Can I Replace My RVs Two 6 Volt Batteries With One 12 Volt Battery?

by Rick
(Raleigh NC USA)

I have two six volt batteries that are the auxiliary power batteries. One of the batteries is dead. Can I change the batteries out for one 12 volt battery or do I need to use the two 6 volts batteries and what is the difference. Thank you

ANSWER Greetings Rick thanks for asking your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Yes you can replace your RV's 2 six volt deep cycle batteries with one 12 volt deep cycle battery, but you shouldn't. I am not going to go into a lot of technical details as to why, but I will simply tell you that two 6 volt deep cycle batteries are far more efficient than one 12 volt deep cycle battery.

The 6 volt deep cycle batteries will provide your RV with 12 volt power for longer and will withstand more charging than a single 12 volt deep cycle battery.

I would recommend that you replace both 6 volt batteries, even though you state that only one is bad. Although the other 6 volt battery shows as being good it may still have a limited number of times that it can be recharged. I know that there will be some other RVers that disagree with me on this point and they are welcome to leave their comments.

When you have two new 6 volt batteries, their lifespan will pretty much mirror each other. You do not state how old your batteries are, but I still think it is a better idea to go with two new ones.

If you would like to get more information on the different types of batteries, please read the answer I provided to this question Are 2 Six Volt Batteries Better Than 1 Twelve Volt Battery To Provide Power To Inside Of RV.

I wish you the best of luck in getting your battery situation squared away. If any of our visitors have suggestions or tips for you they can leave them by clicking on the add a comment link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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