Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Two 12 volt batteries?
| Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60568] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 18:41  |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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I just noticed, yea I've had the coach for about a year now, that the onan battery is in parallel with the house battery with a nice long battery cable.
I've always thought you weren't supposed to run batteries in parallel like that. except with a combiner.
So I have;
two batteries up front, 1 engine battery, 1 house battery.
Both of these are charged via the combiner.
1 battery back by the onan, in parallel with the house battery.
Is this a good way to run?
Is there a better way?
Thanks!
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60570 is a reply to message #60568] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 18:57  |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Keith V wrote on Sun, 18 October 2009 16:41 |
... So I have;
two batteries up front, 1 engine battery, 1 house battery.
Both of these are charged via the combiner.
1 battery back by the onan, in parallel with the house battery.
Is this a good way to run?
Is there a better way?
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Royales where built that way. Why? I have no idea. I expect it was a last minute change to the design to increase house battery capacity.
Is this a good way to run? ... depends on how you define "good."
Is there a better way? ... yes.
When running batteries in parallel, you increase the chances of a bad cell taking out both batteries. The risk can be minimized by having batteries with characteristics as closely matched as possible. Same type, brand, model, age and batch. (if possible.) If you can not do this (i.e. starting and deep cell banks) they should be only connected when charging. Combiners do this auto-magically.
It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60572 is a reply to message #60568] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 19:13 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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| Keith V wrote on Sun, 18 October 2009 19:41 |
I just noticed, yea I've had the coach for about a year now, that the onan battery is in parallel with the house battery with a nice long battery cable.
I've always thought you weren't supposed to run batteries in parallel like that. except with a combiner.
So I have;
two batteries up front, 1 engine battery, 1 house battery.
Both of these are charged via the combiner.
1 battery back by the onan, in parallel with the house battery.
Is this a good way to run?
Is there a better way?
Thanks!
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Kieth,
You heard right! (Good listener - Keep it up)
It is very difficult to maintain two 12V batteries that are in parallel. If the two are not identical, it is harder still. If they are different ratings and separated by a cable run - it is really tough.
So, You actually have Three (3) batteries.. And 2 of those are in the worst possible parallel arrangement.
The early coaches were set up this way and In MY Personal Opinion (abbreviation filled for clarity), this does qualify as S___-Brain Stupid.
In the wiring diagram for this period there is a fusible link or fuse between the two batteries and the battery charging circuit of the Onan is enabled.
Where the fuse is, it should be removed or should be a switch. The only time those two banks should be connected is to attempt to recover from a power-down (several of the batteries are dead) one of which is the APU (Onan) start battery.
If the Start battery is down, use the Boost switch to cross feed from the house and get the main engine started.
If the house battery is down, you can start the main engine and recover, or you can start the APU and charge from the converter/charger - Your Choice.
If the APU start battery is down, then hit the switch or put the fuse back in and wait for that battery to come back up. Then start the APU.
If the two were continually cross-connected and the house battery gets discharged, then both house and APU batteries will be down and your options are limited. If the engine/chassis battery is also down because the lights got left on, you are Second On Line (SOL) for the last try.
See, you did understand.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60573 is a reply to message #60570] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 19:16 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
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but the better way is to use a second combiner to the rear battery, that
way each bank of batteries is separated from the other and then all
batteries are charged by all sources. Like this
http://gmcmotorhome.info/batt.htm#diode
gene
On Sun, Oct 18, 2009 at 4:57 PM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Keith V wrote on Sun, 18 October 2009 16:41
> > ... So I have;
> > two batteries up front, 1 engine battery, 1 house battery.
> > Both of these are charged via the combiner.
> >
> > 1 battery back by the onan, in parallel with the house battery.
> >
> > Is this a good way to run?
> > Is there a better way?
>
>
> Royales where built that way. Why? I have no idea. I expect it was a last
> minute change to the design to increase house battery capacity.
>
> Is this a good way to run? ... depends on how you define "good."
> Is there a better way? ... yes.
