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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Wiring multiple batteries
Post Info TOPIC: Wiring multiple batteries
Bill and Linda


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Wiring multiple batteries
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makntracks wrote:

I want to convert my camper from a single 12 volt battery to multiple batteries.  Should I go with 2 - 6 volts batteries and how do I wire them to work best? 

If you are only using two 6 volt batteries, wire the negative terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of the second battery.  Then the two remaining terminals will have 12 volts between them and you wire the trailer negative to the remaining negative terminal and the positive to the remaining positive terminal.  This is known as “series wiring.”

 

If you were using more than two 6 volt batteries then the procedure is a little more complicated.  But with two 6 volt batteries, this is the way to add 6 + 6 = 12 volts.

 

In general, all things being equal, most feel two 6 volts are better than one 12 volt of the same capacity. But make sure the two 6 volt batteries are the same size (amp hour rating) and the same age.  Don’t use an old with a new battery.  Very important.  Also, it is much better to get batteries that are deep cycle batteries - such as are used in golf carts.  They are designed to be discharged as you would use them in TT.

 

That said, if you never really run off batteries - i.e. boondock - this may not really be worth your trouble.

 

Bill

PS Here is a link to some excellent information - but probably way more than you want to know.  Click on "The Battery Bank" section.

http://jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm#



-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Wednesday 18th of July 2012 03:19:30 PM

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makntracks


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I want to convert my camper from a single 12 volt battery to multiple batteries.  Should I go with 2 - 6 volts batteries and how do I wire them to work best? 



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The Bear II


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Keep in mind black wire is positive and white wire is ground.

Most of the comments I've seen indicate 6 volt golf cart batteries work the best for a reasonable priced option.

I've always used deep cycle 12v batteries and we seem to work well with 4...2 for the 12v lights and other 12v stuff. 2 for the 2000 watt inverter we use for TV, SAT Box and other 120v stuff.

We are not afraid to use our generator as needed and park rules allow.

A small generator really helps to provide power to keep the lights and TV or computer going at night. Plus you can use it to recharge the batteries during the day.

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trimixdiving


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Over the last ten years of boating I have tried different battery types and configurations and finally settled with 6  volt deep cycle golfcart batteries. They are tough and can stand up to multiple deep discharges and have the best storage capacity to weight ratio. Wire two together in series and add additional groups of two together wired in parallel for greater storage capacity if required. I have a bank of six in this configuration on my cruiser which gives me lots of power when we are at anchor (aqua boondocking.)



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