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| Re: [GMCnet] Coach Batteries [message #163787 is a reply to message #163766] |
Wed, 21 March 2012 20:36   |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Wielding Cable is often less expensive and a great way to go. I used a "monster" type cable 0 gauge. Just make sure you look at them correct. Each set like one battery. The 6v get run in series and act like one battery, duplicate on the second set. Then connect the sets in parallel.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Coach Batteries [message #163791 is a reply to message #163766] |
Wed, 21 March 2012 20:55 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Peter Garry wrote on Wed, 21 March 2012 18:03 |
I am contemplating have 2, 6v trojans in the front and 2 in the rear. Can I connect the 2 battery banks together and if so what size cable would I use?
PeterG
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Gary,
I spent years finding places to put batteries in Performance Cruisers (fast, but comfortable sailboats). I would like to know where in the back of a 23' you plan to hide a pair of T-105s..
Yes, you can parallel the banks, but unless you get the resistance of the cabling to be an exact match, be prepared to be disappointed. Lead Acid batteries in parallel do not always play nicely together. There was a recent article in the FMCA magazine about this. It was published as a *.pdf and you can probably get someone to send it to you if you don't have it.
As to wire specification, that all depends on what you are going to do with it. In simple terms, you could just buy all the copper you can afford. But again, matching the two pairs resistance is important to a successful installation.
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] Coach Batteries [message #163797 is a reply to message #163766] |
Wed, 21 March 2012 21:48 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Why not keep them separate (stock setup with isolator, boost switch and then add a combiner) It's just that the coach battery and house battery will be as 2 x 6Vs x 2. You could add a manual (no parasitc drain like the solenoid) paralling switch to extend your dry camping time if that is what you are after, but you do stand the chance then of being stranded with a no start. Keeping them paralleled all the time ----not so good.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Coach Batteries [message #163805 is a reply to message #163766] |
Wed, 21 March 2012 23:35 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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It can be made to be difficult but really its not. Use all fresh batteries equal to each other. Use major heavy wire. Its simple and helps battery life a lot. I just installed (6) 6vers and removed the Onan and will never look back. I fired up the microwave I rec'd yesterday for 30 minutes and it was running like a champ on battery power. Just use heavy wire and really good connectors. Don't be fooled into thinking its super hard. "Buying all the copper you can afford" is good advise, Since our coaches are small, unless your wiring it a odd way and make your run long 0 g will work. If using connectors make sure they are HEAVY Gauge with enough beef no have little to no loss. While my 6v project was a first for me for MANY MANY years I've done major 12v battery banks with ease.
I'mm guessing your keeping your starting battery, and this plan is just for the house?
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
[Updated on: Wed, 21 March 2012 23:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Coach Batteries [message #163863 is a reply to message #163805] |
Thu, 22 March 2012 13:13 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Don't disagree with the fundamentals: large wire, good connectors. But recently there was ref (see below) to a document talking about making distance (wire length) from charger/use-point to battery banks equal, else one bank will charge more completely and/or discharge more. Snipped and saved a picture: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=43272&nocache=1diagram 9 is common but wrong; 10 is better; 11 is best;
FWIW
Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR
---------------------------------From Larry Davick:... article in the January 2012 Family Motor Coaching magazine ... that discussed the proper way to connect multiple batteries in a 12 volt system ... written by Gary Bunzer is titled "Balance of Power, Learn how to optimize the efficiency of your motorhome's house batteries." ... The article is only available on-line with subscription, so I can't link to it, but if you received the magazine I'd recommend the article. Larry Davick---------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:35:39 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Coach Batteries
>
>
>
> It can be made to be difficult but really its not. Use all fresh batteries equal to each other. Use major heavy wire. Its simple and helps battery life a lot. I just installed (6) 6vers and removed the Onan and will never look back. I fired up the microwave I rec'd yesterday for 30 minutes and it was running like a champ on battery power. Just use heavy wire and really good connectors. Don't be fooled into thinking its super hard. "Buying all the copper you can afford" is good advise, Since our coaches are small, unless your wiring it a odd way and make your run long 0 g will work. If using connectors make sure they are HEAVY Gauge with enough beef no have little to no loss. While my 6v project was a first for me for MANY MANY years I've done major 12v battery banks with ease.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
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