Batteries are used in different ways and for other purposes. You can use it to power up your electric appliances or unique toys like toy cars or automatic go-karts. One of the most common uses for batteries is long road trips. With a dedicated battery setup inside your camper van, you can enjoy electricity throughout your road trip or camping trip without any issues.
Generally, most batteries come with two voltage options- 6V or 12V. You must choose a suitable battery model to ensure the electrical system or appliance gets enough power. For this, you will have to get proper knowledge of the differences between a 6 V and a 12V battery.
What is a 6v Battery?
A 6V battery is an electricity storage cell that discharges the stored electricity at a rate of 6V. The voltage remains constant throughout the discharge time.
Pros
- Such batteries have a bigger discharge capacity
- The recharge capacity is better
- Amp output is smaller
- The Ah capacity is more significant than 12v batteries
- It is more durable when maintained properly
Cons
- The price of the 6V batteries is relatively high
- The batteries are more extensive and taller in size and require special battery boxes
- The 6V batteries are uncommon, and you may face difficulty in finding a suitable replacement.
What Type of Lithium is Used in 6v Battery?
For making a 6v battery, two Lithium-ion 32700 batteries are connected in a 2s1p series formation. In general LiFePO4 variants are used.
Usage of 6v Batteries
The 6 V battery is one of the most versatile batteries available in the market. Hence, this type of battery is used in different sectors. Some of the common uses are-
1. Powering Up the Camper and Recreational Vehicles
The better power output of the 6V batteries makes them an excellent choice for powering up recreational vehicles like camping vans, cargo, and even trailers.
In general, two six v batteries are used to get better battery capacity with extended amp output. That means with 6 v batteries. You can power up the trailer or your camping van longer than using a 12 v battery. On top of that, their lightweight and mobile design makes them excellent choices for storage in a small space like a trailer or camping van.
2. Lighting Construction and Industrial Areas
The next most common usage of the 6 v batteries is in the construction and industrial areas. Often flashlights are connected to the battery. The best part about using a 6v battery is that it offers a longer life cycle and a better lighting experience throughout its single life cycle.
3. Powering Up Small EVs and Golf Carts
Due to their long-lasting energy cycle, the 6 V batteries are mainly used to power up electric vehicles and golf carts. Instead of one or two 12V batteries, a series of 6 V batteries are used to power up the car.
The lower discharge rate and faster heat distribution allow the vehicle to run longer. On top of that, using 6V batteries also reduces the cost of maintaining the vehicle.
4. Emergency Power Bank for Small Electronic Appliances
The 6V batteries are also an emergency power backup for household appliances like computers, TVs, etc.
5. For Camping and Hiking
Hikers and campers also use the 6v batteries during their trips. Smaller 6V lithium batteries can effectively power up a torch, headlights, or even small electronic appliances during camping and hiking.
How Many Amp Hours is a 6-volt Lithium Battery?
Lithium 6 V batteries come with different mah or Ah ratings. You can find such batteries with ratings such as 5ah, 6.8 ah, and 10ah,12ah etc. Such batteries are used for electronic scales and small appliances like toy cars, power banks, etc.
There are also batteries with rags of 200 mah, 1200mah, and 2200 mah, which are used for smartphones, tablets, and even for powering up larger vehicles.
What is a 12v Battery?
A 12V battery is a storage cell battery that can store electricity and discharge that stored electricity at the rate of 12V till the discharge is complete.
Pros
- The voltage remains constant throughout the life cycle
- The amp hours remain doubled
- 12V batteries are primarily used in electric vehicles, garages, and other areas
- Are cheaper than 6V batteries, especially the 12V deep-cycle lithium batteries
- Can be easily found, even in smaller shops
- The batteries offer higher amp-hour when connected in a series formation.
Cons
- The batteries last less than a 6V battery.
- The amp hour rating is less than 6V batteries.
- The batteries are larger and are also heavier. So, fitting a battery can be difficult. If you have very little space left
How to Build Lithium 12v Batteries?
Usually, 12 V batteries combine two to three lithium batteries in a series formation. Mainly, 18650 Li-Ion cells are used to build the batteries. These lithium battery cells come with 250+ charge cycles and are compatible with high-current draining devices. On top of that, the safety features of such lithium cells are better, making them ideal for powering up Eva or complicated electronic appliances.
To build a 12V lithium battery, you will need three 18650 Li-ion cells open 3S 6 Amp Battery Management System. 0.15mm Coated Nickel Strips, Battery system Connector, 100mm PVC Heat Shrink Sleeve, and JST XH 2.54 Female 4-pin connector.
Here the beach lithium cell can store charge up to 4.2 V. Hence, combining them in a series will yield an output of 12.6 V or roughly 12 volts.
First, take a battery and connect its positive terminal to the charging section. Hence, take the negative terminal and combine the three together in a series formation.
Now, a 100mm PVC heat shrink sleeve is placed around the arrangement and is fitted around the battery back.
