Instead of two 6 volt golf cart batteries...

mandt · April 2018

Using two 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series sounds great at first... especially offering 235 amp hours of power.

But there are issues...

First we do not have the Outback edition and the plastic tub is too small to hold 2 batteries without extensive modifications. I cut out a cardboard template of 2 batteries and it is not even close.

Second is the price of 2 batteries and the weight of 2 batteries... a lot in both cases.

We do not need a ton of power but it would be nice if we had more than the 82 amp hour stock battery.

So I am thinking of using a 12 volt agm with 155 amp hours of power. It feels like a good compromise to me. Any thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDYM1UC/?coliid=I2AJFMNQRYB0JC&colid=SNS4MFMP6VLR&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Tabaz · April 2018

You should be more than fine. I used a group 27 100A lead acid battery for over two years without noticing any deficiencies in power. It even powered a microwave while boondocking.

Sharon_is_SAM · April 2018

We use a Lifeline 150 amp AGM. The tub sits forward a bit and the factory welded a different mount and made us an aluminum box. Fine for us. Charges quickly, too.

DurangoTaB · April 2018

@SAM...which Lifeline? The group 24 looks like only 80Ah...
http://lifelinebatteries.com/products/marine-batteries/gpl-24t/

jkjenn · April 2018

AGM would be maintenance free, too. If I had to switch today, it would be to the large and heavy 235 AH AGM that comes in the 400.

ScottG · April 2018

I guess it depends on what your power needs are and how much you are willing to spend. Like Tabaz, I'm going into into my third season with a group 27 105ah lead acid battery that I purchased locally for <$100.

I have the slightly smaller standard tub, so I did have to modify it a bit to accept the larger group 27 battery box.

Sharon_is_SAM · April 2018

@DurangoTaB, GPL-30HT

mandt · April 2018

Sam your battery is much more expensive than the one I am considering. I wonder if there is a difference between the two...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDYM1UC/?coliid=I2AJFMNQRYB0JC&colid=SNS4MFMP6VLR&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

rcuomo · April 2018

Jenn, are they using an Interstate 235AH battery in the 400?

Sharon_is_SAM · April 2018

@mandt,
I don’t know of the difference. But if the reviews for the VMax in an RV were good, it is certainly worth a try!

jkjenn · April 2018

rcuomo said:

Jenn, are they using an Interstate 235AH battery in the 400?

I don't think it was an Interstate but I do not recall the brand. Maybe @skwhee can comment.

skwhee · April 2018

Our 400 came equipped with a Discover EV4DA-A
http://discoverbattery.com/product-search/view/EV4DA-A

DurangoTaB · April 2018

Whew...138lbs!

skwhee · April 2018

Here's a great discussion on the differences between True Deep Cycle batteries (such as golf cart batteries) and Dual Purpose batteries (such as marine deep cycle) including advantages and alternatives to 2 6V batteries.
http://blog.solardealz.com/2016/12/battery-basics-true-deep-cycle-vs.html

jcfaber1 · April 2018

I like my AGM 2 golf cart batteries. It's a lot easier to lift each 6V battery than one that weighs as much as I do. I agree that $500 is a lot of money, but they work well and like having the 225 AHs. At some point I will consider the lithium batteries but prefer to see how they hold up over time and as the cost decreases. Now you have my thinking.
John

jkjenn · April 2018

jcfaber1 said:

I like my AGM 2 golf cart batteries. It's a lot easier to lift each 6V battery than one that weighs as much as I do. I agree that $500 is a lot of money, but they work well and like having the 225 AHs. At some point I will consider the lithium batteries but prefer to see how they hold up over time and as the cost decreases. Now you have my thinking.
John

Valid point and hopefully by the time I need to make a battery switch lithium will be affordable and more widely available.

rcuomo · April 2018

I think many are confused regarding the T@B 320 batteries. If they are factory installed Interstate HD24-DP batteries they are not 100AH batteries but in fact 42AH dual purpose wet cell batteries. They are rated at 100 reserve capacity not AH and the conversion factor is 41.67. A possible alternative is the Interstate 34M- AGM rated at 62AH or if you can make it fit in the tub, the 31M-AGM rated at 100AH.

Sharon_is_SAM · April 2018

The batteries are supplied by the dealer. If you are custom ordering a TaB and want a different size battery, make that part of the purchase agreement and request the factory to weld the appropriate size frame.

Instead of two 6 volt golf cart batteries...

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