Community Forums

Rookie RVer · 08-12-2017, 10:42 PM

Notice my "handle", Rookie RVer. Well, now I have a technical question about the house batteries. I just purchased 4 new batteries and I did not realize that the house batteries are 6 vdc golf cart batteries. When I look at the wiring it appears that there are two sets of batteries hooked in series making each set 12 vdc but then those two sets are in parallel. I am confused as to why 12 vdc batteries are not used . Can someone shed some light on the situation for me? A related question is what kind of batteries does everyone use for house batteries?? THANKS! Sandy

Mr_D · 08-12-2017, 10:48 PM

Deep cycle 6 volt batteries give the most performance and usually life for their cost.
My rig came with 4 8-D 12 volt AGM batteries, they cost over $600 each, much cheaper to use 8 $90 batteries but they require more maintenance

Skip426 · 08-12-2017, 10:55 PM

Most larger class A use the 4 ; 6 volt battery set up . particularly if they are equipped with an inverter to produce 120 volt power for the RV. Newer all electric class As use at least 8; 6volt batteries.

Most 12 volt questions answered at this site.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

marjoa · 08-13-2017, 05:23 AM

To the OP:

Put your MH information into your signature
Take a couple of minutes to fill out your signature with information about your motorhome (MH). This will really help in all future posts too.
You do this by:
1) Going to the top of this page and click the top left tab named “User CP”
2) Look at the menu on the left and scroll down to “Settings & Options” and click “Edit Signature”
3) In that text box type all the information about your MH. Year, model, length, mileage, any aftermarket extras installed and so on.

Melmoses · 08-13-2017, 08:02 AM

MrD is correct in that 6V golf cart batteries last a lot longer than 12V deep cycle batteries plus they generally put out more ampheres. They will handle more discharges also so those are the reasons they are used in almost all if not all motorhomes. I got replacement batteries at Sam's Club for around $80 apiece for Interstates. They are wet cell, meaning you have to watch the water monthly and use distilled water. I have a ProFill system I put on that makes that easy. I have 6 in my coach.