Mixing Battery Types

[mm58]

Hello All,

Just bought a WW FB2100. Am going to install two 6 volt Trojan T-105 batts, and was wondering if I could/should also wire in the stock 12v for additional reserve power.
Do I need all batts to be of same type/capacity?
What bad things could happen if I wire up my system this way?

Thanks for your expertise...

Mike

[mm58]

Hello All,

Just bought a WW FB2100. Am going to install two 6 volt Trojan T-105 batts, and was wondering if I could/should also wire in the stock 12v for additional reserve power.
Do I need all batts to be of same type/capacity?
What bad things could happen if I wire up my system this way?

Thanks for your expertise...

Mike

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I would not hook different types of batteries in parallel. They will likely perform poorly, and if one has a bad cell, it will draw down the others. That's one of the advantages of running 2 6v's in series.

Perhaps you could set up a heavy duty switch, so you could switch between your two different banks of batteries?

Otherwise, if you need more capacity than the 2 Trojan T105's, you could go with 2 Trojan L16HC's. They are taller than the T105, but are rated at 420 amp hours each...

BTW, I see this was your first post. Welcome. I'm sure lots of friendly people who know a lot more than I do will also chime in to offer help.

[Vette Racer]

MM58

I agree here, not a good idea to mix batteries. If you are going to run the 6 volts then go with that and save the 12 volt for something else.

Since I notice this is your first post, first of all let me welcome you to iRV2. I'll put a shortcut on your post so the people in the new member section can welcome you too along with a link to the RV systems and appliances forum for input about the batteries. Come back often.

[RV Wizard]

MM58, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. Congratulations on the new coach. I am sure you will like both it and the forum.
Here are a few links to help on battery info:
http://www.dcbattery.com/faq.html#1
http://www.usbattery.com/care.htm
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Bat...ery%20Charging

www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm
You will find we are a group of fun loving RVers that like to help each other where we can. If you have any questions just ask. Good luck and take care.