Rich Grossmann
Fort Collins, Colorado
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Just purchased a Fox Mountain 26.5 5th wheel. Planned to have dealer install two 6-volt batteries in series -- we dry camp a lot. However just read that 6-volt batteries don't like continuous charging; something about float charging?? -- so when the rig is plugged in, you could damage the 6-volt batteries. Anyone have that problem and or what is the best way to maintain the charge on 6-volt batteries. In the past have always used 12-volt batteries -- was careful when plugged in and made sure it maintain proper water level. Thanks in advance....Rich
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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I have a 96 Southwind with two 6v batteries. I keep it plugged in all the time when it's parked in the yard. No problems.
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Hi,
Golf cart batteries are much more tolerant to being overcharged than 12 volt batteries, this is due to their thicker plates, larger water capacity, and heavy duty construction.
I don't know where you got that information, but I got a lot of information from Home Power Magazine that suggests that golf cart batteries do last a really long time. And my original set of Trojan T-105 batteries lasted 9 years, and I was able to give them to friends who continued to use them a few more years.
When I had been using 12 volt batteries in my camper and class C, they never lasted more than about 3 years. And the class C pair of 12 volt batteries where toast after 1 year full timing, and where traded in on 2 new and a third one that lasted 3 years when not full timing.
Since replacing my batteries in 2006, I have been full timing, and they will be 6 years old in April, still strong as the first set. They are recharged daily with a 415 watt solar system. They tolerate me not giving them water on a regular basis, (I have hydrocaps and give them water about 2 times a year). They can tolerate a 70 amp charge rate once in a while and charging to 15 volts about every 6 months to equalize charge them.
The only batteries known to last longer are the Nickle iron type, or Rolls batteries, they make a 200 pound 2 volt cell, so 6 in series would make up a huge battery bank, much heavier than most will need or desire.
Yet the nickle iron type has a much faster self discharge rate, so they need constant charging so they will be there for the short term that they can be used.
Fred.
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Fishinghat
Western Washington, USA
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This subject has been beat to death a number of times on this forum, but I believe most owners have found two 6 volt deep cycle batteries are better than two 12 volt batteries.
All wet cells produce 2 volts regardless of size. A six volt battery has three cells, which are larger than the six cells in a 12 volt, and the larger cells allow for larger plates that will tolerate deep cycling better.
Charging and maintenance are similar.
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Hummer, and Honda VT1100C Shadow
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bpounds
Whittier CA
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In theory, a 12 volt is as good as a 6 volt. In reality when you shop for batteries, you will find the 6 volt GC battery is simply heavier and higher quality. IMO, if you're going to have at least two batteries, make them 6 volt.
But the best thing you can do to make any battery last, is to get rid of the junk converter they probably installed in your fiver, and install a good smart charger. Progressive Dynamics for example. A PD will not ruin your batteries, regardless of 6 or 12 volt.
Bill and Carol
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver
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SWD
North of the 49th
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Have two solar powered stock waterers that use 4 6volt batteries and they are charged constantly in the summer. I get about 8-10 years out of them. 6volt is the way to go. On my TT I changed to 6volt units 4 years ago and they are going strong...and we do lots of dry camping.
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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Joined: 02/05/2008
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My 6-volt are golf cart batteries, which I assume are designed for charger abuse.
I did install the battery maintenance module on my converter that steps down the charge to a trickle charge when they are full. Depending on the converter you have, it may already be built in.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2007 Montana 3400RL 5th - hi gloss, electric awning, remote system, Onan 5500, G614, JTs, wet bolts, Dish, Ariston W/D, 5th Airborne.
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Rich Grossmann
Fort Collins, Colorado
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Thank you all for the responses … appreciate the information, Rich
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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My two Trojan T-105s have been continually charged most of their 7 years of use (then someone stole them). My new ones have been charging since August of last summer. Doesn't seem to be shortening my batteries useful life any.
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Moved from 5th wheels to Gen'l RVing Issues.
Frank
2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB on a 2004 Dodge Quadcab CTD Ram3500 SRW long bed equipped with Timbren springs, Stable Load bump stops, Rickson 19.5" wheels/"G" range tires and a Helwig "Big Wig" rear anti sway bar.
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