Changing house batteries to golf cart type in Minnie Winnie

[Darryl]

I've seen alot people mention or ask about changing out their house batteries to the golf cart deep cycle type. I did that this weekend in my class C Minnie Winne. They fit just fine.

Like many of the coaches here, my house batteries are located under the step in the entrance to the coach. I was concerned that the height of the Trojan T-105's might be too high for the space. After measuring, I discovered they would work fine. There is almost a couple of inches of space between them and the top of the step.

Changing the batteries was easy. However, if you use a taller battery, your battery hold down bolts are going to be too short. I went to several automotive stores and looked for an long hold-down bolt that was 11 inches. The longest I found was 10. I tried Ace hardware too, as the orginal is a square shouldered bolt commonly found at hardware stores. They had lots of the bolts, but none long enough. I eventually bought some threaded rod (5/16th, which is the orginal size) and made my own. I cut the rod 11 inches, screwed on a nylock nut and put a washer on top. Inserted it into the hole in the battery tray (from the bottom) and you got yourself a new hold down rod that will fit your new Trojans.

I have some pictures I will try to post for you to see in a few minutes.

Darryl

[Darryl]

I've seen alot people mention or ask about changing out their house batteries to the golf cart deep cycle type. I did that this weekend in my class C Minnie Winne. They fit just fine.

Like many of the coaches here, my house batteries are located under the step in the entrance to the coach. I was concerned that the height of the Trojan T-105's might be too high for the space. After measuring, I discovered they would work fine. There is almost a couple of inches of space between them and the top of the step.

Changing the batteries was easy. However, if you use a taller battery, your battery hold down bolts are going to be too short. I went to several automotive stores and looked for an long hold-down bolt that was 11 inches. The longest I found was 10. I tried Ace hardware too, as the orginal is a square shouldered bolt commonly found at hardware stores. They had lots of the bolts, but none long enough. I eventually bought some threaded rod (5/16th, which is the orginal size) and made my own. I cut the rod 11 inches, screwed on a nylock nut and put a washer on top. Inserted it into the hole in the battery tray (from the bottom) and you got yourself a new hold down rod that will fit your new Trojans.

I have some pictures I will try to post for you to see in a few minutes.

Darryl

[Darryl]

Try this link to my photo page.

http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t...ery%20Upgrade/

Also, I added a high amp fuse for my Prosine inverter that is shown in the battery compartment.

[KE0M]

Darryl, you will be glad you made the switch. I put in 4 trojan T125's and like you, I have not been able to find the 11 inch by 5/16 carriage bolts. I will keep looking.

Larry

[Toterman (David)]

Sometimes when I get in a bind for something like that I purchase threaded rod and cut to length. Just and idea.

David

[Darryl]

Yes, that's what I did for the time being David. It will be fine if I don't find any 11 inch carriage bolts, but I'm still looking. I'm very pleased with how everything came out. The Trojans should really help out now that I've added the inverter.

I appreciate your suggestion.

Darryl