kaka1961
southern in
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Wanting to switch over to 6 volt batterys, for a total of 4.I have 2 12 volt batterys now. I will be replacing the 2 12 volt in the side compartment and adding the two new ones by the generator. What size wire will I need to run to the extra batterys in the front compartment?What changes will I need to make to the charging system?
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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We don't have any idea what your charging system is now so nobody can make much of a suggestion.
Not meant to be snarky, just saying. 
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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For BEST results all batteries SHOULD be the same size/type if they're to be charged and or used together. With your system of using old 12 volt with new 6 volts together the weaker set (12 volt batteries( will drag down the newer ones and probably reach full charge sooner which may shut down the charger without ever reaching full charge with the 6 volt batteries. Just a few things to consider.
Good luck / Skip
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joebedford
Jasper, Ontario
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skipnchar wrote:For BEST results all batteries SHOULD be the same size/type if they're to be charged and or used together. Yep, I think the OP was proposing replacing his current 2 x 12V with 2 x 6V and adding 2 more 6V making a total of 4 x 6V.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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I'm getting a bit confused here? Are you still going to use the two 12V batteries in this system?
If you are switching to 6V batteries, are you getting rid of the 12V or using them for something different. On edit, I wrote this before reading Joe's comment above, which makes sense....but OP was a bit confusing?
It really is best, to have all the same batteries, so that they can equally share the load. Not all batteries are the same, even if they are the same voltage. A pair of 6V batteries (in Series) will hold a much longer charge than a single 12V battery...even though they both will put out 12V to the inverter.
Other information would be helpful....such as how far is it from the batteries to the Inverter? How far between batteries? (and figure this with the wire, not as a bullet flies through stuff...and maybe even allow extra).
The larger the wire you use, the less it will heat up and cause problems.
Depending on your charging system (something else that would help knowing), you probably don't have to do anything, other than wiring it so that it's charging 12VDC for each pair of 6-V batteries in the set.
With a bit more information, I'm sure lots of folks will be able to help you.
Good Luck
* This post was
edited 03/18/12 09:35pm by PapPappy *
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smkettner
Southern California
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I would possibly improve the charging system and not need more battery.
And I would add LED lighting before the second pair of GC2.
Does your current converter get into the 14.4-14.6 volt zone when charging?
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bfast54
Traverse City ,Mi.
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If you read his post ...it very clearly says he is REPLACING the 2 -12 volt, and adding 2 more ---for a total of 4, 6 volt....very clear.
His question is wire size, to run to a far location for 2 of the 6-volt batteries.
My suggestion is to run at least 6 gauge , or larger (maybe 4 Ga) to the further batteries ...IE Welding cable size.
It is going to be very expensive .....copper wire is thru the roof....if you havent priced it recently....Good Luck.
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kaka1961
southern in
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Sorry guys, I could not get my sig. to show up. My camper is a 2008 Raptor 3612. And yes I do want to go to all 6 volt. To get to where the other 2 batterys will be stored is around 8 ft.I just did not know if my charging system on my camper would handle 4 batterys and switching to 6 volt. Thanks for the replys.
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lincster
Mesa Az
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4 Gauge for sure especially for long runs of cable. The bigger the cable, the better it flows juice.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Charging system will handle four just fine. That does not mean the converter will charge them quickly.
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