MultiMeter Useage

[Ron]

Is it possible to check the two house batteries in our 2010 RoadTrek/Chevrolet 190 Popular with a Digital MultiMeter?

Ron

[booster]

Originally Posted by Ron

Is it possible to check the two house batteries in our 2010 RoadTrek/Chevrolet 190 Popular with a Digital MultiMeter?

Ron

That depends on what you want to check. Voltage yes, amperage no, state of charge sort of (based on voltage).

[Ron]

The 2 house batteries are connected in series, how do you check for the voltage?

Ron

[Ron]

Photo of the 2 house batteries:

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab35 ... rator2.jpg

Ron

[markopolo]

Set the multi-meter to measure DC volts.
Touch and hold the test leads on the metal pads that are hidden behind the Neg and Pos terminals as highlighted in the photo. Red test lead to metal pad near red terminal, Black test lead to metal pad near black terminal.
Voltage will display on the multi-meter.

[markopolo]

Just a quick note for anyone who doesn't understand this.
Ron has two 6 volt batteries connected in series to make 12 volts.

If you have two 12 volt batteries they would be connected together in parallel to remain at 12 volts.

[Ron]

If I am correct the 2 house batteries are 12 volts each: two lead acid 12V deep cycle, 190 total amp-hrs.

I may have been incorrect when I said they were connected in series, they must be connected in parallel.

Ron

[markopolo]

They are connected in series Ron. Pos to Neg. Two 6 volt batteries. The 3 cell caps also confirm it. Each cell is approx 2 volts. Totals 12 volts.

Parallel would be pos to pos and neg to neg (two wires needed). With parallel connections the voltage remains the same but the amp hours are added together.

Series is pos to neg (only one wire needed). With series connections the amp hours remain same but the voltage is added together.

[Ron]

Mark, you are correct just checked they are the Exide E3600, Golf Cart Electric Vehicle batteries.

Ron

[Ron]

Mark, I have learned something, never to old to learn, appreciate the explanation.

Thanks,

Ron

[markopolo]

I'm happy to help Ron.
Thanks for taking the photo - it will help others who have the same question.

[Ron]

The photo did help me, thanks to you showing/explanation what to do in the photo.

Ron

[Rick]

Is there an advantge to two 6 volt batteries over one 12 volt?

[Ron]

Rick,

Believe Mark is more qualified to answer the question, a good question.

Ron

[markopolo]

It's better to compare two 12 volt batteries (not one) to two 6 volt batteries.

6 volt batteries tend to be larger and heavier (more mass). They should be able to withstand deep discharges better (like 80% discharged) and last longer (more cycles).

If your two 6 volt batteries weigh 130lbs and the two 12 volt batteries you are comparing them to weigh 100lbs then the two 6 volts are better.

If your two 6 volt batteries weigh 130lbs and the two 12 volt batteries you are comparing them to also weigh 130lbs then they will perform about the same.

In everyday practical use though, it is better not to deeply discharge your batteries. And battery life is more directly related to battery maintenance.

When it comes to batteries, heavier (more lead) is better.

[booster]

Originally Posted by markopolo

It's better to compare two 12 volt batteries (not one) to two 6 volt batteries.

6 volt batteries tend to be larger and heavier (more mass). They should be able to withstand deep discharges better (like 80% discharged) and last longer (more cycles).

If your two 6 volt batteries weigh 130lbs and the two 12 volt batteries you are comparing them to weigh 100lbs then the two 6 volts are better.

If your two 6 volt batteries weigh 130lbs and the two 12 volt batteries you are comparing them to also weigh 130lbs then they will perform about the same.

In everyday practical use though, it is better not to deeply discharge your batteries. And battery life is more directly related to battery maintenance.

When it comes to batteries, heavier (more lead) is better.

I agree, with the possible exception of the GC series 6 volt batteries. The are specifically designed (at least by the better manufacturers) to survive the bouncing and deep discharge they see in golf carts, which is very similar to RV use. They also appear to hold more electrolyte above the plates, so you wouldn't have to water them so often. But, just because a battery is the GC size, it doesn't mean it is any different from a manufacturer's other batteries. As always, buyer beware. One of the best ways to chose is to go to a few golf courses and see what batteries they use in their rental carts. They want the best bang for the buck, and keep close track of what their costs are.

[Rick]

thanks for the info. My PW only has space for one battery so I guess I am stuck with what I have. Great tip about checking with golf courses on what they use.

[markopolo]

Yes - just for info - 6 volt batteries for RV's are each roughly the same size as a 12 volt battery. Usually, the 6 volt batteries are taller.

[Ron]

Appreciate the good information obtained here.

Ron