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John58 · 11-05-2014, 08:04 PM

1997 Bounder F53 Chassis. The batteries holders are severely rusted. Has anyone re-routed the batteries to the basement in the first compartment on the passenger side. The only thing I have in there now is the converter. Or is it even possible? Thanks in advance.

Virago-Rider · 11-05-2014, 08:13 PM

Might need to vent the compartment.

🚌🚍🚌
1998 Thor Windsport 33SL on 1997 F53 chassis.
2007 Chevy Uplander TOAD.
1985 Yamaha Virago XV700

Sent from my iPad2 using iRV2 - RV Forum

chboone · 11-06-2014, 12:28 AM

Gases coming off the batteries during charging are not good for the converter or any electrical components and they are explosive.

Chuck

John58 · 11-06-2014, 03:52 AM

Thanks Chuck didn't think about the gases during charging I guess I'll just have new holders welded to the frame.

dabrooks · 11-06-2014, 06:16 AM

You might consider having someone fabricate something that you can bolt to the frame. That way you can remove to clean and repaint it if needed.

wa8yxm · 11-06-2014, 07:28 AM

Batteries and electronics do not like each other.. Fumes and gasses from batteries tend to bother the electronics (Converter) so i'd say do not do it.

instead, do the following.

Using a bottle of Red Paint (Testor's) or nail polish paint all the wires connected to the POSTIVE terminal of the battery read, Tie them together with string or tape, then disconnect the batteries starting with the NEGATIVE leads and remove.

Clean the trays, get rid of all the loose scale and such, (Some rust can remain) treat with Navel Jelly or other rust converter. let dry per label directions and paint with Acme Rust Control (Sherman Williams) or Rust-O-leum.. I like Acme cause..... Well used to work for them.

Let dry.

Replace batteries

When removing batteries for replacement oh say a decade from initial install (Assuming good care and good converter) re-paint.

subford · 11-06-2014, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John58

1997 Bounder F53 Chassis. The batteries holders are severely rusted. Has anyone re-routed the batteries to the basement in the first compartment on the passenger side. The only thing I have in there now is the converter. Or is it even possible? Thanks in advance.

The first compartment on the passenger side is where all of my batteries are located both chassis and house batteries. Both of the disconnect relays are also in that compartment and they still work OK after 20 years. This is where Coachmen put them when they built the RV.
Note the back of the compartment is open with a closed shelf above the batteries to put stuff in. The converter is inside the home near the load center.

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LVJ58 · 11-06-2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John58

1997 Bounder F53 Chassis. The batteries holders are severely rusted. Has anyone re-routed the batteries to the basement in the first compartment on the passenger side. The only thing I have in there now is the converter. Or is it even possible? Thanks in advance.

In 2001 I relocated the 2 6v house batteries in our coach to a bay on the passenger side where I added 4 more 6v batteries. I reinforced the bottom of the bay with a piece of 3/4" plywood covered with a rubber mat & installed a section of plumbers strapping under the bay for additional support, then drilled 9 ea 1" holes in the 3 sides of the bay for ventilation. To date no problems with the relocation. Insofar as we rarely dry camp, I removed 2 of the batteries and now have room to store a couple of gallons of distilled water. For battery maintenance ease, I installed the Pro-Fill system which works great.

Good luck with your project and safe travels..

John58 · 11-10-2014, 12:19 PM

Well I just a new box built, cut the old off and welded a new box in its place. Works like a charm. But am still considering moving them next spring. Thanks for you help. Really had a great weekend at the local KOA. can't wait till spring for a real trip away.

LVJ58 · 11-10-2014, 12:36 PM

Thanks for the update on your fix.

Have fun & travel save

Virago-Rider · 11-10-2014, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John58

Well I just a new box built, cut the old off and welded a new box in its place. Works like a charm. But am still considering moving them next spring. Thanks for you help. Really had a great weekend at the local KOA. can't wait till spring for a real trip away.

What? No photos?

🚌🚍🚌
1998 Thor Windsport 33SL on 1997 F53 chassis.
2007 Chevy Uplander TOAD.
1985 Yamaha Virago XV700

Sent from my iPad2 using iRV2 - RV Forum

Rocky Larson · 11-10-2014, 05:49 PM

I opted to go all AGM and not worry about gassing. I was able to fit three group 31's under the entrance steps where the two OEM 24's were. An additional 4 were placed in the basement compartment right next to the steps. This is under the refrig and where my solar controller resides. Over 8 years and no corrosion

John58 · 11-10-2014, 08:39 PM

Photos to follow tomorrow afternoon the 11th.

John58 · 11-11-2014, 12:49 PM

Here are the pictures of my project. Battery sits in plastic box inside. I forgot to take a pic of that. Will reconsider the relocation next spring or if we get some warm days here in Indy.

Really appreciate all the feedback and ideas from you all

Safe travels to all...

1. New box