Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-09-2018, 04:27 PM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Switch to 6-volt batteries?

On my Navion 24J, what do I need to do to reroute the wires to use two 6v batts? What Costco (Interstate) golf cart batt are you guys buying? Thx
fstclyz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2018, 11:56 PM   #2
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,574
It's pretty simple, assuming the two 6-volts will fit in the same space as your existing batteries. Your existing pos and neg cables should reach the new batteries but you'll need a short cable to connect the pos of one 6v to the neg of the other. The remaining pos and neg posts will connect to your existing cables. Once you figure out the positioning of your batteries, measure how long the short cable needs to be and go to your local auto parts store, which should have what you need.

Since the 6v batteries are taller, make sure your terminals are adequately protected. You also may need to modify the existing hold-down bracket(s) or fabricate replacement(s).

If the 6v batteries won't fit the existing space, you'll need to get creative. Not being familiar with the Navion 24J, I can't advise you on that.

I wasn't aware that Costco sold different models of 6v golf cart batteries. When I bought mine a few months ago, there was only one choice.
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 09:40 AM   #3
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 221
Here are pictures before and after. The hold down bracket will need to be changed because of the height of the 6 volt batteries. I went with T-145's and the next thing I did was separate the batteries to fill the tray and drop a pressure treated 2x4 in the center. Made me feel better not having the centers rubbing.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180511_080832.jpg
Views:	233
Size:	243.4 KB
ID:	170402   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180511_072610.jpg
Views:	165
Size:	322.2 KB
ID:	170403  

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180511_071533.jpg
Views:	158
Size:	277.1 KB
ID:	170404  
Mike Owens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 10:51 AM   #4
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Thanks Mike. So you didn't need to cut up the tray for the T145's? Just revise the hold downs? That's easy.
fstclyz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 10:54 AM   #5
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 221
Quote:
Originally Posted by fstclyz View Post
Thanks Mike. So you didn't need to cut up the tray for the T145's? Just revise the hold downs? That's easy.
Correct no cutting required. Cheeseee easy!
Mike Owens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2018, 04:41 PM   #6
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
I know it is a short run between the batteries, but I don't skimp on wire diameter. No Auto Zone #6 for me. Went to West Marine and got a foot or so of either 0 or 00 and put copper ends on them. Probably overkill, but after 35 years on a boat living on 12 volts often, it is worth $20 extra for me.
__________________
2006 Itasca Sunova 26P Class A
Towing 2006 Honda CR-V
MkgBen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2018, 04:47 PM   #7
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 221
Quote:
Originally Posted by MkgBen View Post
I know it is a short run between the batteries, but I don't skimp on wire diameter. No Auto Zone #6 for me. Went to West Marine and got a foot or so of either 0 or 00 and put copper ends on them. Probably overkill, but after 35 years on a boat living on 12 volts often, it is worth $20 extra for me.
The original parallel wiring was sufficient to use without buying any wire.
Mike Owens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2018, 05:03 PM   #8
Winnebago Owner
 
jcurtisis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 226
Just curious- why switch to 6v batteries?
jcurtisis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 09:00 AM   #9
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 170
12v to 6v change on 24M

Changed from 12V to 6V on 24M using Interstate batteries. Results from added Amp Hours was better then expected, would do it again. Found a large gauge jumper wire at local auto parts store. Most difficult part was the custom hold down clamp, takes some creativity to fabricate and install with the larger size 6v batteries.
Shedboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 10:17 AM   #10
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,574
There are three basic types of lead-acid 12v batteries, starting, deep-cycle and marine, which are a combination of deep-cycle and starting. The most commonly found on RVs are starting (coach battery) and one or more marine batteries for the house. True, deep cycle 12 batteries are relatively rare.

6v "golf cart" batteries are deep cycle batteries with heavier duty plates. Two 6v golf cart batteries, connected in serial (+ to -) will deliver 12v. They will generally provide more amp hours than two 12v marine type batteries and, due to the thicker plates will be more durable and less susceptible to damage due to over/under charging or low water levels. True, deep-cycle 12v batteries will have similar advantages.
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2018, 08:44 AM   #11
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 221
Update from our first boondog with the 6v setup. Solar kept the batts charged and over night running two fans (Dyson table top and clamp prop fan over my face, love air flow for sleeping) with the inverter left plenty of capacity to brew coffee in the am and watch Direct TV until the commodore awoke. Very happy with the capacity increase!
Mike Owens is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
6 volt vs 12 volt batteries Snakebite Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 15 10-30-2018 05:50 PM
DIY dimmer switch for 12 volt light fixture! scbwr Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 11 10-01-2013 07:45 PM
110 volt water heater switch Dave from MN General Maintenance and Repair 18 09-18-2006 05:47 AM
12 Volt Batteries vs 6 Volt kenbt Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 12 12-14-2005 09:09 AM
12 volt chassis batteries vs 6 volt kenbt Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 8 11-30-2005 04:30 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.