>
> When running batteries in parallel, you increase the chances of a bad cell
> taking out both batteries. The risk can be minimized by having batteries
> with characteristics as closely matched as possible. Same type, brand,
> model, age and batch. (if possible.) If you can not do this (i.e. starting
> and deep cell banks) they should be only connected when charging. Combiners
> do this auto-magically.
>
> It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type
> batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery
> tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
> --
> Mike Miller
> `73 26' X Painted D.
> `78 23' Birchaven
> Hillsboro, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60584 is a reply to message #60580] |
Sun, 18 October 2009 20:31 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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Looks like I'll be a addin combiner #2.
The house battery and the Onan Battery are no where near the same type, and I'm sure they're not the same age either.
I really don't feel like redoing the whole battery setup.
BTW, Thanks Guys! It sure is nice to, if nothing else, have people with opinions and experience to explain WHY they believ what they believe.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60682 is a reply to message #60570] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 13:07 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
____________________________________________________
In the words of Joan Rivers " CAN WE TALK ? "
I will be at the point of coach battery replacement if I ever get the power problem corrected.
I currently have a new engine battery, the coach battery is weak at best. The rear battery never existed since I owned the GMC.
This is where I am today....
Next Spring or Summer, Power Problem permitting, I will be replacing the now, beyond life battery.
Instincts tell me to replace with a marine battery, only because that is what is in there and I am familiar with marine craft.
HOWEVER-
The conversation here tends to suggest going with 2 6 volt golf cart batteries.
So do these fit in the rear by the gen set?
Are they a great deal heavier than the marine battery?
what size would I consider buying and any good brands?
I have a small 50 watt solar panel, used to keep the coach batteries up when sitting, will this battery arrangement have any concerns with the solar panel ability to keep the power up?
hopefully, next year will find the power problem corrected and I can get a trip or two in ( SMILE ), ( SMILE ), ( SMILE )!!!
Thanks for thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER 
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60684 is a reply to message #60682] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 13:18 |
GMCWiperMan
Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 1
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Larry,
I think you'll find a concensus, among those who've tried them, that the
golf cart batteries are the best solution for the house. While it's
certainly feasible to locate them in the rear battery compartment, I
have mine, from 23' necessity, on a Ragusa 3 battery tray under the
right side hood. The two T-105 golf cart batteries fit on that very
nicely with the Group 27 chassis battery behind them, as designed by
Ragusa. It is difficult to check the water in the 12 VDC battery. I'm
going to install one of the remote fill kits from Camping World soon.
Probably on all 3 batteries even though the GC's are easily accessible.
The Ragusa tray sells for around $100. If you want to make your own,
there's a pattern on the photo site under user name "kenhenders" that
will at least get your cardboard pattern close. I made one for the
coach my son has from a piece of fiberglass covered plywood that I'd cut
from the side of my land-sea container when I installed a window.
That's a very sturdy, durable mount which will probably outlast the
aluminum one.
There's sufficient room around the batteries to carry maybe 8-10 one
quart bottles of motor oil, ATF, or whatever.
Even if I had the rear compartment, I'd save it for external storage and
keep the batteries up front.
Ken H.
Larry wrote:
> It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
> ____________________________________________________
>
> In the words of Joan Rivers " CAN WE TALK ? "...
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60691 is a reply to message #60682] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 14:38 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Larry C wrote on Mon, 19 October 2009 14:07 |
It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
____________________________________________________
In the words of Joan Rivers " CAN WE TALK ? "
I will be at the point of coach battery replacement if I ever get the power problem corrected.
I currently have a new engine battery, the coach battery is weak at best. The rear battery never existed since I owned the GMC.
This is where I am today....
Next Spring or Summer, Power Problem permitting, I will be replacing the now, beyond life battery.
Instincts tell me to replace with a marine battery, only because that is what is in there and I am familiar with marine craft.
HOWEVER-
The conversation here tends to suggest going with 2 6 volt golf cart batteries.
So do these fit in the rear by the gen set?
Are they a great deal heavier than the marine battery?
what size would I consider buying and any good brands?
