Adding extra coach batteries

[Bill WA6YBD]

Hello to all. I am new (just registered today) however I have been a lurker for many months. I have found many answers to many of my problems or questions. You guy's and gal's are simply amazing!

We purchase a used 2005 Dolphin 5342 back in March and I have been slowly getting all my extras installed.

This weekend I finally got my 6 AGM batteries installed. Two of them went under the steps as normal. I was going to install the remaining 4 in the forward storage compartment as many have done but I did not want to give up the storage. Last weekend I discovered there is enough room over the LP tank for all 4 batteries. I fabricated a battery tray out of some aluminum and threaded rod. Drilled and tapped the steel tubing used to support the LP tank. Mounted the batteries and just finished running the cables today.

I will attempt to attach a picture.

Anyway just another option for someone who may be interested in installing some additional coach batteries.

Thanks again for such a GREAT site. ~ Bill

[Richard S.]

Bill
Clean looking installation, now that you have signed up jump in any time.
Glad to have you, good group and graet people and lots of information.

[96 Wideglide]

Nice job !!

[Russ & Dana]

Looks awsome...Great Job!

[denochs]

Anybody that does that nice of a job needs to be offering advice/assistance to those of us that would like to try that. Looks good.

Dave

[bigskymt]

A very clean and better then professional looking job. Thanks for sharing your work. I know of several RV shops that really need you as a shop foreman.

[two2go]

Bill, you have inspired me. Just wondering how you settled on 6 batteries? Do you dry camp a lot? Do you have extra solar panels?
I could use some extra battery capacity for occasional dry camping. I don't seem to be able to go more than 24 hours on 2 6-v batteries before the refrigerator is complaining about low voltage, and that is with using as few lights as possible at night and not switching on the inverter for TV watching.

[Bill WA6YBD]

Thanks for all the compliments, I can barely get my head inside my office. I would be happy to provide any information if requested.
Two2Go,
Yes, we do a lot of dry camping
I settled on 6 batteries for several reasons. 1) I was fortunate to get these batteries after being used only slightly for a project at work. 2) I wanted all the batteries to be of the same capacity and chemistry. (3 due to where they are located (above the LP tank) they had to be AGM. AGM batteries do not require any maintenance as long as you do not overvoltage them when charging. You do not need to add water to these batteries as they are a sealed cell. The cost of these batteries is around $280.00 each, but they should last for 7 years if not abused. I seldom ever go below 50% of their capacity before charging. If you take your batteries too low, too often you will reduce the life of the battery. I have a meter that monitors power in and power out so I always know the condition of the batteries.
I am also a ham radio guy and one of my radios/amplifier draws 100 amps on voice peeks when I am talking. I talk with a group of guys in the morning for about an hour or so and that can consume a lot of energy. It is nice to have the extra capacity to run my radios. We also like TV and satellite. We run the TV and satellite receiver for about 4 hours per day. The only additional load would be lights. I do not try to power the microwave, that is a very heavy continuous load and will run the batteries down quickly.
I do have solar panels. They are a mix of different types I acquired over time. I have about 250-275 watts in 3 panels. I have them built on PVC stands so I can park in the shade and move the panels to chase the sun. When I was using the solar panels I only had 2, 6 volts batteries just like you. I always had plenty of energy to run the system mentioned above as long as I had sun during the day to charge the batteries. Sometimes at the beach that did not work out so well. With the new motor home and the additional batteries I am going to try to get by without the solar panels. I think I should be able to get by for 3 or 4 days without charging. The new MH has a very efficient battery charger so I can run the generator to charge the batteries when necessary. If this does not work out I will go back to the solar panels. I do enjoy explaining how they function to all the campers that ask.
As far as your batteries go, you should be getting a lot more time per charge out of them. It sounds like to me they are at the end of their lives. I would consider replacing them. Lead acid batteries last for 2 to 4 years. Not much more.
Thanks again to all ~ Bill

[Alleyman]

Bill, thanks for the super response to my original thread. I will study my situation and try to copy. Not sure if I can go to that many AGM's right now. maybe I will go to just to. I plan to add 300 watts of solar this fall, before going to AZ for the winter boondocking. Presently have two 6 volt, but no solar, so they go down quickly as you say. Thanks again. Ev

[Mr_D]

Nice job!!
AGM's are nice, (especially when you have clearance problems like yours) but our Interstate U-2200's were in the rig when we took delivery on June 26th, 2002 and they are still good enough for our use. We haven't been to Quartzsite for a while but I think they would still do for our use. And I've taken then down to 10.75 volts many times also.

[Arch Hoagland]

Hmmm The only question I have is... Is it safe to have batteries in the LP tank area?

[W4RLR]

Nice work, old man!

Richard
W4RLR

[michelb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland Hmmm The only question I have is... Is it safe to have batteries in the LP tank area?

I was wondering the same at first but really what's the problem? Batteries could spark if there was a loose connection or something but there shouldn't be any propane gas floating in that area and it's well ventilated - maybe when you refill the propane.

I'm curious how others fell about it.

[Arch Hoagland]

@michelb I tend to be on the over cautious side. Repaired computers for 40 years and saw an awful lot of things happen that never should have.