintenance meaning proper charge rate from the converter, keeping the cells topped up with distilled water and keeping the terminals clean and tight.

For some of us Old School RV'ers, Flooded cells are for us because of cost and we like to tinker with stuff.

Personally, I have a set of four Exide Flooded cell batteries going on eight years old that still have a couple years left in them yet. When they were new, the first time I need to add water, I added 4 Oz. of Mineral Oil to each cell and then topped off with distilled water. The Mineral oil reduces the off gassing effect which keeps the cables and terminals from corroding and extends the interval required to top off the water.
My coach is plugged in 24/7/365. My converter maintains the batteries at a constant 13.6 VDC. I add water about every 3-5 months. I replaced my cables when I installed the batteries new, coated the terminals with a light film of Battery Terminal Grease, and have not had them off since. They are as clean as the day I installed them, save for a little road dust.

So, there you have it. If you don't mind doing a little battery maintenance every few months, spend around $400-500 on a set of four flooded cells.

Or, spend likely 3-4 times that for a set of AGM's and walk away.