12 Volt versus 6 Volt Batteries

[CYOUL8R]

I'm getting ready to replace my two 6 volt Trojan 105 batteries and am not sure if I should stay with this setup or change over to two 12 volt batteries. My question is this:

2-6 volt @ 105 amps each, connected in series = 105 amps.
2-12 volt @ 105 amps each, connected parallel = 210 amps.

Even if the 12 volt batteries were only 80 amps each that would still give more (160 amps) than my current setup.

Can someone explain why most prefer the 6 volt battery setup?

[CYOUL8R]

I'm getting ready to replace my two 6 volt Trojan 105 batteries and am not sure if I should stay with this setup or change over to two 12 volt batteries. My question is this:

2-6 volt @ 105 amps each, connected in series = 105 amps.
2-12 volt @ 105 amps each, connected parallel = 210 amps.

Even if the 12 volt batteries were only 80 amps each that would still give more (160 amps) than my current setup.

Can someone explain why most prefer the 6 volt battery setup?

[John66]

Well, I don't think you really care what the maximum current capability is. What you want is AMP HOURS. I think the 6 volts tend to provide high amp hours for the size and weight, and tend to last longer too. Plus, if you are already set up for the 6 volts, you might need to get new interconnection wiring for the 12 volts...

[Rob Hentges]

I would strongly recommend a good management system on your charger. My previous stock charger was bubbling the water away inside the batteries. I replaced the stock converter with one that came with the battery wizard and am completely satisfied. We have a primitive campsite in central PA with no electric or water. We have stayed a couple of days in the winter which made the furnace fan cycle often. We also have a 12volt fan at the rear bed because my wife cannot sleep without the noise of a fan. With the two trojan 105's and the new converter with charge wizard, we have not had any problems. After one year, I still have not had to add any fluid to the batteries.

[Scooter]

Two Interstate U2200 6-volt batteries will give you 220 amp hours.

[Gary RVRoamer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">2-6 volt @ 105 amps each, connected in series = 105 amps. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Any decent "golf cart" 6V battery will be rated at 220 amp-hours, not 105 AH, so the 6V's are equal or better than two Size 27 12V's in parallel (2 x 105 = 210).

The advantage of the 6V's is that golf cart batteries are contructed with heavy duty plates and will hold up well under repeated discharging/recharging. You can get 12V's with similar construction from Trojan, but they are pricey. Your chances of getting a discount price on a 6V are much better.