I have a small 50 watt solar panel, used to keep the coach batteries up when sitting, will this battery arrangement have any concerns with the solar panel ability to keep the power up?
hopefully, next year will find the power problem corrected and I can get a trip or two in ( SMILE ), ( SMILE ), ( SMILE )!!!
Thanks for thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER
|
So, do these fit in the rear by the gen set? In 26 - Yes
Are they a great deal heavier than the marine battery? What Marine Battery?
What size would I consider buying and any good brands? GC2 at Walmart or Trojan T105(+$) or T120(++$)
Larry,
You have a 26. Put 2 golf cart batteries in series in the back. If you don't want to put them in the back, get or make a big battery tray for the front just like Ken said.
Don't mess with "Marine" batteries as all but a very few (you won't find them) are simply car batteries with studs in the posts for wingnuts (or maybe extra posts). They are nothing special.
If by marine battery you were thinking of a 4D or 8D, look up how much those weight and then figure out how you are going to manage them. If you do go for one of those, be very careful which you buy. Most available are marine starting batteries and not very good for deep cycle. Deep cycle are available, but be very certain that it is what the supplier (not waste marine) is selling you.
I'm not sure what your concern is with the solar panel. What are you hoping to do that you are not now doing with it??
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60724 is a reply to message #60682] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 19:16 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Larry C wrote on Mon, 19 October 2009 11:07 |
It is easier, cheaper and more reliable to use two 6v golf cart type batteries. These should be mounted next to each other. A three battery tray in front or a two battery tray in back would help.
____________________________________________________
In the words of Joan Rivers " CAN WE TALK ? " ...
|
Rather than go over all the reasons for the 2 golf cart battery recomendation, The Poop Sheets by phred, ( <http://www.phrannie.org/phredex.html> ) have good general RV information. He goes into detail about the battery options, but for most of us, we can go with:
| Quote: |
"Conclusion was that the Golf Carts were superior in every category (including cost)."
...
"If you have a reasonably-sized motor home or trailer, consider the fork lift (Trojan L-16 or =) or golf cart ("Trojan" 105, 125, 145 or =) -- assuming you have a place to put them. "Exide" and "Interstate" also manufacture good golf cart batteries. If space is minimal, cost is no object and reliability is important, consider the AGM batteries or true gel cell batteries. "
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Most likely your '74 came from the factory with 3 batteries. The starting battery and house battery both connected to one side of the isolator and boost switch. The +12v converter only supplied power to the house battery. The 3rd battery was back by the Onan and was NOT connected to the other two. The Onan battery was charged only when the Onan was running. (The charge came from the Onan alternator located under the flywheel.)
While this system was cheaper than running the heavy cable from the boost switch to the rear battery bank, this seperate generator battery often went dead due to lack of use.
Starting in '75 GMC upfitted coaches the house battery was moved from the front to the rear replacing the seperate generator battery. They not only used a heavy cable, they had two boost relays and curcuit breakers for safety reasons.
My '78 Coachman upfitted Birchaven has one +12v house battery mounted up front with the starting battery. The house battery still provides power to start the Onan. When it needs replacment, I'll make another 3 battery tray from 1/2" plywood for a pair of T-105's... just like the one I put in my '73. My '73 still has 3 battery banks... with two combiners.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60756 is a reply to message #60682] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 22:47 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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| Larry C wrote on Mon, 19 October 2009 13:07 |
In the words of Joan Rivers " CAN WE TALK ? "
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OK - lets start with what your 1974 coach came with. In the front, the engine battery and the house battery. In the rear the start battery for the Onan. (BTW these were all side terminal batteries on my early '74). The two front batteries were charged through the isolator. The rear was charged by the small battery charger on the Onan (this Onan charger has been said to cause lots of problems). Sometime later GMC added a fused or breakered connection (can't remember which) between the house battery and the Onan battery. This was connected between the house fuse panel and the Onan battery. This is shown on some of he wiring diagrams. (this was before the house battery was moved to the back.) The battery supplied for the Onan was WAY larger than actually needed. The Onan has less displacement than a Harley so a motorcycle battery ought to do. I suspect GMC threw in the smallest battery they had coming though the supply channels. Lots less fuss than trying to source and connect something entirely different than any other battery they were using.
