Reinforcement of the battery compartment floor

Leshka · 04-18-2010, 08:46 PM

I’ve just upgraded house batteries to 6 x Lifeline 4 GPL-6-CTs batteries - 492 pounds. Should I reinforce the battery storage compartment floor?

2002 Ultimate Advantage 40J

DAN L · 04-19-2010, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leshka

I’ve just upgraded house batteries to 6 x Lifeline 4 GPL-6-CTs batteries - 492 pounds. Should I reinforce the battery storage compartment floor?

2002 Ultimate Advantage 40J

what did your original batteries weigh?

i think that my 2 gpl-6ct's are ok,

but not 2 more. there is room if i move the starting battery. if i did add 2 more,

i would definitely have to reinforce my battery compartment.

i wouldn't want to be dragging those expensive batteries down the road by their cables.

NeilV · 04-19-2010, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAN L

what did your original batteries weigh?

i think that my 2 gpl-6ct's are ok,

but not 2 more. there is room if i move the starting battery. if i did add 2 more,

i would definitely have to reinforce my battery compartment.

i wouldn't want to be dragging those expensive batteries down the road by their cables.

The 2001 had a weakness in the stepwell/battery box area. Keep a close eye on your electric steps. The sheetmetal in the stepwell area is so thin that the bolts securing the electric steps will fatigue the metal where they mount to the coach so that it cracks and they then pull through. All Winnebago gas coaches manufactured around that year 99 to 2003 (more or less I really don't remember exactly) will be prone to this and should be reinforced.

If your steps don't align with the bottom of the panel beneath the door or have become springy they you are most likely at risk of having them fail while you are standing on them.

You can get another set of batteries however you only get one you.

DAN L · 04-19-2010, 04:13 AM

thanks for the info neil.

the springiness of the steps haven't changed since i have had it. it still stops too.

winne strikes again. have you reinforced your steps?

ua40j · 04-19-2010, 04:42 AM

Leshka,

I have a 2002 Ultimate Advantage 40j and am curious where you put 6 batteries?

The tray configuration on mine limits battery placement to 3 house and 2 chassis.

I'm assuming 2 of your 6 batteries are for engine starting....how'd you get 4 in the place of 3?

PS....If it was me, I'd find a way to reinforce the battery compartment. It is susceptible to rusting, exposed to elements, and not very well protected paint wise.

Leshka · 04-19-2010, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua40j

I have a 2002 Ultimate Advantage 40j and am curious where you put 6 batteries?

I have the same tiny compartment with 2 trays. Could not fit any dissent 12V batteries in there. However after I removed both trays I was able to fit 6 AGM 300 amp–hours batteries. I could’ve installed one large extra heavy duty slide and put house and chassis batteries on it. But my budget is tight. Besides I have to change my chassis batteries so if I upgraded them to AGM as well I would not need a tray for easy maintenance.

“Dry fit“:

As you can see there is a nice clearance around all the batteries. I’m thinking to add small frame to a floor. I’d probably use 1.5” angle profiles… just to hold the batteries in place. Install 175psi Anti Vibration Pad to prolong battery life. Strap the batteries together (house and chassis separately of course). And probably reinforce the floor a bit even though it looks well reinforced already.

Does this make sense?

Leshka · 04-19-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAN L

what did your original batteries weigh?

The original batteries are about 120 lb. I've just checked.. The compartment is well reinforced at the bottom. I'd probably weld a couple of cross bars just to be on the safe side. But the thing is... I don't like to guess and thought there should be a spec from the Winnebago somewhere.

ua40j · 04-19-2010, 09:36 AM

Interesting. How do you connect the batteries? Looks a little tight......

Leshka · 04-19-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua40j

Interesting. How do you connect the batteries? Looks a little tight......

Plenty of space.... Besides I want to connect them in "balance" manner, so they perform much better.

I can pre-wire batteries first and then connect them to positive and negative terminals.

ua40j · 04-19-2010, 09:55 AM

Great idea! Nice seeing it in pictures. Thanks.

Leshka · 04-19-2010, 02:36 PM

Jim,

What is the large plastic tank above the batteries?

Thanks,
Alex

ua40j · 04-19-2010, 05:03 PM

That is your water tank. All 100 gallons of it.

**RJay** · 04-19-2010, 05:16 PM

I'm not familiar with Lifeline batteries, do they need water?

Just found out they are sealed lead acid.

DAN L · 04-19-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay

I'm not familiar with Lifeline batteries, do they need water?

Just found out they are sealed lead acid.

lifelines are absorbed glass mat batteries, they are sealed and never need water. they can be mounted upside down or on their sides (as in my installation) and do not leak.

. they are certified to operate upside down in acrobatic aircraft. the downside is their initial price, although they last longer. i got mine from bd batteries online. their prices include shipping. check these resources.

RVcruzer.com Electrical Tutorial - Chapter 7 - Batteries and Chargers

Batteries -- and Other Electric Stuff by phred

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

Deep Cycle Battery FAQ

http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/

http://www.bdbatteries.com/rvflyer.php?id=15