Author Topic: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries  (Read 4266 times)

Pat Long

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6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« on: May 17, 2018, 12:46:12 AM »
I am looking at replacing my 6 volt house batteries in the near future and would like to know what others are using and Why?   I have 6 Interstate batteries now can't remember the model but would still like to ask the forum about what you guys are using.    Thanks for your time

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2018, 01:51:38 AM »
I use the Interstate 6 volt units sold by Costco. They were less than $100 last time I purchased 2 last year. Some folks like the AGM style as they last longer and do not require maintenance. I don't mind checking the water about once a month (use my calendar to remind me). Wet cells will also outgas and sulfate when they get near end of life, which I use as the replacement indicator. AGMs are normally 2X+ the price of wet cells so IMHO they need to last at least 2x the life of a wet cell. In this case that is 14+ years as wet cells should last 7 years with no problem if properly cared for. I'm not aware of average lifetime for AGMs however.
Steve
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Guy Pryor

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2018, 02:08:47 AM »
I bought my MH about 2 years ago and the first thing I had to do was replace the 6 Volt Batteries I wanted to have good ones that were going to last
after a lot of research  and some battery education. I choose the Trojan Batteries they cost a little more but are vary reliable. 
« Last Edit: May 17, 2018, 02:10:43 AM by Guy Pryor »

Joel Ashley

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2018, 06:49:48 AM »
I intend to replace my 12 year old original Interstate Workhorses with the Costco Interstates Steve refers to.  They were around $89 I think the last time I checked, and the same exact dimensions as the U2200 Workhorse.

Just take a photo of the cable arrangement, shut off all electric sources, cover the solar panel, remove the 6v coach batteries, and take them to your Costco.  Check ahead of time that that store has the batteries because not all have them on hand.  Haul the old batteries in to the tire desk in a cart, and they will give you $15@ core credit and ring up the new ones.

Joel
« Last Edit: May 17, 2018, 06:53:42 AM by Joel Ashley »
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Keith Moffett

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2018, 10:50:34 AM »
I would agree with Joel.  Take those pictures before disconnecting anything.  It may sound silly but many folks have gotten a cable or two turned around and the damage is a tough lesson.  Digital photos are cheap.
Seems to me batteries are like any tools.  If you dry camp a lot and use lights etc. especially if you have or might change to a residential fridge then more AHs are worth a higher cost.  Lifelines or Dekka are good.  Normal usage is good for us so Costco it is.
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Gerald Farris

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2018, 05:49:29 PM »
Pat,
The most bang for the bucks is the Interstate golf cart batteries from Costco. Trojan batteries are normally considered to be a little better batteries, but the extra cost is not offset by enough in quality to justify the price for RV use, but if you are not a Costco member, you might consider the Trojans.

AGM batteries have 3 advantages over the normal lead/acid design battery. First, they have virtually a 100% conversion rate in that you get back all of the power that you put in when recharging them. This can be an advantage with a solar system or using a generator, but it is of no value to you when recharging your batteries at a RV park without a separate power charge. AGM batteries can also last a little longer, but they can also be damaged easily by over charging or over discharging that will reduce their life below the lead/acid batteries. Last, they are virtually maintenance free in that you never have to worry about adding water or cleaning corroded battery cables. The down side is that the cost of AGM batteries is about double the cost of lead/acid batteries, therefore most RV owners do not see them worth the added cost.

Gerald   
 

Joel Ashley

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2018, 11:45:09 PM »
Also consider that if you are a Costco Executive Member and buy, say, 4 batteries with a Costco Citi Anywhere Visa card, you’ll get a 2% reward next year for each of those factors.  That kicks back around $14, making it an even slightly better value than at first sight.

Joel
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Greg Ross

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2018, 03:26:44 PM »
We are thinking of having a residental fridge installed and would like to add another 2 batteries ( for a total of 6).
I am having trouble finding room for the extra batteries, if anyone with a 2007 to 2009 Contessa has installed 6 batteries I could use some help in finding where to install them.
Thanks
Greg Ross

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Steve Funk

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2018, 04:51:40 PM »
Greg, I added 2 batteries to my bank of 4 by moving the chassis batteries from the battery tray behind the coach.  On my coach there is a perfect space on the bumper so to speak behind the engine.  Then added two more house batteries to the tray.  That way all house batteries are together and only had to add about 10" of positive battery cable to the chassis batteries to make it fit.  Gives me 780 amp hours of which 390 amp hours are usable.  Plenty to get through the night with the residential refer.  With the 600 watts of solar I now have enough batteries to store the power pulled in.

Bill Sprague

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2018, 02:51:42 PM »
We are thinking of having a residental fridge installed and would like to add another 2 batteries ( for a total of 6).
I am having trouble finding room for the extra batteries, if anyone with a 2007 to 2009 Contessa has installed 6 batteries I could use some help in finding where to install them.
Thanks
Greg Ross

2008 Contessa
Greg,

At least one club member put in a Samsung residential on a four battery system.   He did some careful monitoring and measuring and found no need for the extra batteries.   It may be that the initial idea of needing six was based on the thinking 10 years ago when residential refrigerators were not as efficient. 

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2018, 03:14:36 PM »
Greg,
My Samsung ran on 4 house batteries with no problems. With fully charged batteries, I'd get about 12hrs before voltage dropped to about 12-12.2v. Note that I'd also replaced all halogen & fluorescent lamps with LEDs. I added 2 more batteries last summer to add some margin.
Steve
Steve
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Greg Ross

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2018, 03:21:48 PM »
Steve could you tell me where you put the extra batteries as I am finding it hard to fit them in easily.
Thanks
Greg
2008 Contessa
C9 425HP

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: 6 Volt Deep Cycle House Batteries
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2018, 06:33:22 PM »
Greg,
I installed 2 induction cook tops so with the residential reefer I had no need for propane. I removed the tank and put the batteries there after building a frame for them to sit on.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp
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