Community Forums

KE0M · 12-10-2006, 03:36 AM

I'm making the conversion from 3 12VDC deep cycle batteries to 4 6VDC deep cycle batteries. While there is not a lot of room left over, I do have a choice of pushing all 4 batteries close to each other (touching), or leaving a little space between them. I'm guessing I should opt for a little space between them as batteries can get hot. Those of you who have more experience in this area, tell me what you'd do.

Thanks,
Larry

KE0M · 12-10-2006, 03:36 AM

I'm making the conversion from 3 12VDC deep cycle batteries to 4 6VDC deep cycle batteries. While there is not a lot of room left over, I do have a choice of pushing all 4 batteries close to each other (touching), or leaving a little space between them. I'm guessing I should opt for a little space between them as batteries can get hot. Those of you who have more experience in this area, tell me what you'd do.

Thanks,
Larry

Bob (WA0MQE) · 12-10-2006, 12:44 PM

I've had four batteries touching each other in their housing for years without problem. If any the issue might be if a battery goes bad and starts swelling which can be common in a faulty battery. This could make it difficult to remove if it swells too much.

isa · 12-10-2006, 03:16 PM

I have 3 -12v AGM's in parallel and I use thin pieces of cardboard between the batteries and also between the batteries and the side/end rails. All of this is tautly wrapped around with a nylon type strap. This keeps the batteries very snug with no movement at all.

Cruzer · 12-10-2006, 04:16 PM

I've seen many battery configurations packed in tight over the years with no problems.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-11-2006, 03:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">as batteries can get hot </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If your batteries actually get hot, you have a problem whether they touch or not. Slightly warm is the very worst you should ever get.

So, no, there is no need to leave space between them. Since it is undesirable to have them rattling around loose, it is probably better to have them touching and wedged/strapped tightly in place.

shastaron · 12-11-2006, 05:03 PM

Remember that you will have a least 50% of the sides exposed as will as the tops for heat exchange. In my install there is plenty of air movement and when I am driving more air is moving as the big charge is hitting the batteries.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 12-12-2006, 12:46 PM

Another thought: If you have a tall battery box, you might eyeball the Trojan L16HC.

They are about twice the capacity of the Trojan T-105 (and about twice the cost), but are taller.

L16HC is 11 5/8 x 7 x 16 11/16 high... so two L16HC's would take up about the same floor space as two T105's (10 3/8 x 7 1/8 x 11 3/16) but provide similar capacity to 4 T105's.

Just a thought...