36v power 6v vs 12v

[Wammer]

Dumb ? but I need to know, why not use 3 12v batts as opposed to 6 6v batts for a 36v system? How would run time be affected and why?

[RSP]

6-6volt batteries have much more storage capacity than 3-12volt batteries, 3-12`s would be dead in no time at all

[Wammer]

After a little crash course in battery's, more storage capacity bout' sums it up. I just needed to know why. Thanks for the reply!!

[woodrow256]

My 4 Trojan 12v give me all the run time i ever need. If you go with 12v just make sure they are true deep cycle from a decent brand. It all depends on what your needs are as far as run time concerns.

[FF Titus]

Trojan batteries, one of the best in the market IMO.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Wammer

Dumb ? but I need to know, why not use 3 12v batts as opposed to 6 6v batts for a 36v system? How would run time be affected and why?

As Wammer figured out, it's battery capacity, but first part of his last question wasn't answered.

Using Trojan T-105 batteries as the standard and at an average discharge rate of 75A, you'll get the following decreases and increases in run time using the following Trojan batteries. (Decreases are highlighted in red)

6V:
T-605 (210AH) -8.7%
T-105 (225AH) Standard
T-125 (240AH) +14.8%
T-145 (260AH) +26.1%

12V:
T-1260 (140AH) -47.8%
T-1275 (150AH) -39.1%

Also, something not previously mentioned in this thread, being of less capacity, the 12V batteries will be discharged further with each use, so the resultant average State of Charge will be lower. Therefore their lifespan will be shorter.

For longer run-time and life-span, use larger capacity batteries.