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Old 05-04-2018, 06:24 PM   #1
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Always double check the batteries

When I brought home my trailer I knew the house battery was toast, so I figured I would upgrade to 2x6volt batteries while replacing it. I called up Costco and they were getting in their Interstate 6v golf cart batteries in that week.

I stopped by after work one day on my way home and asked for them at the tire center. The guy brought them out, I paid and was in my way.

That weekend I wired everything up and tested. Everything worked seemed to be good to go. I went to put my digital volt meter in the 12v outlet by the tv, but got no reading. I assumed the outlet needed replaced, or a blown fuse or something. Not a big deal.....the trailer is a 1994 so I expected things like that.

I I was off today and since we were taking the trailer out this weekend I decided to take a look at the 12v outlet. Pulling it out reveled that the last owner had not hooked it back up after he replaced all the interior paneling. I hooked it up and put in my volt meter......uh oh.....
That doesn’t look right. Could it be that they gave me 2x8volt batteries instead. I examined the batteries, but I didn’t see a voltage rating on them anywhere.
A quick call to Costco confirmed that is exactly what happened. They went ahead and exchanged them for the correct ones. Got them installed and now things are where they should be.
I am just glad the higher voltage didn’t mess up any of the electronics in the furnace or water heater.

So the moral of the story is to never assume the person at the store got it right. Always double check it yourself.



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Old 05-04-2018, 06:43 PM   #2
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The problem could have stemmed from asking for golf cart batteries. The clerk took it as literal and gave you 8 volt golf cart batteries as requested.

Golf Cart seems to be the umbrella for deep cycle batteries when one actually wants 6 volt deep cycle batteries. Not all 6 volt deep cycles go in golf carts.

The human strikes again......
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Old 05-04-2018, 06:47 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by sundancer 87 View Post
The problem could have stemmed from asking for golf cart batteries. The clerk took it as literal and gave you 8 volt golf cart batteries as requested.

Golf Cart seems to be the umbrella for deep cycle batteries when one actually wants 6 volt deep cycle batteries. Not all 6 volt deep cycles go in golf carts.

The human strikes again......


Probably.....and I was in a hurry and didn’t double check.


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Old 05-05-2018, 12:59 AM   #4
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I would assume that the GC8 model refers to the 8 volt.
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Old 05-05-2018, 04:30 PM   #5
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They make 36 volt and 48 volt golf carts...

Typically a 36 volt golf cart takes 6 each 6 volt batteries. The 48 volt uses 6 each 8 volt or 8 each 6 volt. Usually 6 of the 8 volt is the standard configuration. I happen to have both a 36 and a 48 volt here on the property. PITA keeping them straight in my head, not to mention keeping them running.

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Old 05-08-2018, 04:47 PM   #6
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Thanks for the info guys.

I got them swapped out with 6 volt ones and all is well.


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Old 05-08-2018, 06:21 PM   #7
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GC8 does refer to a 8v battery. They will also have 4 cells on top not 3 like a 6v does.
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Old 05-09-2018, 09:02 PM   #8
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I've never heard of an 8 Volt Battery. I learn something new everyday. Thanks for posting this.
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Old 05-10-2018, 12:13 PM   #9
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I've never heard of an 8 Volt Battery. I learn something new everyday. Thanks for posting this.
Railroad crossing and the old telephone batteries are/were 2 volt clear plastic cells they would wire together to have the voltage to run controls until the local electricity returned to service.
The cells were about 6 inches square and 24 inches or so tall.
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