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Old 03-27-2016, 10:47 PM   #1
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12V batteries in parallel

Hi, everybody, new to the forum. I have a 2013 Aerolite 185E. The original battery is on its last leg so I bought two new 12V deep cycle batteries that I will parallel. I bought 6-gauge cables to parallel them. Is 6-gauge adequate? I don't plan on drawing more than 15A.

Appreciate your knowledge and experience.
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Old 03-27-2016, 11:21 PM   #2
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#6 wire at 12vdc can carry an enormous amount of current as shown by this chart. Your battery circuit should have a breaker or fuse protecting it. That fuse/breaker rating will be the maximum load your batteries and wire will ever see.
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Old 03-27-2016, 11:49 PM   #3
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Thanks for the quick response. It looks like I'm in good shape then. The chart was very helpful. Thanks again.
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Old 03-28-2016, 04:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjoz1893 View Post
Hi, everybody, new to the forum. I have a 2013 Aerolite 185E. The original battery is on its last leg so I bought two new 12V deep cycle batteries that I will parallel. I bought 6-gauge cables to parallel them. Is 6-gauge adequate? I don't plan on drawing more than 15A.

Appreciate your knowledge and experience.
Do not parallel with the old battery as the old one will draw down the new one. (at least read that someplace).
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Old 03-29-2016, 11:03 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by chily3 View Post
Do not parallel with the old battery as the old one will draw down the new one. (at least read that someplace).
Good advice. If your first battery is fairly new (less than a year or so) and hasn't been damaged by excessive deep discharging you might be able to get away with it. Otherwise you need to replace your batteries in pairs or groups. A weak battery can pull down a stronger new battery pretty quickly.

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Old 03-29-2016, 02:26 PM   #6
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Thanks everybody, for the quick replies. I bought two new batteries and will parallel them (not the old battery) so they draw down together.
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Old 03-29-2016, 04:29 PM   #7
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Costco in calif. has interstate batteries in two sizes. Not sure if in other states.
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