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RobReab · 06-25-2020, 09:41 AM

I currently have 2 ea. 12v Exide 24MDCST 80 Amps @20 hrs.

Converter/charger is OEM Atwood p/n 81001006-3 13.72 v out 55 amps.

Thinking purchasing 2 ea. 6V Duracell ECG2 20 amp hour rate: 230. I know I'll have to rewire them for parallel.

I obviously don't boondock with only two batteries. Spend most of my time on shore power. Just use batteries during travel for 1 or 2 nights.

Don't know much about the chargers. Do I need to replace my charger for these?

Recommendations?

Thanks all.

A32Deuce · 06-25-2020, 09:57 AM

If you don't boon dock, why change battery types. If 1 6volt bat goes bad no bat power. If 1 12 volt bat goes bad yup can disconnect it and have 12 volts. Happened to me. I could see 4 6volt batterys and boondock but that advantage of 2 6volt and not boondocking, I'd keep the 2 12 volts.

RobReab · 06-25-2020, 10:05 AM

Good thought. I was just trying to get all the amps I could without major costs.

Waiter21 · 06-25-2020, 10:15 AM

I agree with A32deuce.

If you rarely, if ever, boondock, there is no need to upgrade the batteries or converter.

While traveling, your alternator will keep the batteries charged. Before changing batteries and converters, I'd recommend looking at how you consume; i.e. lights.

LED light can provide the same level and color of light, but consume 1/3 - 1/5 the power as a corresponding incandescent light. Same with florescent fixtures, these LEDs retrofit will consume about 1/2 the watts as the fluorescent light.

LED Conversion – 1999 Southwind 35S

Convert fluorescent fixtures to LED – 1999 Southwind 35S

..

twinboat · 06-25-2020, 12:00 PM

If you go with two 6 volt batteries, in SERIES, not parallel, your charger will be fine.

If your not making it thru the nights, when you do dry camp, with the 2 gp 24 batteries, swapping in two 6 volt GC2 batteries will give you the added capacity you may need.

RobReab · 06-25-2020, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

If you go with two 6 volt batteries, in SERIES, not parallel, your charger will be fine.

If your not making it thru the nights, when you do dry camp, with the 2 gp 24 batteries, swapping in two 6 volt GC2 batteries will give you the added capacity you may need.

Yeah, you're right. The 6 volts need to be in series. For 12v, they'd be parallel. I got it bass akwards.

RobReab · 06-25-2020, 02:11 PM

Thanks. I've already converted 98% of my lights to led. In fact, I just got in an order for some wedge led's that should finish the job.

RobReab · 06-27-2020, 10:40 AM

Thanks all!

Ended up purchasing 2 12V Duracell group 24 Deep Cycle from Sam's .

Bought the same size. Thought about upsizing to group 27 but was concerned I'd have trouble fitting them in.

I'm in the middle of Reno'ing the RV so I have enough projects without adding another one.