What I am going to do with mine, if I EVER get to that point. Disconnect the Onan charger and install a fused or breakered connection to a combiner between the house fuse panel and the Onan battery. That way the Onan battery will not die from long period of disuse. I may put in a smaller battery for the Onan some time to regain some storage space back there. For now I'll use the larger marine battery I have on hand. The info on the Onan battery charger is on Gene's site.
http://www.gmcmotorhomeinfo.com/generator.html#ALTERNATOR
Note on various comments from individuals on how house batteries, Onans, or other electrical systems are connected indicates they believe ALL GMC's are wired just like theirs. Not true there are some significant differences over the years, Also differences due to the various upfitters.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60766 is a reply to message #60756] |
Mon, 19 October 2009 23:48 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Thanks Steve. You saved me having to type all of that up.
What you need to do is determine what electrical style of coach you have and where you want to go with it.
There are at least 3 versions of battery arrangements used across the years plus what Coachman and others did. Most 23's of all years through space necessity had to put the batteries up front.
I happen to like the 1976 and later GM version that uses one engine starting battery up front and one or two rear batteries to power the house and start the Onan.
Tell us what you want to accomplish and we will give you recommendation on how to get there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60769 is a reply to message #60766] |
Tue, 20 October 2009 00:20 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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hey all
I know what the OEM wiring was. and YEs the battery for the GenSet was dead and shorted when I bought it. I was told it was a new battery......Hum'h.
After tracing down the power drain, the rear battery it was canned. Strangly, the genset still started.
Later we find a red wire the PO ran to the genset because "it would not start without it." I am pretty sure the genset wont start with a dead battery.....
I agree with others, the battery in the rear purposed for just the genset to me is a waste and would certainly go dead. I have a heavy cable ran to the rear and had been considering putting two marine 12v batteries in, until the go cart discussion.
Now you have my attention.
The Solar panel was purposed to keep the coach batts "ready to go", and really not much else. Should I begin stay at length at some remote campgrounds, and increase power production may be desireable.
As for set up, I do not beleive there is room on my battery holder for two go cart batts, but other than weight, seems to be plenty of room in the rear by the genset.
The coach battery, former engine battery, is now, not charging well so I doubt it will make it through the Winter. Until the engine power problem is repaired, I won't be replacing the coach batteries until she is once again road worthy.....
That, is my plan.....
Thanks for the thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60774 is a reply to message #60769] |
Tue, 20 October 2009 06:59 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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| Larry C wrote on Tue, 20 October 2009 00:20 |
hey all
I know what the OEM wiring was. and YEs the battery for the GenSet was dead and shorted when I bought it. I was told it was a new battery......Hum'h.
After tracing down the power drain, the rear battery it was canned. Strangly, the genset still started.
Later we find a red wire the PO ran to the genset because "it would not start without it." I am pretty sure the genset wont start with a dead battery.....
I agree with others, the battery in the rear purposed for just the genset to me is a waste and would certainly go dead. I have a heavy cable ran to the rear and had been considering putting two marine 12v batteries in, until the go cart discussion.
Now you have my attention.
The Solar panel was purposed to keep the coach batts "ready to go", and really not much else. Should I begin stay at length at some remote campgrounds, and increase power production may be desireable.
As for set up, I do not beleive there is room on my battery holder for two go cart batts, but other than weight, seems to be plenty of room in the rear by the genset.
The coach battery, former engine battery, is now, not charging well so I doubt it will make it through the Winter. Until the engine power problem is repaired, I won't be replacing the coach batteries until she is once again road worthy.....
That, is my plan.....
Thanks for the thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER
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OK, now we understand what you want to do. The heavy cable is only required if you want to maintain the battery boost / starting function with the house batteries mounted in the rear. Since you already have it installed the rest the installation is a piece of cake.
