Source for 6 volt batteries

[WaltP]

I have a twin 6 volt battery system and think I need to replace at least one.
Since usually you can't walk in to the nearest Walmart or auto store and find 6 volters, I'd appreciate any tips on good brands and sources with good prices.

Walt

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by WaltP

I have a twin 6 volt battery system and think I need to replace at least one.
Since usually you can't walk in to the nearest Walmart or auto store and find 6 volters, I'd appreciate any tips on good brands and sources with good prices.Walt

You will need to know the size you have now and/or the maximum room you gave to hold them. I have found both golf cart, and floor scrubber batteries at my local farm and barn store. My “current” batteries (pictured) came from Batteries plus.

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by AC0GV

You will need to know the size you have now and/or the maximum room you gave to hold them. I have found both golf cart, and floor scrubber batteries at my local farm and barn store. My “current” batteries (pictured) came from Batteries plus.

Unless it is an almost new set, always replace both so that they have about the same capacity.

[WaltP]

Good point. My current batteries are in group 24 battery boxes and any replacements will need to fit the boxes.

Walt

[gordon2]

Golf Cart sales and service business?

[tractors1]

Our local Costco carries them; Interstate brand

[Jack Walter]

Tractor Supply usually has six volt batteries - fairly inexpensive as well.Make sure you check the manufacturing date on any six volt battery you buy. Some of them have been sitting on the shelf for years.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by Jack Walter

Tractor Supply usually has six volt batteries - fairly inexpensive as well.Make sure you check the manufacturing date on any six volt battery you buy. Some of them have been sitting on the shelf for years.

Dunno how tractor supply sells their batteries; if the acid has never been added to a dry battery I wouldn't care how old it was. Some stores package the acid separate and you pour it in.

[WaltP]

I wish we had a Costco.
But I'll check with Tractor Supply.
Thanks.

Walt

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by AC0GV

Unless it is an almost new set, always replace both so that they have about the same capacity.

Thanks
That's a critical issue for parallel 12v batteries, not so much for series 6v batteries.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

It would help to know what size you have now. The most common size in RV use is GC2, but since you said yours fit in a G24 box, they must be a different size. Are you looking for flooded or AGM?

[Jon Vermilye]

I'd check the battery box size - While Escape may have changed things, my 2011 17B used a pair of GC2 battery boxes (on the back bumper). Another source (although maybe not the least expensive) is almost any RV service center. They tend to move enough batteries that you will be able to purchase reasonably fresh ones.

As to replacing just one, I wouldn't do it unless they are within 6 months of so age wise, but if you do, be sure they use the same chemistry (ie same brand). For example, I wouldn't mix a Trojan with an Interstate. Both are lead acid batteries, but each manufacturer uses different additives (even within different models of the same brand) that may affect the charging cycle.

[WaltP]

Okay. Always looking to learn. I fully understand why badly matched batteries in parallel can cause problems. In parallel they have to seek a common voltage which can drain the stronger one.
I need to learn what the problem is when in serial. I just don't see it as long as both are not overloaded by the current draw. e.g., if you needed an 18 volt source, what's the problem with connecting a 12 and a 6 in series, as long as their current ratings are not exceeded?

Walt

[captsteve2002]

I bought my batteries direct from Interstate Batteries. Since the ones I bought had terminal post instead of normal batter posts I saved some money as the Distribute was getting rid of that model. The sticker on them showed they were less than 6 month old and manufactured the same month.

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye

I'd check the battery box size - While Escape may have changed things, my 2011 17B used a pair of GC2 battery boxes (on the back bumper).

Jon
I thought 'maybe he's right' so I went out and checked. They are stamped as 'Group 24 Battery Box'.
I have not (yet) pulled the batteries to see what they have written on them.

Walt

[Jon Vermilye]

I've never measured a group 24 battery, but they must be close to the GC2 size if Escape used them to hold the Interstate GC2 6V batteries they install.

I looked up the dimensions of both batteries, and a Group 24 battery is 10.25" X 6.8125" X 8.875 (LWH). A GC2 Battery is 10.2" X 7.1" X 10.8" (LWH) in two of the examples I found. I guess other than height, the 6 Volt battery might fit a Group 24 box, assuming that the case leaves some wiggle room.

As to why you want the 2 6V batteries to be in the same condition, the charging current is determined by the "resistance" of each battery added together. If the batteries were exactly the same, each would drop the same voltage (1/2 the applied voltage). If they are not the same, one will drop less voltage & the other more. If the differences too much, you may find the battery with the lower voltage drop not charging as much as the higher voltage battery. In the worst case, the higher voltage battery may gas off before charging is complete.

Lead acid batteries are pretty tolerant, so in general this is not going to be a problem, but it makes sense to keep the batteries as close as possible.

[minke]

Originally Posted by WaltP

Thanks
That's a critical issue for parallel 12v batteries, not so much for series 6v batteries.

Walt

Perhaps that is correct for two series 6V batteries but for four 6V batteries (two pairs serial and those pairs in parallel) it is no different from two 12V batteries.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Jon Vermilye

I looked up the dimensions of both batteries, and a Group 24 battery is 10.25" X 6.8125" X 8.875 (LWH). A GC2 Battery is 10.2" X 7.1" X 10.8" (LWH) in two of the examples I found. I guess other than height, the 6 Volt battery might fit a Group 24 box, assuming that the case leaves some wiggle room.

I was doing the same research while you were posting and discovered the same thing.

My Scamp has a G24 and my Roadtrek has GC2's. I've handled both, and the GC2's feel seriously bulky and heavy compared to the G24, so the answer surprised me.

Learned something today!

[gordon2]

If you want a good AGM, VMAX will ship this battery to your door (social isolation, right?)
It says GC2 termination but you would have to check the actual dimensions to see if its the right size, or if they have one that is.
https://www.vmaxtanks.com/V6-225-6Vo...ery-_p_48.html

[Marv]

Hey Walt,

If you have group 24 batteries, this would be a great time to switch to GC2 six-volts. I checked a couple of 24s and they seem to run around 80AH (so 160 for two in parallel). The GC2 that Gordon referenced is 225AH. That's a huge increase in capacity. You might have to get one new cable and maybe even new boxes (but I think your Escape had GC2s when new). Did you buy that trailer used? Of course, they would be connected differently than the present ones. Connection diagrams are everywhere.

Marv