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Old 07-22-2007, 11:58 AM   #1
drjjj
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Changing Battery to 6 volt

In "lurking" on these forums and learning a tremendous amount from all of the members I have noticed that many have changed their battery system to 6 volt golf cart batteries. What is the benefit, and is it hard to do? Does it affect any warranties (extended or otherwise)? Thanks.
 
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Old 07-22-2007, 12:08 PM   #2
skypilot
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Doesn't affect warranty if done right. Takes 2 6Volt batteries wired in serial fashion (equates to one 12 volt) but the golf cart batteries have higher total run (draw) times. Gives you longer time running on battery than 12 volt deep cycle.
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Old 07-22-2007, 02:28 PM   #3
stiles watson
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I bought a right sized box to house the 6-volt batteries. It takes a little more space in the front compartment, but works fine. Remember two 6-volt batteries are heavier than one 12-volt deep cycle. Your batteries are not warrantied by Keystone anyway. No issues as long as you deliver 12-volts.
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Old 07-22-2007, 02:58 PM   #4
DHenry
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I changed my batteries to 2 6 volt golf cart batteries last year and I can not get over how much longer they last than the old 12 volt ones. Well worth the expense.
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Old 07-22-2007, 04:23 PM   #5
Illini Trekker
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If you do allot of camping without electric the two battery set up is the way to go. But right now I just use one 12 volt because we camp at parks 90% of the time. The 6 volts will last longer but twice the weight and cost one works for us now. More real good reading HERE at (The 12 volt side of Life)!

http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm
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Old 07-22-2007, 04:36 PM   #6
exav8tr
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The six volt golf cart batteries are the deepest of the deep cell batteries. Reason being is the plates are considerally thicker than the others. They are made to hold a charge a lot longer than most other deep cells. Yes they coswt more and weigh more. When my 12 volt goes, it will be 2 6 volt golf cart batteries for me, (maybe 4 of those suckers IF we take to boondocking). Check into the AGM batteries also, twice as expensive but probably worth the cost in the long run..........
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Old 07-23-2007, 02:18 AM   #7
drjjj
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What are AGM batteries?
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Old 07-23-2007, 03:04 AM   #8
Illini Trekker
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Read through The 12volt Side of Life link posted above, it will answer lots of your Q&A.

AGM = absorbed glass mat
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Old 07-23-2007, 04:01 AM   #9
Ozz
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There is 12 volt side of life #I and II both are good to study.
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Old 07-23-2007, 05:47 AM   #10
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We boondock with 6 6volt AGM batteries connected to our solar panels.

Everything you hear about AGM batteries is true, they are well worth their price and weight with no maintenance with the proper charge controller.
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Old 07-23-2007, 12:12 PM   #11
bobgay
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drjj, you need to be careful when comparing 6 and 12 volt batteries. There is no significant difference between total amp hours in a pair of most golf cart batteries and a pair of group 27 12-volt batteries. According to the Trojan website (trojan-battery.com). Their most common golf cart battery, the T-105, weighs 62 pounds and supplies 225 amp hours at 6 volts. You will need 2 of them hooked in series to supply 225 amp hours at 12 volts. Their 27 TMH ( a group 27 12-volt battery) weighs 59 pounds and has 115 amp hours at 12, volts. A pair of these will give you 230 amp hours at 12 volts.
The real advantage of the golf cart battery is durability. They will stand many more charge/discharge cycles than most 12-volt batteries. The disadvantage is a minor increase in weight, possible problems in fitting them into your battery box (taller), and if one goes bad, you will have no 12-volt power.
Bottom line is that golf cart batteries are probably better, but don't expect any dramatic increase in amp hours.
My Monty came with one group 27. I added another because it was cheaper than buying 2 6-volt batteries. I have since added 2 more group 27's giving me a total of 460 amp hours, which for us is a lot of boondocking. Hope this helps.
Bob
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Old 07-25-2007, 06:42 AM   #12
Bill and Lisa
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Bob makes some good points. It should be noted though that:
1. 2 6v batteries will give you double the amp hours of a single group 24 or group 27 battery. Group 24s are only rated at 85 amp hours so the advantage is even more.
2. Upgrading to two Group 27 batteries will give you almost identical capacity as the 6v batteries however the weight will also be close to the same. (which is always listed as a disadvantage of the 6v batteries)
3. If you are going to run 2 group 24 or group 27 batteries they should be very close to the same "age". Tough to find a battery the same age as your installed one if you don't do it almost as soon as you buy your unit. Also, in your local supply store two batteries sitting side by side on the shelf can have significantly different ages.

So once again the answer is to become knowledgable on a subject and decide what works for you in your situation. One word of advice on installing 6v batteries (or having them installed) Make sure you can get to the caps to check water levels (or go with AGM batteries). My dealer installation of batteries had the box screwed into the bottom of the compartment with the self tapping bolts, then the batteries put in on top of the bolt heads and the "rear" battery totally positioned under the shelf the hydraulic pump sat on. Even trying to get a ratchet in there to remove the cables when I had to replace some of the short stop breakers (little dual post boxes mounted on the back wall) resulted in some minor welding events as the socket handle length matched the distance between the posts on the battery exactly.

Bill
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Old 07-26-2007, 01:05 PM   #13
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I'm just moving this up to get it with the other battery thread
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