What are the Uses of 12v Batteries?
1. For Electronic Vehicle
The 12V batteries are mostly used to power electronic vehicles like RVs, campers, wheelchairs, and scooters. Golf carts etc.
Since the energy requirement of these vehicles is greater, 1 2v battery is ideal. The batteries offer constant power and can power up eh vehicles instantly.
2. For Home Inverter System
The 12V batteries are also used to power up the home inverter system. Such batteries can power up your home for long hours. Due to their higher storage capacity and deep-cycle technology, the battery can drain slower and recharge faster.
3. Power Backup for Home Appliances
A 12V lithium battery is an excellent option for powering up larger appliances like computers, laptops, TVs, smart TVs, etc. The high storage capacity can allow you to work on your computer for the whole day without recharging the 12v battery frequently.
It can also be used to power up smaller houses or cabins, stair lifts, sweepers, Yachts or small sailing boats, fishing boats, etc.
How Many Amp-hours for a 12v Battery?
The amp-hour unit refers to the exact amperage an artery delivers in one hour. The ampere-hour of the lithium Barry depends on various things, including the technology used to make the battery.
In general, the average hour rating of a 12V battery is 20-600Ah. Batteries for cars and other electric vehicles have a record of 40-100Ah. A deep-cycle RV or camper batteries usually have a 100 Ah rating.
Why to Use 6-Volt Batteries?
Instead of 12V batteries, a combination of two 6V batteries is often used to power up vehicles or even campers. It is because two or more 6V batteries have a higher ampere-hour rating than a 12V battery.
When you combine two 6V batteries in a series, you get 12V power for a long time with lower amperage output. Hence, the vehicle receives power for a long time while the battery recovers well.
How to Connect RV Batteries?
Batteries can be connected in an RV in either series or parallel formation. The formation may be insignificant if you use only one battery, 12V. But, if you are using multiple 12V or 6v batteries, you must choose the proper formation to get the desired electricity output.
But first, let’s understand the different aspects of eras and parallel battery formation.
1. Parallel Formation
When the positive terminals of batteries are connected, and the negative terminals are connected similarly, the formation is called a parallel formation. In this case, the voltage remains the same but the ampere-hour capacity increases.
For example, let’s consider two 12V batteries with 100 amp-hour ratings connected together in a parallel formation. The combination will yield 12V of power, but the ampere-hour capacity will increase and become 200 amp-hour (100 amp-hour +100 amp-hour = 200 amp-hour).
The best part about this system is that even if one battery fails to turn on, the other battery can continue working without any issues. But, the parallel formation creates a higher current draw. Hence, you may need to use thicker cables.
2. Series Formation
In series formation, the positive terminal of a battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery, forming a series of multiple batteries. Consider two 12V batteries connected in a series formation. The system will offer 24V power, but the capacity will be 100 amp-hour.
The best part about using serial formation is that it increases the voltage. At the same time, the ampere-hour rating remains the same as a single battery. That means there will be less voltage drop, and the electricity can flow through thinner wiring.
But, if one battery falters, the whole system shuts down. Hence, you will be unable to power up your camper or appliance if such a scenario arises.
3. Connecting 6-Volt Batteries in Series
Usually, 6V batteries are connected in a series formation, as combining two batteries will offer an output of 12V with lower amperage.
For this, first, you have to connect the two 6V batteries in a series by joining the negative terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of the next. Now, take the positive terminal of the first battery and connect it with the positive terminal of the RV positive cable. After that, connect the second battery’s open negative terminal to the RV’s negative terminal.
Please remember that you should only connect the positive and negative cables of the RV to one battery. Instead, connect the load wires to two different batteries. It offers a balanced series formation that also protects the batteries.
In case you want to increase the battery capacity for your RV, you can connect the series pairings in a parallel formation later to keep the voltage at the 12V limit. It is called a series-parallel connection.
4. Connecting 12 Volt RV Battery Pairs in Parallel
Using 12V batteries, you will have to go for parallel battery formation. It offers double capacity while maintaining the same voltage output. Hence, the battery lasts longer while giving you a better life cycle.
For this, you will need two 12V Lithium batteries. First, connect the two positive terminals of the batteries. Follow the same method and connect the two negative terminals. Next, connect one wire each to the positive and negative terminals.
Take the wire connected to the positive terminals and connect it with the positive terminal of your RV. Similarly, connect the wire connected to the negative terminals to the negative terminal of the RV.
Different Types of RV Battery
1. Lithium RV Batteries
The lithium RV battery is a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Lithium-ion offers better electricity flows alongside being more eco-friendly. Another advantage of this type of battery is its durability. A single battery can last for years. On top of that, lithium batteries also have higher energy density and offer constant electricity for a long-time without any serious issues.
But these batteries come in suitable packages and covers to control recharge. A specific electronic circuit is used to create the recharge circuit.
