Converting From Two 12V Batteries To Two 6V Batteries

One more year later with another update.

The Sam's Club 6V AGM batteries I installed in April 2015 continue to perform like new.  This has been one of my best modifications.  I won't ever go back to 12V or wet acid again.  Not just maintenance free and performing better, but also projected to be cheaper in the long run.

Reporting in 4.5 years since the 6V AGM installation and all continues to be great.  The pair of 6V AGM batteries from Sam's Club still perform like new.  They also hold their charge so much better in times of storage.  Given our previous two pairs of 12V lead acid batteries provided only 2 good years each, we are past the break-even point in the investment.

It is now July 10, 2020, 5 years and 3 months since I installed the AGM batteries.  They are still in fine condition, but we did not use the batteries much at all given our PC has been parked for 2 years.  Our vacations for 2018 and 2019 were overseas.  We want to take our PC out this year but COVID19 has the places we want to visit, highly restricted.  So just maybe our PC will sit for 3 years.    This year will be a staycation year.

I recently converted my wet batteries to AGM.  I like to keep my RV plugged in during storage.  I’ve read different ideas on this issue, so is this bad for my AGM’s or is there something different I should try?
Karla

I recently converted my wet batteries to AGM.  I like to keep my RV plugged in during storage.  I’ve read different ideas on this issue, so is this bad for my AGM’s or is there something different I should try?
Karla

Depends on the charger, if it's suitable for AGM batteries or not.  If your 2015 model 2552 is like my 2015 model 2551,then no, the original charger is not ideal for that.   I will have to dig into the manual, but as it came from the factory... It was designed for wet cells, so among other things it's charging voltage is 13.8v while AGM batteries like a 14.2v charger.   I do not know if the original charger can be set for long term charging of AGM batteries.  I will look tommorow afternoon and reply again.

I have Lifeline brand AGM batteries in my 2551 but during storage, I disconnect the negative cable and the batteries are just fine after winter storage.

Don

Quote from: itchn2sail on October 06, 2020, 11:46:24 am

I recently converted my wet batteries to AGM.  I like to keep my RV plugged in during storage.  I’ve read different ideas on this issue, so is this bad for my AGM’s or is there something different I should try?
Karla

Depends on the charger, if it's suitable for AGM batteries or not.  If your 2015 model 2552 is like my 2015 model 2551,then no, the original charger is not ideal for that.   I will have to dig into the manual, but as it came from the factory... It was designed for wet cells, so among other things it's charging voltage is 13.8v while AGM batteries like a 14.2v charger.   I do not know if the original charger can be set for long term charging of AGM batteries.  I will look tommorow afternoon and reply again.

I have Lifeline brand AGM batteries in my 2551 but during storage, I disconnect the negative cable and the batteries are just fine after winter storage.

Don

I imagine you could change the setting on your built-in Phoenix-supplied charger, from wet acid, to AGM.  My old Tripp-Lite inverter/charger Phoenix installed back in 2007, has a setting for AGM batteries, set so for my 6V-AGMs installed 5 years ago.

I endorse Don's idea of disconnecting the batteries from the house.  I don't, and I also don't keep the house plugged into shore power.  I leave the batteries connected only because I go into our PC now and then (it's in our attached garage) and it's nice to turn on the lights.  As a result, I charge our AGM batteries maybe every other month with an external charger.

Whether storing in an indoor or outdoor remote location, I would charge up the batteries to full, then disconnect them during the storage period as long as the storage period does not include -10 degrees fahrenheit temperature conditions, or worse.  If temps get extremely cold, a battery tender would be good setup.  The alternative would be to bring the batteries indoors.

On my 2015 model 2551it came with a Parallax 5300 series converter and panel.  I do not have a manual for it but a web search for a manual found one and it shows NO ability to set it for battery type.

Don

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!  I’ll look at my equipment.  Would you suggest II upgrade my charger for AGM?

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!  I’ll look at my equipment.  Would you suggest II upgrade my charger for AGM?

Depends on your use. 

I only stay at on spot for 3 or 4 days and then move on.   The Ford alternator puts out a 14.2v charge and that also charges the coach batteries to 14.2v.  So I am not concerned about the converter/charger topping out at 13.8 or 13.9volts.  Within a few days the alternator will handle things.

If you rarely use your coach batteries and/or stay at one place for longer times with shore power I might consider spending the money or a new converter.

For myself, and my uses, I am happy with it as-is.

I love to read about how people put their personal touches on their units.   I went from 2 12v to 1 12v.   My problem was the tray rollers were broke when I got the unit (used).  I tried cheap rollers-nah, didn't last.  Ron or anyone.  Do you still have the original tray rollers?  If you do, would you be willing to depart with them?

Thanks, Bob

Bob,

Take the original rollers drawer slides off your tray and go to your local home improvement center to match them up.  They sell full extension ball bearing drawer slides that are rated to hold a hundred pounds.  They are sold in lengths from 10" to 24".

We have Menards in our area and that's where I find them easy.  In the store, they are with the kitchen cabinet hardware with handles, knobs, and hinges.  CLICK HERE to see them on their website and select the length you need which is likely 14".  If not a Menards near you, try Home Depot, Lowes, and others.  These places are not much different in what they offer.

My new and used 12V trays, the drawer slides measure 14".  I could part with the used one for sure.  If your tray itself is all messed up, consider buying a new one from Phoenix or the manufacture of the tray.

Here are my new and used trays.  Since changing to 6V AGMs, I have not needed such a tray.

My tray is in excellent shape.  I did get some draw slides at home depot.   Not heavy duty enough.  Broke pretty quick.  Batteries are just heavy.   I threw the original heavy duty glides away and was looking for just the glides that will hold more than a bowl of jello.

Call that number on the tag  (574) 295-0234.  Maybe they will ship you a new pair fairly cheap.