Battery Hook up - what's this?

mitchpadl · 11-29-2021, 01:35 PM

I'm hoping to switch from 2 12v batteries to 2 6v golf car batteries. Currently the second battery has the + terminal hooked up to this (see image). Could someone tell me what this is and how I would connect it if my batteries were connected in series? Thanks!!
By the way it's a 2018 vista 27n

**Eagle5** · 11-29-2021, 01:40 PM

That is a 150 amp fuse:
https://www.electrical.com/Products/Fuses-Mersen/CNN150
It is to protect your battery cabling from a dead short. Keep it in the circuit with your two 6 volt batteries.
Eagle5

**Eagle5** · 11-29-2021, 01:45 PM

Hi again Mitch,
I too have two NAPA 12 VDC size 24 batteries, and I find them to be just fine for my needs. When your batteries were new, did they not have enough capacity for your needs?
Thanks, Eagle5

DavidM · 11-29-2021, 01:58 PM

I love 6V golf cart batteries. They provide lots of amp hours for the price. But if you want to stick with 12V batteries, consider 100 Ah Group 31 AGMs if they will fit. No maintenance required and some reports show better low discharge capability than FLAs which is what you have now.

I bought two of these from WindyNation on Amazon for about $200 each.

David

mitchpadl · 11-29-2021, 02:01 PM

Yep, they worked well when they were new!

mitchpadl · 11-29-2021, 02:02 PM

I’ll definitely check those out thanks!

**Eagle5** · 11-29-2021, 02:05 PM

Well then, it might just be the least expensive thing to replace same with same. I did paint my battery hold-down strap with POR-15; pretty good stuff.

mitchpadl · 11-29-2021, 03:34 PM

good idea - lots of corrosion on the battery tie-down straps.

Hittntheroad · 11-30-2021, 05:47 AM

If you keep 2 12 volts batteries, I would install a battery switch to isolate each one if one of them gives you problems. Plus you can completely cut off power if need be. We use them on our boats all the time.

mitchpadl · 11-30-2021, 07:19 AM

That’s a good idea! Thanks

jerichorick · 12-05-2021, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchpadl

I'm hoping to switch from 2 12v batteries to 2 6v golf car batteries. Currently the second battery has the + terminal hooked up to this (see image). Could someone tell me what this is and how I would connect it if my batteries were connected in series? Thanks!!
By the way it's a 2018 vista 27n

I hope I don't rain on your parade here. When you hook 2 6Vx100A batteries in series you have one 12V 100A battery.

If you hook 2 12Vx100A batteries in parallel you have one 12V 200A battery.

The AGM batteries suggested are a great idea as long as you have a charger that can accommodate the needs of this type of battery.

Hope this helps.
Rick

mitchpadl · 12-05-2021, 06:37 PM

I didn’t realize that. Thanks!

moonie · 12-05-2021, 09:06 PM

I changed to 2 6V golf cart batteries because I wanted to have dry camping power for an extended time frame. I boondock for 2 months at a time in Quartszite Arizona. I used two 6 Volt Interstate EXTREAM deep cycle batteries.
The benefit is simple: you get the same 12 volts as two 12 V batteries strapped in parallel or the same 12 volts using two 6 volt batteries strapped in series. BUT, the two 6 volt batteries provide much larger plates internal to the batteries for a much longer deep use cycle life line. I use all the power I want at night within common sense and by 10AM the following morning my three solar panels have charged the 6 volt system back up to float stage for the day. This combination generally lasts for 7 years with no problems.
Moonie

jerichorick · 12-06-2021, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonie

I changed to 2 6V golf cart batteries because I wanted to have dry camping power for an extended time frame. I boondock for 2 months at a time in Quartszite Arizona. I used two 6 Volt Interstate EXTREAM deep cycle batteries.
The benefit is simple: you get the same 12 volts as two 12 V batteries strapped in parallel or the same 12 volts using two 6 volt batteries strapped in series. BUT, the two 6 volt batteries provide much larger plates internal to the batteries for a much longer deep use cycle life line. I use all the power I want at night within common sense and by 10AM the following morning my three solar panels have charged the 6 volt system back up to float stage for the day. This combination generally lasts for 7 years with no problems.
Moonie

