6 volt batteries

[GreyWulf]

Hello fellow pioneers, nomads, hobos, and tramps. I have another problem my RV I just purchased only holds One battery I have zero storage for multiple batteries except in the bottom of my closet which is three feet away from the battery box how do I extend the wires and still be safe? Do I have to install some type of ventilation in the closet?

 

[Moxadox]

What type of RV do you have? Do you have any storage compartments on the outside? What type of battery do you currently have?

All batteries need ventilation. Lead acid batteries give off gases. AGM batts less so, but some.

How many batts do you plan to use?

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Canine]

Standard Flooded Lead Acid batteries off gas so much that they need to frequently be maintained by adding distilled water- about once a month. AGMs and Gels off gas very little if at all (when properly charged); the water inside has to last the life of the battery! Clearly, very little off gassing occurs. The water in an FLA may last only 3 weeks. FLA's must be vented; AGMs, nope. Not even a battery box for an AGM or Gel.

If you properly charge your AGM according to the manufacturer's specs, AGMs will last a loooong time. My AGMs are 7 years old now and still strong. If you don't baby an AGM, it will die a quick death. $$$. FLAs are certainly more robust, but they need far more maintenance; no maintenance = quick death. $$. Just not as expensive of a death.

In order to take care of the expensive investment of AGMs, the best charge controllers are needed. Temperature sensor and the whole deal. If you cut corners, it will easily cost you more money in the long run.

With your limited space lithium is the perfect solution. They are cost effective, safe, do not vent at all, weigh much less, are almost immune from the Peukert Effect, and it is now proven technology. You can easily double the amount of usable electricity by going to lithium. Lithiums don't need a temp sensor, so that is a $30 savings. Then not buying 6 feet of 4/0 will save you about $40. A 150 a/h lithium battery will cost you $1300 with free shipping. Two 108 a/h AGMS will cost $730 (that includes accessories) plus shipping. But the lithium will last more than twice as long, provide more usable electricity, charge of faster (essentially giving you more solar power from your panels), and give you more storage, which is critical to most people. I hear that a lot: "Man, I wish I had just a little more space."

If you are using three feet of cable, I wouldn't go less than 2/0 preferably 4/0 with good crimps. Don't cheap out on the cable. Welding cable works well- it's highly abrasions resistant and highly flexible.

 

[GreyWulf]

Okay to answer your guys's questions it is a Class B van RV regular size van, if I had outside storage I wouldn't be asking for help, like I said I have a closet that will hold maybe 4 batteries which is like I said three feet away from the battery box, one wire coming from the generator is another three to four feet away from the battery box so we're talking 6 ft of cable here, I currently have two 6 volt batteries that I bought off Craigslist that came from Advanced Auto brand new but I'm thinking of getting some Trojan T105 x4. lithium batteries are out of the question I am not rich it took me 4 months just to pay the Van off which only costed me $3, 000 there's no way I can afford lithium and still make it to Arizona this November I don't have solar panels yet so I have to charge from the generator and or the engine. this thing has a long ways to go before it is ready for full timing but I have no choice.

 

[highdesertranger]

first off,
how much power do you plan on using in a day?
you are working backwards.
1. determine energy needs
2. size battery(s) according to needs
3. size solar for battery(s)

if your energy usage is light you might not need more batteries. remember it's always easier and cheaper to conserve energy then it is to make it. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

Since you don't have panels yet and initial cost is a factor, an FLA type of battery would be a great start. That's what I'm doing.

 

[Moxadox]

Since you don't have panels yet and initial cost is a factor, an FLA type of battery would be a great start. That's what I'm doing.

But he's got to put the battery in a closet, so FLA probably not a good idea in a closed space, right?

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Standard Flooded Lead Acid batteries off gas so much that they need to frequently be maintained by adding distilled water- about once a month. AGMs and Gels off gas very little if at all (when properly charged); the water inside has to last the life of the battery! Clearly, very little off gassing occurs. The water in an FLA may last only 3 weeks. FLA's must be vented; AGMs, nope. Not even a battery box for an AGM or Gel . . .

If you are having to add water every month to your batteries your boost/absorption voltage is too high.  I have four year old Penn/Deka GC2 FLA batteries and the only time they loose water is when I equalize them twice a year.  AGMs will outgas too (and loose irreplaceable electrolyte) if you charge them with too much voltage.

Both FLA and AGM should be vented.  And neither should have a sparking source near them, especially if they are in a small enclosed space (even if vented).

 

[Canine]

A closed space is perfect as long as it's vented and in a battery box. That will, however, increase the cost of the FLAs. AGMs don't need a box or venting making them able to fit in smaller spaces.

 

[Canine]

As long as AGMs aren't overcharged, they won't vent. Well, maybe a tiny bit in some cases, but it is of no concern. So it comes down to how you manage your risk. I have not only unvented AGMs in my trailer, I have 20-pound propane tanks inside, too. I use ATC fuses instead of ATO. My charging parameters are in the middle of what the manufacturer recommends. I don't hook up any other kind of charging unit to the batteries so that I know they are being charged correctly.

Using an FLA battery hard can make it gas off. If you drain it then put a lot of amps to it, it can off gas despite being charged with the correct voltage. Adding water monthly is still within reason. If the battery is used hard and charged with fewer amps at the correct volts, adding water can be extended to several months.

Of course any battery that is misused or abused is a hazard. No doubt. But that risk is greatly mitigated when they are properly cared for.

 

[Weight]

I have my EGC2 bank in a closed box with a small computer fan exhausting the box Into-The-Van. Yes. No problem as my chargers are top of the line and are set to proper parameters. You are better with the largest gauge cables, but should be fine with 2/0 inter connecting cables for the battery. The alternator and other charging cables need to be sized from a chart. Don't use welding cable unless that is all you can find. Use a length of hose to measure the distance and buy pre-made, marine grade, cables from someone like Genuine Dealz .com Google them. I cant post links.

 

[Canine]

Weight, why not welding cable? If there is a better option, I would like to switch mine out as I like have the best equipment when it comes to solar.

 

[highdesertranger]

back in the day true welding cable was not oil, gas, UV resistant. most of the newer stuff is. when buying make sure. highdesertranger