Where to put extra batteries

[RLKBOB]

Planning on going to at least 2 but probably 3 batteries instead of just the one under the step. Also adding some solar(I'm thinking around 250W to start but wiring to allow for more). Have searched and read extensively on this lately but the only pics I've seen of any battery compartments are on class As with the huge battery compartments. Since I only have one battery under the step I will need to put the added batteries somewhere. I've that some people have put them under their dinette seats, I DO NOT plan on doing this. Seems like the only other option is to use the storage compartment right in front of the current battery tray. I would definintely use battery boxes and vent them outside.
The good: this is very close to the original battery location so battery cables would be kept to a min.
The bad: It takes up valuable storage space.

Are there any other options that I am over looking here?
Does anybody have any pics of their battery mounts in a class c?

Thanks.

[RickO]

I can't help with ideas on where to put them on a Class C but you might consider using AGM batteries which don't need to be vented. This could give you more options.

Good luck

Rick

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLKBOB Planning on going to at least 2 but probably 3 batteries instead of just the one under the step. Also adding some solar(I'm thinking around 250W to start but wiring to allow for more). Have searched and read extensively on this lately but the only pics I've seen of any battery compartments are on class As with the huge battery compartments. Since I only have one battery under the step I will need to put the added batteries somewhere. I've that some people have put them under their dinette seats, I DO NOT plan on doing this. Seems like the only other option is to use the storage compartment right in front of the current battery tray. I would definintely use battery boxes and vent them outside. The good: this is very close to the original battery location so battery cables would be kept to a min. The bad: It takes up valuable storage space. Are there any other options that I am over looking here? Does anybody have any pics of their battery mounts in a class c? Thanks.

I had a '92 E-350 460 Four Winds 29ft, so I know what you are faced with. Regardless of where you put them, you are going to eat storage space. If you are just starting solar and going with 250watts (and going up from there), then I would think you would want something like 4 T-105s.

Back to the problem at hand, I would probably put 2 T-105s in the front compartment....which is all it would hold in my old C. If I wanted to go with 4, I would put them under the dinette. However, I would completely seal off and insulate that area (from the interior) and properly vent it.

As RickO mentioned, using AGM batteries would be an easier way to go if using areas like the dinette, under the bed, couch, etc.

Other options may include, if you had an area under the coach with enough clearance, but still side accessible that you could construct/weld a box to hold the batteries you want to use. Extend the frame/bumper supports in the rear about 12 inches and build a box there. The roof? ...nah.

[ksg5000]

I have a 92 Jamboree - I added a second battery in the rear storage compartment - it was the largest compartment in the rig (runs from one side of the rig to the other under the rear bed) - made for a long wire run to the other battery but #6 wire seemed to do the job fine. I placed the battery in a plastic battery box which was vented to the outside through a hose. If you add another battery don't mix battery types (ie agm vs wet cell etc).

[wa8yxm]

If you have the height... You might wish to go with six volt pairs, that is 220 amp hours give or take a bit. Group 24's are around 75 amp hours so 2 Six Volt (About the same footprint but taller) = what about 3 G-24's.

One word of caution: Many folks yammer about the advantages of AGM. the biggest advantage of AGM is the seller and maker earn greater profit when you buy AGM. .I mean why buy 300 dollars worth of batteries to do a 150 dollar job?

[AKwanderer]

I've got an 87 travel master with a compartment for one battery. There was an outside storage compartment right next to it where I loaded in two more batteries and drilled through to the main compartment.

[RLKBOB]

That's probably where I'm gonna end up putting them. The storage compartment by the current battery location seems the only logical place(without some major mods).
Nobody has any pics of their class C batteries(locations)?

[AKwanderer]

I will try to get a picture posted tomorrow of my compartment.

[rough road]

The two starting batteries for our diesel cube van are bolted to the frame, seems the perfect place. If I were going to put them inside an existing compartment it would agm only and I would also put down 3/4" plywood for a very solid way to both secure the batteries and distribute the significant weight of the batteries over the entire floor of the (fiberglass?) enclosure.

[Ed-Sommers]

In making this decision, it would, IMHO, be wise to consider that the location selected would need to be readily accessible to the charge controller for the solar array, and the Inverter needs to be close also.

You mentioned that solar would be around 250 watts, TO START. That would imply that growth will be a future modification, and that even more batteries may be necessary.

Taking these items, and others into consideration, a rooftop location made, or manufactured to your specific needs may be ideal.

Leads from the solar panels would enter such an enclosure, and be attached to a combiner, which is turn would lead to the batteries, and then larger leads to the inverter. The 120 volt output to the distribution box would not be a problem because smaller wires (compared to 12 volts) would be necessary.

Finally, IF, you wired the solar panels for 24 volt, leading to a MPPT solar controller, and had a 24 volt inverter, and ran 24 volt to a DC to DC converter near the 12 volt distribution box, smaller wires would again be used.

Just a thought!


Ed
USN Ret.