jjnjj wrote: In regards to previous question on 6 or 12 volt batteries, if I change from 12 to 6, what does that do to the wiring connections outside the camper? also, regarding my first question, the RV is shore power almost all the time except on trips from one work site to another. That's when we're doing 2 or 3 nites of dry camping.
Here is some good info. on battery types and it also give wiring diagrams for hooking up 2 12V or 2 6V batteries.
If you are always hooked up to shore power you'd be well served by getting a 3 stage charger so you aren't over charging your batteries. It is possible you already have a 3 stage but most RV's don't come with them standard. More likely yours puts out a constant 13.8V or something similar. A 3 stage charger will vary between something along the lines of 14.2V, 13.6V, 13.2V. It can give you faster charging when necessary as well as give you a lower float charge to keep from boiling your batteries.
It does nothing to the wiring connections outside the camper.
For 3 nights of dry camping a battery bank of at least 300 amp hours total capacity would be minimal. 400 would be better, unless you don't care about the batteries lasting over many hundreds of recharge cycles.
jjnjj wrote: In regards to previous question on 6 or 12 volt batteries, if I change from 12 to 6, what does that do to the wiring connections outside the camper? also, regarding my first question, the RV is shore power almost all the time except on trips from one work site to another. That's when we're doing 2 or 3 nites of dry camping.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
2inAlabama wrote: I don't understand much about battery technology, so can someone please explain why two 6v batteries will provide better service than two 12v batteries?
Thanks
Just get a second 12 volt. Actually if you are just stopping overnight your one battery should be fine. Fine unless it is sub freezing and you need to heat the thing to 75F all night.
For a couple days with no recharge you will be better off with a second battery. Measure if a group 24, 27 or 29 will fit. Get the largest that will fit.
If you get serious about long term boondocking you can explore the pair of 6v or even two pair. You may also want to look at solar and maybe a portable generator for recharging. You may even want to upgrade the converter for faster charging.
It is a lot of stuff to see what works for you and your style and budget. Try a few times with the single or the pair and see how it goes before you start spending a bucket of money.
Do a search on the "12 Volt side of life" anyone got the link? Couldn't find it. But it will give you all the information. I know that my 2 Trojan T-105 6 volts will provide more amp hours than two comparable Trojan Group 27 Deep cycles. 6 Volt batteries are designed to take more abuse, more heavy discharge and last longer. They do cost more, but longevity and deep draw when camping more than justify the cost difference.
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Thanks to each of you for all the ideas and suggestions and especially for those great links. Each one had some helpful info for me. Budget will prevent major upgrades now, but I can add the second battery to ensure enough power for cooler nights. Other options can be added as $$ flood in the door.
If you read the material at this link it may explain why the six volt enthusiasts sometimes get better results. If twelve batteries are wired properly as shown on this page:
jjnjj wrote: In regards to previous question on 6 or 12 volt batteries, if I change from 12 to 6, what does that do to the wiring connections outside the camper? also, regarding my first question, the RV is shore power almost all the time except on trips from one work site to another. That's when we're doing 2 or 3 nites of dry camping.
I just today added a second battery. A few days ago I asked on the forum if there was a "rack" that was ready made to stack batteries. I do not have very much room on my tongue. I was able to put the two grp 24 batties end to end and wire them paralell. I put the ground from the trailer to ground on one battery and the positive to trailer on the positive on the other battery. The original battery that I thought was failing tested good. One battery is just not enough for dry camping for a couple nights. I strongly suggest getting at least two or the six volts which I hope to get in the near future. We are testing it out this weekend. Listen to what these people have to say. They have been there and done that and are full of knowledge.
Me, Wife and Jack the Big Fox Red Lab and his Tail
How are you charging your battery bank? How long do you charge it? What is the capacity in amp/hours of the two group 24 batteries?
BigRedDawg wrote: I just today added a second battery. A few days ago I asked on the forum if there was a "rack" that was ready made to stack batteries. I do not have very much room on my tongue. I was able to put the two grp 24 batties end to end and wire them paralell. I put the ground from the trailer to ground on one battery and the positive to trailer on the positive on the other battery. The original battery that I thought was failing tested good. One battery is just not enough for dry camping for a couple nights. I strongly suggest getting at least two or the six volts which I hope to get in the near future. We are testing it out this weekend. Listen to what these people have to say. They have been there and done that and are full of knowledge.
Hi Pianotuna. They are both 85 amp hour batteries so about 170 amp hours and 280 RC. Right now I charge by plugging at home for at least 24 hours and driving. I do not yet have a fancy 3 stage charger like everyone suggests. We have always been very cautious with power usage. I know that it is better to have 2 of the same batteries and the same age but financially that is a strech right now (out of work). In the past, we would run out of juice and I would have to hook it to the TV with motor running and it would chrge some but not all the way. smkettner suggested trying jumper cables for a "boost" (jumper cables are bigger) so I may try that if we need it this weekend. Right now my position is thatanything is better than what we had.
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, DW Donna 
. Class A, 2000 Gulf Stream, 4 SAMS 6VOLTS, DIRECTV, YAMAHA 2400 GEN 
. "Living Our Dream". NASCAR FAN (14,18,,20,11) Love CO & NM 
