A_K_Chesnut Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 I'm looking to add a second 12v house battery to our '93 23'6" Tioga Montara. Currently it has just one, located under the upper entry step. Anyone have a similar rig mind telling me what they did? How about a good location for an inverter? Thanks! Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Joyce Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 Someone I know put them in the bottom of an inside cabinet. To do that you need to use AGM batteries, since flooded batteries will off gas and be dangerous. 2004 40' Newmar Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid, Fulltimer July 2003 to October 2018, Parttimer now. Travels through much of 2013 - http://www.sacnoth.com - Bill, Diane and Evita (the cat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K_Chesnut Posted March 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 Thanks Bill! I really want to use flooded. Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKP038620 Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 Just a comment ... I have 3 AGM 8D's and have lasted 12 years. Fried 4 12v flooded before in period of 5 years. 2 - or 4- 6 volt Agms will probably give you same service . MMHO .. Jim S Life member 38620 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarDreamers.us Posted March 26, 2016 Report Share Posted March 26, 2016 Just a comment! Please consider AGM batteries if you are considering putting batteries anywhere in your living area. Safe Travels! SKP #89742 - Lifetime membership - Member of the SKP Class of 2007Good Sam Club - Lifetime MemberDataStorm #5423Passport America - Lifetime MemberSons Of The American Revolution (SAR) - Lifetime MemberAmerican Legion - USAF - Lifetime MemberRotary Club Member - 30 years Escapee CARE Supporter National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K_Chesnut Posted March 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 Just a comment! Please consider AGM batteries if you are considering putting batteries anywhere in your living area. Safe Travels! Oh yes. Won't put anything but AGM if I have to put them in the same space we are breathing. Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted March 27, 2016 Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 Internal spaces could always be modified (like in a cabinet) to be "fully enclosed" and be vented outside to allow for air circulation and off-gassing. It might also be an option to "drop" the existing space to allow for additional room... cutting through the existing space and installing a larger battery box mounted to the underside of your rig. You would have to determine if that's possible and if there is enough ground clearance, but it's kind of convenient in that you still have ready access to the tops of your batteries from the existing step storage area and it doesn't require relocating your existing wiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K_Chesnut Posted March 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2016 That's what I'm hoping to do Yarome, modify and strengthen the current battery box. I guess it seems no one here has the same coach and has added batteries! Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted March 28, 2016 Report Share Posted March 28, 2016 If you know of a solar installer, pop in and talk to him. He could tell you if it's feasible or not to add more batteries and where. He's probably installed on a RV like yours. Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty77_7 Posted April 10, 2016 Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 Though not a Class C, our 98 T28' Bounder had room for only 2 6V batteries in the bay they had signed of the battery. We used those two spots and were able to slide in Trojan T125's, not enough headroom for the T145's. But we had room up in the engine bay, to add two more T145's. A little welding to the frame for pans to hold two batteries in boxes. Admit we loss some power due to the runs of cables, but still had more overall AH's available. I elected to charge these off of the alternator while driving, as well as I added a dedicated Battery Tender for while near shore power, or storage, or running the generator. Class C's engine bays are not quite as roomie, but you might be able to add a battery? And yeah, otherwise the obvious solution is to find a place inside close to the inverter, an add AGM's. Really probably the best overall solution, if you plan on keeping the unit for the years ahead. (Nice looking C it be:)!). As mentioned, with proper sizing and care, 10 years are easily possible with a good quality AGM. And heck, if keeping it the rig indefinitely, going to Lithium is penciling out now too. (Much less expensive to jump to Lithium if your current equipment is relatively compatible with programming options to also support Lithium, vs needing also update those components too.) Best of luck to you, Smitty Be safe, have fun, Smitty 04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K_Chesnut Posted April 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2016 Thanks Smitty! No additional room where the current battery is and that engine bag is jam packed. I'm not welder but am comfortable with intermediate wiring, so I think AGMs in a cabinet somewhere will be the solution. Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K_Chesnut Posted April 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2016 OEM battery box will accept two GC2 batteries, woohoo! Need to take a better look to make sure it'll handle the weight, will do that next time we're over there. The current 12v deep cycle in it is still in good shape, we'll keep it. Intend on putting it in a plastic tub we can just pull out when parked for extended periods, easy to wire in through the vent holes in the house battery box. Husband and wife team. Preparing for full time, starting August, 2016! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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