Quote:
Originally Posted by c7train
I was wondering about what size battery bank to use when updating this system. So, my questions to you are:
1. How many total amp hours does your battery bank provide?
2. What appliances do you run (furnace, stereo, lights, fan, etc), or an amp hour for your regular power needs?
3. 12v or 6v batteries and why you chose the route you did.
Thanks for all the help thus far!
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1. 420 (2-210AH)
2. Espar furnace Airtronic/Hydronic, water pump, stereo and DVD system, LED lights inside and out, Fantastic fan when needed, and the microwave off
battery power only for stealth camping.
3. 12 volt AGM Lifeline batteries. Don't want 6 volt batteries because of the overall size and extra connections required. I also don't want wet cell batteries because of maintenance and the fact that AGM batteries charge up faster. Mind you they are making 6 volt AGM's these days & there's nothing wrong with that. If the price of Lithium batteries come down to a reasonable price I'll be all over those.
[edit]Just to note two 210AH 6 volt batteries in series put out 210AH at 12 volt. I'm very happy with my twin 210AH 12v batteries as far as total amp hours. One issue is if one goes bad it will likely take out the other. That can be very expensive so there is a reason why a single battery can be a good thing. It is also worth knowing AGM's should be taken down to no more than 50% of discharge
on a regular basis. Some 6v wet cell battery systems can be taken lower than AGM's but a well made AGM can handle lower depths of discharge now and then w/o damage compared to lower quality types. Generally you get what you pay for. It might even be a smart move to find good deals on cheaper brands and just plan to replace them on a regular basis. JMO