Battery and Tray Replacement\Upgrade

[rfg9585]

This project started for me when I realized that my batteries are too weak for my comfort level on a trip. I 1st started a thread on "Flypower" batteries and lead me to the decision to just replace with simple FLAs until LIFEPO gets more down to earth in price. They have gotten pretty close over the last year but still too pricey.

As with most of my projects they turn out to be ADHD efforts. I start with one focus and end up going BIGGER. I had 4 Interstate GC2-Extremes I intended to replace, and they had an auto watering system that made them easy to deal with.

Before removing old batteries I documented by using a unique color ribbon for each connection and tied it to the associated wires. After removal of the batteries(disconnecting all power), I quickly realized that I had an opportunity present itself to cleanup\refurbish the battery tray. So I proceeded to do just that.

Once I got all parts cleaned and seen all that open space in my bay, I got to thinking and measuring. Sure enough there was room for 2 more batteries. So I changed direction, removed tray and bought 2 more batteries and a 6 battery watering system. Redesign my wiring layout and I thought I was ready to install. BUT, I needed more battery connection wires, and a much stronger bottom than the thin one that was present. So I went to NAPA and got more wires. Fortunately I live near the heart of Race country and there are a lot of shops around that carry metal. Got a shop to cut me a 7ga piece of cold rolled steel to make the bottom. Ready to install!!!!

Got everything installed\tested before final hook up to inverter. Hooked up to inverter and everything worked great!! Now I have 6 225ah batteries instead of 4 225ah batteries, awesome!

All this being done, now I have 2 issues I need help with.

1. On some connection points, both - and +, i had too many wires to fit the post and had to more to a different post. To remedy this can I splice the wires into a single wire and connect to the intended post?

2. On my inverter when I configure my battery bank size ( in 200ah increments) is my choice of 600 correct, or should it be something much higher?


Thanks!

[twinboat]

If your inverter cables are on corners, move the house and ground cables to the opposite corners.

600 AH is the correct setting.

[rfg9585]

Cool! Thanks twinboat!

[rfg9585]

One more thing....

I hooked up and tested my chassis batteries 1st. I started the coach and tested a few systems, eg turn signals, fans, etc. The headlights did not work to my surprise. But after I hooked up the coach batteries they did work. Looks like my headlights are powered via coach batteries instead of chassis. Does this sound correct?

Thanks!

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by rfg9585

One more thing....

I hooked up and tested my chassis batteries 1st. I started the coach and tested a few systems, eg turn signals, fans, etc. The headlights did not work to my surprise. But after I hooked up the coach batteries they did work. Looks like my headlights are powered via coach batteries instead of chassis. Does this sound correct?

Thanks!

No. All equipment needed for operating the motor vehicle should be powered by its battery and charging system.

If your house batteries failed, you couldn't drive at night.

[Capt. Bill]

Nice job old buddy! Yes- your headlights would be powered by your chassis batteries because they are wired & controlled by your chassis wiring harness. What did you coat the new tray bottom with? I used Line X pickup bed coating on mine.

Start thinking about Florida this winter!

Happy Trails

[rfg9585]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill

Nice job old buddy! Yes- your headlights would be powered by your chassis batteries because they are wired & controlled by your chassis wiring harness. What did you coat the new tray bottom with? I used Line X pickup bed coating on mine.

Start thinking about Florida this winter!

Happy Trails

I thought the same about the headlights. Just have to figure out what's up with them being powered by coach batteries and what, if anything I should do about it.

I used both Rustoleum Rubberized Prograde undercoating and 3m undercoating, because Advance auto ran out of Rustoleum.

Actually thinking about Quartzite as 1st choice, 2nd Fla. Depends on you know who.....

[swduns]

two feedback items:

1) I painted box with Randolph Acid Proof Paint
2) My RV came with auto battery for chassis. Battery exploded. Lesson learned - Commercial or Truck batteries have more bracing for vibration to avoid explosions. I replaced with commercial battery