RE: Dual Battery MOD

[rcorbin]

 
Hi: After our last pu trip and the weather turning cold I was not happy with the 2 days our 12 volt battery lasted. We used the furnace a bit but tried to conserve. I checked with our local Coleman dealer and he recommended a switch to 2-6volt deep cycle batteries linked to output 12 volts. He mounts these in a plastic box mounted length wise on the tongue. He claims this is the best option and will provide twice as much reserve as 2- 12 volt batteries. Can anyone confirm his recommendation? were looking to go to Yellowstone in a month a dn its liable tp be very cold. Thanks...RAY

[Ab Diver]

 rcorbin
Welcome to the forum!  Yep, you were told correctly. A pair of deep-cycle 6V (sometimes called " golf cart" ) batteries can give you up to 4 times the *useable* amp-hours of a single group-24 12V battery. Added benefits are deeper discharge without damaging the batteries, and many more *life cycles* (discharge-recharge). You should also purchase a good THREE STAGE battery charger to get the full benefit of the batteries. I run a pair of Trojan T-105 6V batteries, and use a Charge Pro #2612 10 amp waterproof charger so I don t have to worry about the charger getting rained on while charging.
 
 http://www.trojanbattery.com/GolfDC.asp?Product=138
 
 http://www.guestco.com/Chargepro/portable.html
 
 These are not the only brands of batteries or chargers that will do the job, but they ll give you a good starting point. I ve been VERY happy with switching to a dual 6V set-up. But be warned... although most 6V batteries will fit *into* a group 24 battery box, they are a bit taller, so the box lid will not fit properly. There is a marine application battery box made specifically to fit two 6V batteries, but it s pretty pricey.
 
 I wound up making an angle iron tray on the trailer s tongue to fit two group 24 boxes (bottoms only) for the batteries, and then used an upside-down plastic laundry box from Wally World, placed over both batteries at the same time, as a top. I had the Wally World box sprayed with Duro-Liner (that super durable pick-up bed stuff) and now it looks like original factory equipment on the trailer. Using your imagination can save you a quite a few bucks of aftermarket items for your trailer.
 
 Hope this helps, and again: Welcome to PUT!

[tgawel]

 rcorbin
Yes the six volt batteries will give you longer run time. To help you manage your power you should purchase a digital volt meter and a solar panel. I purchased both through an outfit called Harbor Freight (www.harborfrieght.com). The meter was about $5 and will help you with determining the charge level of your battery. I bought a 5w solar panel on sale for $40, this will help to recharge you battery during the day. You can either permantly mount the panel to your roof or leave it detached so you can move it around for the best light. There other benifits with a solar panel. It can be used keep you pu batteries charged when not in use.
 
 This is a good article containing a chart that shows the percentage of charge to voltage. It is a good chart you should keep with you.  []
 
 http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm