Installed 6V Batteries - No DC Power

[jabba7]

So my last camping trip, my coach batteries (12V) were dead, and wouldn't hold a charge. I tried to recharge them using a battery charger, but I believe one had a bad cell. I decided to purchase 2 Trojan T-105 6V batteries to replace them. I just got them installed, but I'm not getting any DC power to the motorhome. They are wired in series, just like they should be. I've included a picture, so maybe someone can take a look at it, and see if I did something wrong. Also, is there something else I should have done when changing from 12V to 6V batteries? I have a Forester 3171DS.

[northstar1960]

no picture ! with one 12v battery you still have use of your rig , with one 6 v you don't

[jabba7]

Thanks. I figured out how to add the picture. It's now there.

[AGFazio]

Do you have 12v at the batteries? If so, I would check your main breaker/fuse.

[jabba7]

Ok, figured out the problem. There's a converter reset button in the Battery Relay & Fuse Box by the steps. It must have tripped when the converter tried to come on with the bad batteries. Thanks.

[MNtraveler]

I'm no expert and some of the wires in your photo are unclear where they go, but I would not say those are wired in series. Compare the diagram here in which the Neg of #1 is wired to the Pos of #2.

http://www.atbatt.com/rv-battery/how...-configuration




Land of 10,000 Lakes
2016 Forester MBS 2401R

[5picker]

Originally Posted by MNtraveler

I'm no expert and some of the wires in your photo are unclear where they go, but I would not say those are wired in series. Compare the diagram here in which the Neg of #1 is wired to the Pos of #2.

Look closely at the OP's photo again. You'll see one battery is turned 180 degrees from the other. (Gold sticker down on one/up on the other). Looks like neg to pos to me.

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Look closely at the OP's photo again. You'll see one battery is turned 180 degrees from the other. (Gold sticker down on one/up on the other). Looks like neg to pos to me.

Looks like you're right - it's almost a mirror image setup at least on the physical connectors. Good eyes!

[sonny bransom]

do 2 6 volt work better than 2 12 volts? thanks for help

[Waynedeer]

Six volt golf cart batteries are true DEEP Cycle; they are made only to run a DC motor and to be discharged and recharged often. They have thicker lead plates (they are heavy too) and store significantly more AMP hours. I installed a couple this year and dry camped alot. On 3-4 day trips I never had to run the generator. They do generally require a little maintenance as in checking the water level and adding distilled water as required to keep them full. I am very happy with mine.

[kenenn]

Had my six volt batteries in for three years now and no complaints. The do last a lot longer, but as mentioned above, top up with distilled water every couple of months ( don't over fill ). Have heard that it helps to add a 325 mg aspirin to each cell every six months. Not sure if this is fact or not. I have been doing it and would like to hear from others on this.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by kenenn

Had my six volt batteries in for three years now and no complaints. The do last a lot longer, but as mentioned above, top up with distilled water every couple of months ( don't over fill ). Have heard that it helps to add a 325 mg aspirin to each cell every six months. Not sure if this is fact or not. I have been doing it and would like to hear from others on this.

Adding an asprin to a battery cell will create acetic acid which then reacts with the sulfuric acid to produce a short boost in battery voltage. It has long been a “McGuyver“ type of quick fix in the back country world of off roading.

One or maybe two asprins, more than just one time, is probably not good for the long term life of the battery.

[Bluepill]

Yeah, I always hate it when my battery says "Sorry dear, I have a headache"

[RamblerGuy]

Yeah, I always hate it when my battery says "Sorry dear, I have a headache"
----
Maybe one of the blue pills would cure it's headache.

Apologies to the original poster for diverting the thread to silliness.

[vajeep]

Originally Posted by jabba7

So my last camping trip, my coach batteries (12V) were dead, and wouldn't hold a charge. I tried to recharge them using a battery charger, but I believe one had a bad cell. I decided to purchase 2 Trojan T-105 6V batteries to replace them. I just got them installed, but I'm not getting any DC power to the motorhome. They are wired in series, just like they should be. I've included a picture, so maybe someone can take a look at it, and see if I did something wrong. Also, is there something else I should have done when changing from 12V to 6V batteries? I have a Forester 3171DS.

Sorry to ressurect an older thread, but I need to figure out batteries for the 2014 3171DS we recently picked up. On our TT I had gone to the 2x GC batteries and was very happy. Concerned about clearance under the steps in our new rig.

Is there enough depth to install them without modifying the compartment or lid? Did you have any other clearance issues with them?

Thanks!

[brucemc]

I measured our 2250 Sunseeker just after getting it - the width and length dimensions are fine but the depth is a gotcha. When I measured the GC batteries in our old unit and compared them with the depth in the step well, I found the batteries are within an 1/8" of the underside of the metal lid - not a good thing. Looking at battery sites, I'm finding some are even a bit taller than the available depth.
Before you invest in a pair of golf cart batteries, measure, measure, measure!

I have a couple of ideas for making them fit in the stepwell - but it's going to take a bit of metal work. I plan to drop the floor about an inch. Someday.