Batteries for a 5th wheel

[davtil]

Which arrangement is better when dry camping and electrical hook up is about 50/50, two 6 volt batteries or two 12 volt batteries. I have a generator we use when needed. I have to replace my batteries which are 12 volt and would appreciate other thoughts on the subject.

Thank you

[BCooke]

I am assuming these batteries are not used to start a vehicle engine. In that case 2 6 volt golf cart batteries would be the way to go. They are designed for 80% draw down them charge.

[Cat320]

For coach batteries, 6v are better than 12v.

[djkarau]

What you really have to look at is the Amp Hour rating of each battery bank. Manufacturers make deep cycle batteries in all sorts of different voltages. 2v, 4v, 6v, 8v and 12v. Always look at the AHr ratings and ensure you compare apples to apples. Some batteries are rated on a 20 hour draw others are on a 100 hour draw. The 20 hr draw is a more accurate rating as it puts a larger load on the battery to determine its strength. You need to determine how many AHrs your total system will have and then you will know which is actually the "bigger" bank. This of course assumes you are looking at similar technologies from reputible manufacturers.

2 x 6V 200 Ahr batteries connected in series = 1 x 12v 200 AHr bank
2 x 12v 100 Ahr batteries connected in parallel = 1 x 12v 200 AHr bank

So in this case these two banks would be the same!

[Blaster 22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by djkarau 2 x 6V 200 Ahr batteries connected in series = 1 x 12v 200 AHr bank 2 x 12v 100 Ahr batteries connected in parallel = 1 x 12v 200 AHr bank So in this case these two banks would be the same!

True, but the 6v batteries (especially golf cart models) will last much longer than the 12v batteries.

[Chemtchr]

I have two 6V golf cart batteries. The wife and I spent 5 nights dry camping at Glacier last year. By the time we left we still had half our battery life. If you do a lot of dry camping, these are the way to go.

[djkarau]

I live off the grid in northern Canada, I rely on my battery bank to live.

The only batteries I would buy are Rolls by Surrette.

Renewable Energy Product Line | Rolls Battery

A pair of any of the batteries in section B would be great for a 12v system and give you plenty of power, especially with a solar panel attached to them.

As stated above the 12v batteries are fine, however, a pair of 6v are your best bang for the buck.