Full River 6 volt batteries

[Wood Chip]

I am leaning toward two Full River 6 volt batteries but the space in the battery rack is a just a tad small by 1/4" or so. The 2 options I see are to either lay a piece of plywood in the battery rack so that another larger piece of plywood can then attach to that and extend over and beyond the edges of the steel angle battery rack. The other option would be to split the 2 batteries between the top shelf and the lower battery rack but was NOT sure if that upper shelf can support a 65lb battery ?

[Skeetsbo]

The plywood idea will work if you fasten it and the battery boxes in your available space and figure out a way to secure those batteries in the compartment. A piece of aluminum angle secured to plywood will keep battery secure. I posted up pic of my battery compartment on mods above to give you idea. By the way you could put in plug for portable panel real easy on your unit (if you don't have one) so you could leave door closed with panel in use. Full River makes a great product and they give great service when charged at proper rates as company suggests.

[Wood Chip]

I ended up going with building the battery rack up with plywood but did not go with the Full River AGM batteries, instead going with the Interstate 6 volt batteries. In the end I could not part with $280.00 for ea. AGM. I do admit with only 3-4" of clearance above the batteries, checking the water level could be difficult.

[Wood Chip]

Another question for you guys that i read today. It was that the stock chargers in the trailers have to be switched to charge AGM batteries style batteries ? Is this a factual statement? I did not go with AGM's but still curious.

[Scottybdivin]

Nice upgrade. I did the same thing in my previous 5th wheel, then later added a 2nd pair of 6V. Wish I had learned about this back then. Pro Fill battery watering system. You will never have any issues keeping the water level correct. I have the same clearance issues on the rear batteries. Now I just connect the bulb pump to the quick connect, drop the suction tube in a gallon of distilled water, and about 5 or 6 pumps it's done. All 8 batteries filled to the perfect level. About 2 min total.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by Wood Chip

Another question for you guys that i read today. It was that the stock chargers in the trailers have to be switched to charge AGM batteries style batteries ? Is this a factual statement? I did not go with AGM's but still curious.

Yes AGMs have a different charge profile.

And the stock WFCO charger/converter in these trailers is pretty much useless anyway, as it sits at 13.6V all the time.

Progressive Dynamics makes a drop in replacement that's much better. Or you can add one on separately and leave the WFCO as a backup, and/or add a solar system with a better charger, or ... well, there's lots of options, all better than the WFCO.

[Wood Chip]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Yes AGMs have a different charge profile.

And the stock WFCO charger/converter in these trailers is pretty much useless anyway, as it sits at 13.6V all the time.

Progressive Dynamics makes a drop in replacement that's much better. Or you can add one on separately and leave the WFCO as a backup, and/or add a solar system with a better charger, or ... well, there's lots of options, all better than the WFCO.

Does the stock WFCO charger actually damage the AGM batteries or its just not efficient in charging them?

[Rickeoni]

WFCO will not damage yoir batteries nor will it ever charge them.

a quick note on AGM batteries.... if you are not a great maint guy AGMs are for you. We took our TC out of mothballs for a destination that a trailer would not fit. We have been very busy with life and all I did was disconnect the batteries in the TC and 11 months later they were still at 12.4 volts! One day on the portablw solar setup and full charge. Not bad for three group 31 12 volt jars.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by Wood Chip

Does the stock WFCO charger actually damage the AGM batteries or its just not efficient in charging them?

I'm no expert, but have been told that AGMs will be harmed (reduced # of discharge cycles) more than flooded lead acid batteries by repeated under charging.

Especially after heavy discharge (>50%), it is best to fully and rapidly (high current) charge them ASAP.

Lifeline AGM recommends as much current "as practical" (up to 500A for their 100Ah AGM battery) in the bulk phase, a constant voltage of 14.4V at 70F in the absorption phase, followed by 13.4V float for maintenance at that temperature. These recommended voltages increase as temperature decreases so that at 55F WFCO's constant 13.6V charge voltage is only sufficient for float or maintaining the batteries, not charging them at all.

When spending a lot of money on AGMs, I would spend the $$ for a good, high amperage charger, preferably one with temperature sensing. The WFCO just doesn't cut it.

As I depend upon erratic solar charging to maintain my batteries when boondocking (no generator), I have been hesitant to invest in AGM. But if we had a generator, I would love a set.

[Wood Chip]

My trailer is not accessible so could you tell me what model WFCO these units come with? I would like to drop an upgraded converter that is simple swap out.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by Wood Chip

My trailer is not accessible so could you tell me what model WFCO these units come with? I would like to drop an upgraded converter that is simple swap out.

Your Glacier Peak could well have a different WFCO than mine.
Perhaps someone with the same Glacier Peak can chime in?
Or contact Outdoors RV directly.

[Rickeoni]

In mine it is a WF-8955PEC

Check out Randy @ bestconverter.com

Rick.

[Wood Chip]

Originally Posted by Rickeoni

In mine it is a WF-8955PEC

Check out Randy @ bestconverter.com

Rick.

It never stops, just like my boat, I just keep pouring money into it. I ordered the Progressive Dynamics 4655tv

[Rickeoni]

Originally Posted by Wood Chip

It never stops, just like my boat, I just keep pouring money into it. I ordered the Progressive Dynamics 4655tv

Same one I got in both my RVs. You should consider mounting it up in the pass through and using it as a stand alone charger.