Confused about Batteries

[Robin]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
wrote:
>
> I need a course in Batteries for our 1973 Coach. When we bought it
> they claimed the batteries had just been replaced. It has 2 units in
> the drivers side front compartment, one more under the entry steps,
> and the 4th in the Generator compartment.
> The batteries in question are all Walmart 12 volt Deep-cycle Marine
> units of 675 & 875 amps each. (The big yellow ones).
> Now 2 or 3 are bad or going south.
> Most I have seen are 6 volt units. Why are these considered better
> than the 12 volt ones.
> Since I will be replacing these soon, which should I use, and why?
> Jack Smith
> 1973FC31
> SoCal
>

Pull them out and fully trickle charge them, then haul 'em down to the
local auto parts store and they can load test them and tell if they
are OK or not. They may be salvageable. I believe 6V batteries are
preferred because the plates are thicker and they withstand deep
discharges better even though the total amps are supposed to be the
same from 2 12V in parallel or 6V's in series. There is a good
discussion of batteries at West Marine. Scroll thru the various
"Advisors"
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...-1/10001/9