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Old 06-02-2014, 12:29 PM   #1
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Exciting battery question!!!

Folks,
Even tho the PO claimed to have replaced my 4 coach batteries (a year or so before I bought), I don't think they were well cared for. The don't hold much voltage under load and I would like to get a good starting point before dry camping.

My coach HAS and originally came with 4 12V deep cycles (as demonstrated by sticker in compartment showing 12V wiring).

My PLAN is to convert over to 4 6V Costco cart batteries and a watering system. This one:

Amazon.com: Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit: Automotive


Sound ok?

I know how to properly wire it up, no worries there. Hope I have all the wires I will need already.

Thanks
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Old 06-02-2014, 01:39 PM   #2
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I know 6v batteries are more durable than 12v, but will you be loosing capacity by going to basically 2 12v batteries rather than the original 4 12v?
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Old 06-02-2014, 01:47 PM   #3
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This link should answer your questions.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

Shows how to compare amp hours for battery banks.
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Old 06-02-2014, 01:56 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by al2ride View Post
I know 6v batteries are more durable than 12v, but will you be loosing capacity by going to basically 2 12v batteries rather than the original 4 12v?
Actually quite the opposite. From the link provided above:

Golf cart batteries have a higher capacity than group 24 and 27 batteries... a pair of group 24 12 volt batteries only provide 140-170 amp/hours of capacity, where a pair of golf cart batteries provide 180-220 amp/hours.

So even though it takes 2 6V batteries in series to get to 12V, if you use the math above, 4 12V batteries yields 280-340amp hours while 4 6V batteries yield 360-440 amp/hours of energy.

Another benefit of gof cart batteries seems to be the lifespan possible if well cared for. That is why I am also buying a watering system.

Chris
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Old 06-02-2014, 02:15 PM   #5
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Golf cart batteries are designed for deep discharging and for rough riding. A cranking battery is designed for a large quick current draw (starter motor 100-150 amps) then a recharge. We had a set last for 10 years.

TeJay
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Old 06-02-2014, 02:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akeyzoo View Post
Actually quite the opposite. From the link provided above:

Golf cart batteries have a higher capacity than group 24 and 27 batteries... a pair of group 24 12 volt batteries only provide 140-170 amp/hours of capacity, where a pair of golf cart batteries provide 180-220 amp/hours.

So even though it takes 2 6V batteries in series to get to 12V, if you use the math above, 4 12V batteries yields 280-340amp hours while 4 6V batteries yield 360-440 amp/hours of energy.

Another benefit of gof cart batteries seems to be the lifespan possible if well cared for. That is why I am also buying a watering system.

Chris
Good to know, will be swapping out to 6v batteries when the time comes. What is the cost difference?
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Old 06-02-2014, 04:02 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by al2ride View Post
Good to know, will be swapping out to 6v batteries when the time comes. What is the cost difference?
Costco golf cart batteries appear to also be the least expensive option. Under $90 per battery.
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Old 06-02-2014, 04:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
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Costco golf cart batteries appear to also be the least expensive option. Under $90 per battery.
We have 2 12v in parallel, but not sure what capacity they are since there are no labels. Will definitely go with 2 6volts in series when they go out especially at 90 bucks each.
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Old 06-02-2014, 04:31 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akeyzoo View Post
My PLAN is to convert over to 4 6V Costco cart batteries and a watering system. This one:

Amazon.com: Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit: Automotive

Thanks
You'll love the Pro-Fill, I have it just takes a few minutes to check the level.

Chuck
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Old 06-02-2014, 07:04 PM   #10
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Chuck,
How do you check level, just try to pump water in?

Excited to have great batteries.

Chris
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Old 06-02-2014, 07:28 PM   #11
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Those Costco batteries are a great buy, my costco has them for $84 each. All the reviews have them rated as rock solid. Think you are making a good decision.
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Old 06-02-2014, 08:43 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Chuck,
How do you check level, just try to pump water in?

Excited to have great batteries.

Chris
Chris,
Yes, when the pump bulb gets firm all batteries are at the correct level. First couple of times I removed the adapters just to make sure. An added feature is the battery tops stay cleaner with the system.

Chuck
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Old 06-02-2014, 08:58 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Those Costco batteries are a great buy, my costco has them for $84 each. All the reviews have them rated as rock solid. Think you are making a good decision.
I have had the Costco batteries for a couple of years, they hold up just fine. I only have two batteries. As long as I get a good charge in them we can watch TV on Satellite in the evening and still have capacity to watch news in the morning and make 3 or 4 cup of coffee with the Keurig.

Chuck
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Old 06-03-2014, 10:17 AM   #14
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Bought the batteries last night. The date sticker on top was 6/14 How is that possible!!!????!!! Anyways, got 4 of them with matching date stickers and am waiting for watering system to arrive.

I am also thinking I will get the auto start module for my inverter while I am at it.

Chris
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