2. AGM RV Batteries
The AGM batteries are a modified and advanced version of the standard sealed lead-acid batteries. An AGM separator or ultra-thin glass mat makes the battery non-spillable. The glass sheet absorbs the electrolytes and keeps the battery safe. These batteries were first invented in the 1980s initially for military aircraft. But, later, due to their higher voltage input, the batteries became common for boats, cars, RVs, and even for trucks.
The batteries have a positive lead plate and negative lead oxide plates submerged in an electrolyte mixture of sulphuric acid and water. In between the two containers, an ultra-thin fiberglass mat is placed. The three plates are then compressed together and welded inside a sealed battery.
The glass plate absorbs the solution and maintains uniform contact between the two lead plates. The plates release electrons when these are in contact with the electrolyte solution.
The plate helps to maintain the battery flow throughout the life cycle of the battery. These AGM batteries generally have six cells that give an output of 12V.
3. Gel RV Batteries
Gel batteries are similar to conventional lead-acid batteries with the addition of silica. The battery contains an electrolyte solution of sulphuric acid and water mixed with a silica gel.
The electrolyte becomes a gel-like substance when it comes in contact with silica.
The lead plates (positive lead plate and negative lead oxide plate) release electrons, creating an electron flow that makes the current.
Due to its gel-like electrolyte substance, the batteries are safer and leak-proof. On top of that, the battery is easy-to-maintain. Besides that, you can also install the battery in any position due to its unique design.
The GEL RV batteries are also vibration-resistant, which makes them ideal for RVs and camping trailers. Furthermore, the batteries do not have discharge death due to using gel electrolytes.
But, the price of the Gel Rave batteries is on the higher side. On top of that, the batteries recharge slowly and may also get heated quickly.
Despite that, many RVs are still fitted with these batteries.
4. Lead-Acid RV Batteries
These batteries have lead electrode plates submerged in sulphuric acid and water electrolyte solution. The plates release electrons inside the solution. It allows charge storage, and you can use the battery to power up your Rave or camper van and even smaller electronic appliances.
These batteries are pocket-fondly and can be easily found. But, the batteries must be topped off with distilled water regularly to keep them working. Their large size can also be challenging for people with smaller RVs. On top of that, in extreme cold or heat, the batteries can get damaged.
Even now, many RVs are fitted with lead-acid batteries. It can last and work properly if you are careful with the battery.
Two 6-Volt Batteries Vs Two 12-Volt Batteries Which is Better?
Combining two 6 Volt batteries allows you to get higher amperage per hour while maintaining the constant voltage output. Hence, you get a better electric supply from the battery for a long time. On top of that, the recharge also takes less time.
But, it may only sometimes be accurate. You can easily find a 12V battery that offers the same facilities instead of using two 6V batteries. Hence, in the end, the choice is yours.
Extending the Life of Your RV Batteries
You can choose either two 6V batteries or even one 12V battery to power up your RV. But, whatever you do, you need to maintain a few aspects to ensure the batteries last longer-
1. Storage
While storing the batteries, you need to be careful. Lithium batteries are storage friendly. But make sure to keep them away from direct exposure to heat or fire.
If you are using any other type of battery, make sure to stop before the storage level reaches 50% of its capacity. This will save the battery.
2. Overcharging
Overcharging is okay if you use a lower current 5x less than the battery amp-hour rating. If you are charging it with a higher current, the battery may get heated and lose its capacity to hold the charge.
3. Battery Service
Regular maintenance is necessary if you want the batteries to last longer. Maintenance is often the bare minimum for lithium, AGM, or gel batteries. But make sure to store the battery in a cool and dry place when it is not in use,
You will have to be extra careful using a lead-acid battery. Such batteries require regular maintenance with distilled water and cleaning.
4. Proper Charge
If you want the battery to last longer, use a good quality and compatible recharge cable. Regularly charge and discharge the batteries to keep them in working condition. You can get a solar charger or a trickle charger if the batteries are not in use.
5. Battery Weight
The weight can be an issue for those who prefer to avoid adding extra weight to their R. 6V batteries are lighter and smaller than 12V batteries. Hence, you can get two 6v batteries instead if you have less space.
6. Cable Thickness and Length
You need to consider the cable thickness and length while getting the battery. For batteries stacked in parallel series, you may need thicker cables. But, for batteries arranged in series formation, thinner cables are great.
You can always ask an expert if you need help determining which wires you need. While buying cable, make sure to buy them a bit long to ensure you can easily connect the Rave with the batteries without worrying about the distance between them.
7. Battery Monitoring System
Want to keep an eye on the battery installed in your RV? Then get a Battery Monitoring System. It will monitor the voltage and will alert you if something is wrong.
Conclusion
As you know, you can use either a single 12V battery or two 6V batteries together to power up your RV. Both are good and offer great results. You can choose the right option based on your RV model, camping and traveling needs, budget, etc. If you need some initial guidance, feel free to read this article to gain insight!