I would go with two golf cart batteries in the rear. The cheapest place I know to get them is Sam's Club. Almost every Sam's Club has a pallet of them. The last time I checked they were around $69 to $72 each. There are other slightly higher capacity and higher priced brands / options out there. I have never run down my pair of Sames club batteries and they have lasted 7 years.
Duane Simmons makes a nice polyethylene plastic tray to put them in for $35 ($42 delivered). http://www.bdub.net/duanesimmons/
Jim K. also had these at the GMCMI rally with stainless slide out rollers attached.
I would suggest you copy the 1976 GMC wiring for your rear mounted batteries. This includes the 50 amp automatic reset circuit breaker and the shorting solenoid in the rear. If you do not have a copy of this diagram, send me an PM or off-net note and I'll email you a copy. I believe there is also one on the www.bdub.com site.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries? [message #60828 is a reply to message #60774] |
Tue, 20 October 2009 14:05 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
I don't disagree with Ken vis-à-vis getting the battery at Sam's Club but
you might want to check Wal Mart too.
The advantage is that Wal Marts are virtually everywhere.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
'75 Avion - USA - The Parts Coach TZE 365V100324
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken Burton
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:59 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries?
I would go with two golf cart batteries in the rear. The cheapest place I
know to get them is Sam's Club. Almost every Sam's Club has a pallet of
them. The last time I checked they were around $69 to $72 each. There are
other slightly higher capacity and higher priced brands / options out there.
I have never run down my pair of Sames club batteries and they have lasted 7
years.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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GMCnet mailing list
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Two 12 volt batteries? [message #197902 is a reply to message #60828] |
Fri, 08 February 2013 21:41 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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My SOB does not have enough height in the battery compartment for golf cart batteries. As I see it, my options are:
1) Use one 12V deep cycle battery. This would give limited capacity to dry camp.
2) Use two 12V deep cycle batteries separated by a marine selector switch (ie 1 or 2 or Both) and charge through a combiner. This could give more reserve capacity at the expense of having to manually select the power source.
Comments or suggestions? and NO, I'm not going to fool around trying to fit two 6V golf cart batteries elsewhere in the coach. The effort would be too great for the limited reward.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries? [message #197908 is a reply to message #197902] |
Fri, 08 February 2013 21:52 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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John,
All the theories aside, my '97 Safari, like MANY other SOB's, ran just
fine, for the the 9 years I owned it, with only one change of the 4
paralleled-all-the-time 12 VDC batteries.
Go to WalMart, buy two of the longest-warranteed 12 VDC batteries they've
got, with the same manufacture date, parallel 'em & enjoy 'em. If they
quit within the 3+ year warranty, take 'em back for free replacements with
new warranties.
JWID,
Ken H.
On Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:41 PM, John Sharpe wrote:
>
>
> My SOB does not have enough height in the battery compartment for golf
> cart batteries. As I see it, my options are:
>
> 1) Use one 12V deep cycle battery. This would give limited capacity to
> dry camp.
>
> 2) Use two 12V deep cycle batteries separated by a marine selector switch
> (ie 1 or 2 or Both) and charge through a combiner. This could give more
> reserve capacity at the expense of having to manually select the power
> source.
>
> Comments or suggestions? and NO, I'm not going to fool around trying to
> fit two 6V golf cart batteries elsewhere in the coach. The effort would be
> too great for the limited reward.
> --
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Two 12 volt batteries? [message #197924 is a reply to message #197908] |
Sat, 09 February 2013 06:33 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Quote: |
......Go to WalMart, buy two of the longest-warranteed 12 VDC batteries they've got, with the same manufacture date, parallel 'em & enjoy 'em. If they quit within the 3+ year warranty, take 'em back for free replacements with new warranties.....
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I only questioned the 2 12v system as there was a session at an FMCA rally that concerned this situation.
Sounds like a plan. The deep cycle batteries are more expensive, only have a 1 year warranty, and I've never noticed that they really do anything special.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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