3 12v Batteries

[ftv37]

Eventually we will go to 4 6v batteries but for now is there any way to add another battery to our dual 12v system

[The General]

FTV37,

Here you go!
Connecting Batteries in Series or Parallel

in other words add another 12volt positive to positive and neg. to neg.

Simple as that!

Steve

[BryanL]

One of the advantages of just using batteries in parallel to create a small bank is that it is easy to add one at a time.

There are a number of caveats that apply to any bank. Wiring to handle anticipated currents and to keep the current flow balanced between all batteries is one. Battery matching in age, type, and size is another. Neither of these is usually a significant concern in most RV situations as the currents are normally not that large and the batteries are usually the same chemistry and type.

As for the composition of the bank, keep in mind that total battery capacity is a matter of weight, not voltage. The service life is mostly a matter of how you use and maintain your batteries - again, not a function of voltage.

One of the biggest, unsupportable (so far as anything I have found to date) ideas is that there is something magical about 6v batteries. That's OK (I guess) if you are into 'feel good' purchasing decisions. I prefer a more empirical approach myself.

[wa8yxm]

Short answer is yes

Six volt batteries are hooked up like this

{Bat}{ery} (you will notice the two halves spell (almost) Battery, you should think of the pair of them, in series as shown, as ONE battery.. makes life so much easier.

12 volt are hooked like this

{Battery}
{Battery}
{Battery}
{Battery}
{Battery}

As many as you wish

If you go with 4, 6, 8 or any 2n six volts then

{Bat}{ery}
{Bat}{ery}
{Bat}{ery}

Note that is the same thign but 2 halves per battery.

[The General]

wa8yxm,

I got a "CHARGE" out of your explanation!


Steve

[ftv37]

Thanks everyone