Quote: What are we to do with this sensible, cogent post. I hope it sets a new precedent.
sarcasm? it almost sounds like you'd like to disagree but don't have any arguments to support such an effort that would stay within forum guidelines.
wouldn't it be better to identify what it is that prompts such an observation? That would allow for clarification or expansion, if necessary. It would also reduce bandwidth from unnecessary excess quoting and allow others to see the particulars of your point and better evaluate its credibility.
Quote: I have had great performance with 12V Trojan SCS series batteries
which? the 200 or 220? The Sportman's Wharehouse had some good deals on those recently.
when you speak of performance, are you talking about energy capacity or life or something else?
Quote: I also run the desulphate cycle on my charger for about a week prior to any entended dry camping to make sure the battery is at full capacity.
Have you looked at using something like the Battery Minder plus or some other desulfation circuit when the battery is in storage? It seems that would be better for the battery.
You think that's a power hog? We can go about 8 HOURS before having to run the gen for two hours and we have 4 U-2200's! We run the TV, lights, refer, storage bay freezer, U-Line ice maker and anything else we need/want. Wife insists in ice and the ice makers that are in most RV refers just don't put out enough to keep up with her. Then there's the food in the storage bay freezer too. If we were serious boondockers we'd change some things, but this works for us. 12volt batteries won't even come close to what we use. 12 volt deep cycle batteries (true deep cycle ones) are really expensive. Even the battery companies recommend the 6 volt as the most bang for the buck.
Youre not one of those guys who fires up their generator at 3am, are you?
quote=bryanl quote What are we to do with this sensible, cogent post. I hope it sets a new precedent. /quote
Actually, my comment was meant as a compliment to the one who made the post that was attached to mine. Nothing more.
I suppose that you are used to seeing so much sarcasm and mindless critiques here that this possibility escaped you.
Al C
sarcasm? it almost sounds like you'd like to disagree but don't have any arguments to support such an effort that would stay within forum guidelines.
wouldn't it be better to identify what it is that prompts such an observation? That would allow for clarification or expansion, if necessary. It would also reduce bandwidth from unnecessary excess quoting and allow others to see the particulars of your point and better evaluate its credibility.
EPenney wrote: I currently have (2) 12-volt batteries, and am considering adding 2 more.
The current batteries are (2) Group 24 12-volt Marine/RV that came with the 5er. There is plenty of space for adding 2 more batteries. What I need to decide is, do I stay with 12-volt, or switch to 6-volt batteries. I already have 2 barely used 2-year old Trojan T105 6-volt batteries that came out of a TT I traded in 1-year ago. Whatever I decide to do, I will have to purchase 2 more batteries.
My last 2 TT's had dual 6-volt batteries that gave me years of reliable service. When I purchased the 5er last year, the dealer talked me into going with dual 12-volt batteries. The 5er is a power hog, and I can only go about 1-1/2 dry camping days before I need to hook the genset up to charge. We have about 26 dry camping days scheduled for this summer.
What is your opinion....(4) 6-volt or (4) 12-volt batteries?
It appears that no one wants to answer the OP's question?
I have used batteries for drycamping in RVs and anchoring out in boats for a few years, from those experiences I think the easy answer is to just add two more group 24s, that could double your amphour capacity.
Just remember that AH capacity is directly related to how much lead is in the batteries. If you want more AH capacity you need to increase the amount of lead you carry.
The deep cycle batteries put more lead in the case with thicker but fewer plates so less lead is in direct contact with the acid. The result is less instanious power for starting but more AHs. Other differences in construction allow deep cycle batteries to survive more cycles before failure than starting batteries. Contrary to some previous comments I've learned the hard way that starting and marine batteries are not deep cycle.
So if you really think you need max AHs 6 volt GCs will provide the most AHs for the bucks, consider the Trojans. For more AHs but at higher cost per AH consider the Trojan T145s, if you have the vertical clearance for its added height. Twelve volt DCs are also a good option.
If you don't install enough AHs for your intended use you will need to charge more often than planned, IMO a small penalty. Dry camping in cold temperatures requires me to run the genny much more than during summer camping, I just adjust genny run time to accomodate outside temps. I could add more batteries but that is a much more expensive solution than just running the genny.
I read several answers to the OP's question, most recommended using what he had {mixing the batteries}
Al C
It appears that no one wants to answer the OP's question?
I have used batteries for drycamping in RVs and anchoring out in boats for a few years, from those experiences I think the easy answer is to just add two more group 24s, that could double your amphour capacity.
Just remember that AH capacity is directly related to how much lead is in the batteries. If you want more AH capacity you need to increase the amount of lead you carry.
The deep cycle batteries put more lead in the case with thicker but fewer plates so less lead is in direct contact with the acid. The result is less instanious power for starting but more AHs. Other differences in construction allow deep cycle batteries to survive more cycles before failure than starting batteries. Contrary to some previous comments I've learned the hard way that starting and marine batteries are not deep cycle.
So if you really think you need max AHs 6 volt GCs will provide the most AHs for the bucks, consider the Trojans. For more AHs but at higher cost per AH consider the Trojan T145s, if you have the vertical clearance for its added height. Twelve volt DCs are also a good option.
If you don't install enough AHs for your intended use you will need to charge more often than planned, IMO a small penalty. Dry camping in cold temperatures requires me to run the genny much more than during summer camping, I just adjust genny run time to accomodate outside temps. I could add more batteries but that is a much more expensive solution than just running the genny.
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