RV Batteries

There's a popular practice of using two 6 volt golf cart batteries for RV power requirements. This is recommended especially if one is boondocking and must have reliable power for multiple days at a time. Part of this practice is making your batteries last longer by never running them below 50% capacity. I was a believer in this system many years ago when using my boat as a camper to Alaska and back but things have changed.

Today I use nothing but 12 volt starting batteries for all my power needs, both on my boat and with my Wolf Pup travel trailer. Here's why:

First off, there's less wiring to mess with using a single manageable battery. I can see using smaller batteries in place of a 4D or 8D where it's hard for one person to manage, but the 12 volt battery doesn't inspire me to go smaller, even at 70+ y/o.


With the golf cart batteries one needs to be aware of amp hours needed and used. You wouldn't want to run your golf cart batteries down past 50% or you'd shorten their life. And you should therefore have a battery bank that is twice what your needs are because you're only allowed to use half of it. Reminds me of my neighbor - he says he gets 2 years out of a pair of shoes. I told him I only get one year. What's the secret? He says the secret is to buy two pairs of shoes and switch every day - that way you get two years out of your shoes instead of only one. Anyway, the folks who enjoy getting the most life out of their batteries will also likely opt for an expensive multi-stange equalizing charger.

If one of your two 6 volt golf cart batteries goes south, you'll need to buy two, because you're not supposed to run 6's in series unless they are identical types and ages.

With the 12 volt battery I don't give a hoot about how many amp hours I've used and I'll run it flat without hesitation. This casual if not uncaring relationship with my batteries gives me more time to enjoy the energy they provide rather than worrying about whether I'm doing them any harm or if I've only got another few minutes of TV left - they'll tell me when they've had enough. And almost any charger will get the job done - well, except for those fancy multi-stage equalizing chargers that refuse to charge a dead battery.

So bottom line is I use only 12 volt starting batteries,don't care about counting amps,  maybe run them flat, use a cheap charger and generally beat them to an early death. I usually only get 3-4 years out of a battery - but that's all I expect for $100. And if they fail earlier or I just want a new battery for a long trip I'm about to take...I go to Walmart before the 3 years is up and tell them I want a new battery - or if I'm beyond 3 years, I get the prorated amount up to 5 years on my purchase of a new one.