Moonie, this is a common divider among RVers. There is the diehard 6V group and 12V group.
My experience and opinion comes from my years in the phone company. Batteries are us.
The massive plates of the 6V battery give the advantage of many recharges and heavy discharge. True. But, for the most part, RV requirements don't discharge the battery bank as heavy as a golf cart requires. And, golf carts are set up in 24, 36 or 48 volt banks which helps to reduce the current for power production needed to move that thing.
Back to the weight. If 2 12V batteries are placed in the same space as 2 6V batteries the math tells to story. You have twice as much power with the same weight if the AH ratings are the same. This is all theory of course. Functional loss is not being considered here.
With my reasoning in place, you should be able to go longer with 2 12V batteries over 2 6V batteries. I'm certain I'll be challenged here. I look forward to it if there is actual experience data to support the claims.
Happy trails,
Rick

Journey39n · 12-06-2021, 10:34 AM

I started with the two OEM 12v batteries, one failed in the first year. Yes, they were approximately 100ah each giving 200ah total. The two 6v GC2 Costco batteries I replaced them with were much cheaper, and at 220ah each, got slightly more ah capacity at 220 total when connected in series.

But I wanted more, and added two more GC2 6v batteries. Now 2 banks in series then in parallel. I get 440ah which is all the capacity I need. Yes, I do have to check the battery water every month, seldom need any, or just a few tablespoons at most. And yes, I did connect through all the connections the 12v batteries had, it was a very easy swap.

Got about 6 years on the first set, now on the second set. Price is a huge consideration for us, so the little bit of maintenance is a small price to pay.

jerichorick · 12-07-2021, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Journey39n

I started with the two OEM 12v batteries, one failed in the first year. Yes, they were approximately 100ah each giving 200ah total. The two 6v GC2 Costco batteries I replaced them with were much cheaper, and at 220ah each, got slightly more ah capacity at 220 total when connected in series.

But I wanted more, and added two more GC2 6v batteries. Now 2 banks in series then in parallel. I get 440ah which is all the capacity I need. Yes, I do have to check the battery water every month, seldom need any, or just a few tablespoons at most. And yes, I did connect through all the connections the 12v batteries had, it was a very easy swap.

Got about 6 years on the first set, now on the second set. Price is a huge consideration for us, so the little bit of maintenance is a small price to pay.

That's a great report.

You did very well with your choices.
About the watering problem. Have you considered using mineral oil in your batteries? The way this works is when your water is topped to the correct level you pour a small amount or mineral oil into each cell. The goal is to cover the electorlite with the oil which acts as a membrane that keeps the caustic gas (acid water vapor) from evaporating but allows the hydrogen gas to escape. Edison used this method of battery maintenance with his facilities.

Journey39n · 12-08-2021, 08:52 AM

interesting idea on the mineral oil. I will need to check it out further, only wondering about the batteries being moved place to place on bumpy roads, and the changing temps all the time.

My brother used to do that on his solar storage batteries (he used to get used solar cell units from DOT auctions to use for his greenhouse) he picked up old lead acid batteries from various car repair shops, rejuvenated them somehow, and buried them in the ground to maintain constant temperature. Never had to add water.

It never looked pretty, but my amazing brother was able to get all sorts of things working in ways others never thought of. I do miss him:-(

TravatoJohn · 12-08-2021, 12:03 PM

Hey Moonie, I use to boondock down off old Yuma Rd with the same set up. 2 golf cart Interstates. I did tilt the panels in January to double my amps on the 3 solar panels. Have you tried doing this. Really liked the 6 volt batteries. I have 2 12 volt Lifelines in my Travato and it works great also. Coin toss I guess. Travato John

unclescratch · 12-09-2021, 07:00 AM

I found the 6-volt golf cart batteries to be a very different 'size' than 12-volt batteries. I had to rebuild the sliding battery tray on an older 5th wheel to accommodate them. They did work very well!