Replacing single 12 volt battery 3170ds

[scoto]

I need to replace the single 12 volt Battery, thinking of 2 6 volt deep cycle batteries. Do I need to change the inverter or any other component? How to install cables? Any suggestions on batteries. Thanks

[offroad]

No just wire the two 6V batteries in series, they are just like a 12V battery then.

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

[prairiecamper]

As long as you have the space requirements and proper venting no additional modifications are required other than hooking up the two batteries in series. Hookup is positive to negative on the batteries (with proper size cable between batteries) and the trailer cable is positive cable to the remaining positive post on the battery and negative cable (trailer) to the remaining negative post on the battery. I use 2 golf cart 6 Volt batteries.

[VT Skier]

Is a person better served using 2 6volt batteries vs 1 12 volt?

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Is a person better served using 2 6volt batteries vs 1 12 volt?

You will gain amp hrs if you are a boondocker or not. If you are teather type person at a CG with power, just use a 12v. Cheaper, depends on how you use your trailer.

[mud yapster]

I have 2 12v batteries paralleled just because I didn't want to buy 2 new batteries, already had the battery the rig came with. Been working great for me. Even though I haven't really stressed my 2 battery set up I have room to add 2 more if needed for a 4 bank system.
OP, a two battery set up of 6v or 12v will always serve your needs better. Cons- a 2, 6v battery set up if one battery fails your on a pickle without power. Just something to think about.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by mud yapster

I have 2 12v batteries paralleled just because I didn't want to buy 2 new batteries, already had the battery the rig came with. Been working great for me. Even though I haven't really stressed my 2 battery set up I have room to add 2 more if needed for a 4 bank system.
OP, a two battery set up of 6v or 12v will always serve your needs better. Cons- a 2, 6v battery set up if one battery fails your on a pickle without power. Just something to think about.

i Have two 12 volt, plenty of power for my camping type. Last time I boondock was in the Army. You make a good point if a 6 volt gets a bad cell your just screwed. But everyone is different...

[mud yapster]

LOL my dad and I boondocked everywhere and anywhere while I grew up as a Army Brat. Caves, tents, Army trucks, slept in a tank once, helicopter once, you name it we loved to camp anywhere and everywhere. The good old days we always had a blast!!!

[ATVer]

I'm very weight conscious and almost never camp without hookups so I removed my second 12v battery. Unless you boondock I would stay with one battery. I needed a battery in another camper so it didn't go to waste.

[mud yapster]

Originally Posted by ATVer

I'm very weight conscious and almost never camp without hookups so I removed my second 12v battery. Unless you boondock I would stay with one battery. I needed a battery in another camper so it didn't go to waste.

Good idea for some but I'm already towing 16,000 lbs. so another 70# battery doesn't hurt me and on the way back from camping I've lightened the beer load so I'm saving fuel. LOL

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by mud yapster

Good idea for some but I'm already towing 16,000 lbs. so another 70# battery doesn't hurt me and on the way back from camping I've lightened the beer load so I'm saving fuel. LOL

Agreed but this is a Class C Sunseeker forum. The large class Cs are close to their max GVWR even when empty.

[mud yapster]

Oh dang sorry I didn't realize you guys were almost at max weight. My max is 18k but we don't haul much more stuff than we need either. I need dual batteries for this power hungry rig of mine when boondocking. We can't always get a hook up where we go.

[TakeItEasy]

I thought the 3170ds already came with two batteries? I recall seeing two under the stair when I looked but its been a while.

[ATVer]

Originally Posted by TakeItEasy

I thought the 3170ds already came with two batteries? I recall seeing two under the stair when I looked but its been a while.

Two batteries are standard now but with 2012 models and earlier the second battery was an option. Not sure but some early 2013s may have also had one battery standard.

[camaraderie]

I would stick with the largest 12V deep cycle batts you can fit in...two group31's provide roughly the same amp hours as a pair of 6V's without the downside of a single battery failure taking you out of commission.
That said...if the GOAL is as many amp hours per dollar as you can get for boondocking and you are willing to take the risk...then the WalMart/Sams type 6V's offer the best deal by a good margin.

[wana65stang]

ATVer my 2014 3051s only came with one coach battery. Have room for two but only really need one for the type of camping we do.

[MrJoe]

I remember seeing that the two batteries becoming standard was announced in the summer of 2013. Mine came with two and was listed as an option, but we got them free (-:

[wana65stang]

Mine is listed as a 2014, guess it must be a late 2013, before the two batteries were standard. Not hard to install two if the need ever pops up.

[scoto]

Thanks for the response. If I install 2 12 volt batteries do I have to do anything to the electrical setup. Charger/ inverter etc. Thanks

[ATVer]

I toured the factory in July 2012, 2013s were in production, and they said two batteries were made standard because most were ordered that way. Either the second battery was changed to an option later or because the 3050s is a heavy layout the second battery was deleted to increase cargo capacity.