Which is best battery system to use 6 or 12 volt?

[Rob Sullivan Participant Kelowna, BC, Canada]

Here is our situation:  We have a early 90’s fifth wheel that originally came with 2 12 V deep cycle batteries.  I’ve added a 3rd that runs a 2000w inverter for a small 120 v fridge.  I have 2 70 watt solar panels – 1 connected to the 2-12’s that run the trailer and 1 to the single 12 that is hooked to the inverter.

I want to add another battery to the fridge/inverter setup but I don’t know if I should switch to 2-6 volts, or use 2-12 volts or even 4 – 6 volts

We split our time on the road 60% RV parks, 40% Boondocking.  So obviously the 40% we rely on 12V/solar.

We do have a generator for backup and charging and I found last summer the fridge would drain the single batter on inverter in about 6 hours (the inverter would start making a squeal to let me know the battery was being depleted), so I’d fire up the generator and hook up the trailer to power and charge the single battery.  Obviously the single solar panel isn’t keeping up.

So to summarize – my options are:  4 batteries – either 6 or 12 volt, mix of 2-12 and 2-6.  I could also get another panel or 2- they were cheap enough at Costco last year and i’m sure they will have more.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Ray Keymaster 1701-1729 NW 44th St, Lincoln City, OR 97367, USA]

If you don’t mind doing a little battery maintenance, checking and filling them every month or two then a pair of six volts are a good bang for the buck. They also have a small footprint being taller and can better handle the deep discharges. I would start with two and see if they meet your needs. 

Definitely, more solar would be a good plan. 100 watts per battery is a good rule of thumb, more the better.

RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.com

[Rob Sullivan Participant Kelowna, BC, Canada]

Great thanks! I will get another panel or 2 and the batteries.  Good think Costco is across the street

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