12V to 6V Battery Conversion

[tyoneonit]

Just talked directly with Lifeline Battery company inquiring about purchasing 4 GPL 24T batteries. The rep suggested I change over to 6volt batteries to increase reserve from 596 minutes to either 984 or 1320, depending on whether I go with their 4CT or 6CT battery. Wiring change looks pretty straightforward, but wondering if there are any other issues that need to be considered. Too late today to call Newmar, so hoping someone else that originally had 12 volts in their RV has made this conversion. Any input?

[Scottybdivin]

I changed my previous RV from 1 x 12V to 4 x 6V, and had no problems at all. As long as all the 12V circuits are connected to a series pair, there is no difference. The voltage is the same, just more capacity. I recently increased my current rig from 6 x 6V to 8 x 6V.

[nothermark]

Check the space available vs the case size. I see a lot of recommendations to do things that electrically make sense but do not physically fit the space available.

Batteries are not magic. As long as one is staying in the same family more capacity=more volume. Change the battery family to change that relationship. The reason a given case size has more Amp Hours is that it has less voltage. The power (watt hours) is essentially the same. For the nit pickers there can be a slight increase as some of the cell walls are eliminated making room for more plates.

[Wesslvm]

I'm in the process of installing 4 Lifeline 6CT batteries in place of 4 12 volt Interstates. Also installing shunt for battery monitor kit.


2016 Canyon Star 3710
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[tyoneonit]

Originally Posted by Wesslvm

I'm in the process of installing 4 Lifeline 6CT batteries in place of 4 12 volt Interstates. Also installing shunt for battery monitor kit.


2016 Canyon Star 3710
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

I'm leaning toward spending the extra $$ to do the 6CT also. Did you have to modify the cable ends to fit the new batteries? Lifeline said that for the wiring configuration all of the negative cables could be connected on one post. Is that what your doing? Is your CS wiring set up like mine (schematic attached)

[Skip426]

Just in case you don't have the 4-6 volt battery diagram , here's the one from my set up .

Two of 6 volt batteries are hooked positive to negative to form a 12 volt power supply, the same for the other 2 , 6 volts. Then each of the pairs of batteries are hooked up positive to positive and negative to negative.
Before you hook up all the ground wires check with a volt meter to be sure you only have 12.7 volts approx.

[Scottybdivin]

Here's a diagram closer to your configuration. The GPL-6CT's are 3" taller. I didn't have the clearance in my tray, or I would have went that direction.

[Wesslvm]

Originally Posted by tyoneonit

I'm leaning toward spending the extra $$ to do the 6CT also. Did you have to modify the cable ends to fit the new batteries? Lifeline said that for the wiring configuration all of the negative cables could be connected on one post. Is that what your doing? Is your CS wiring set up like mine (schematic attached)
Attachment 130495

I have similar wiring, just add extra cables for second inverter.

I had to buy three new cables, 18" each of 1/0 cable. One pos and one neg to tie the two banks of six volt batteries together, and one more neg which goes to my shunt for my battery monitor All of my neg cables are all going to the load side of the shunt where I have an additional post for all the cables.

I'm using only two of the existing interconnecting cables to wire each pair of 6V batteries together. See the pic provided in post above.

I'm finishing my install in the morning, I'll try to post pictures afterwards.

Wes


2016 Canyon Star 3710

[Wesslvm]

Also, I had bestconverter.com ship me my batteries to a FedEx freight terminal. I had to pick up the batteries at the terminal, but I saved a lot of $$ going this route.


2016 Canyon Star 3710

[Wesslvm]

Lifeline 6CT batteries are installed!

I had to modify the door latch and extend the strap.

See pics.

Shunt installed for Victron battery monitor.



Batteries are taller and wider. Barely fit under gas pipe in in rear.



Had to move latch on door and cut part of latch catch.






2016 Canyon Star 3710
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by Wesslvm

Lifeline 6CT batteries are installed!

I had to modify the door latch and extend the strap.

See pics.

Shunt installed for Victron battery monitor.

Attachment 130645

Batteries are taller and wider. Barely fit under gas pipe in in rear.

Attachment 130646

Had to move latch on door and cut part of latch catch.

Attachment 130647
Attachment 130648



2016 Canyon Star 3710
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

Nice!

That will give you a good increase in amp hours.

[Wesslvm]

Originally Posted by newmarpusher

Nice!



That will give you a good increase in amp hours.

Compared to previous batteries, more than doubled!


2016 Canyon Star 3710
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

[Scottybdivin]

Very nice upgrade. 600 Ah's?

[Wesslvm]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

Very nice upgrade. 600 Ah's?

Yes