Wish List.....Battery slide-out tray

[Rook]

About twice a year I dread the job of checking and adding water to my House Batteries. I'm no longer able to work down on my knees. I now try to search out and ask for help from a younger person who can get down on their knees and reach the back batteries. I surely could use a "House Battery Slide out Tray". Anyone made this modification to an older Tradewinds? If Yes, I would welcome photos and the details. Did the Tradewinds ever have a battery slide out tray? Thanks. .....Rook

[vsheetz]

I installed a battery watering system on mine that are difficult to fill. Great addition. Literally less than a minute to accomplish, all while sitting next to the coach on a small stool.

[Rook]

What battery watering system do you have? Rook

[Fred and Bonnie]

Rook, several RVers have used Pro-Fill systems with good results, while we have just 2 batteries, it really takes the guess work out of watering batteries, along with making the job simple.

Battery Watering Systems, Marine Dock Products, Solar Dock Lights

Look under battery watering kits to match you batteries to their system. I believe your unit has 4 Trojan T-105's, this would be your kit.

Battery Watering Systems, Marine Dock Products, Solar Dock Lights: PRO-FILL 24V Kit- For four 6V batteries w/ 2.7" cell spacing

Fred

[bigdog]

My LTC doesn't have a battery slide either and the last time they changed the 12V starting batteries,they brought out a short tech and a forklift. That kid wrestled those big things out and onto the forks of the fork lift and then did the same with the new ones. I really felt sorry for him having to unhook and rehook those cables. My build sheet shows that there is s'posed to be a gennie slide,but I can't seem to find it.

[dennis45]

Have you looked at something like this?

MOR/stor Storage Solutions

Also, I added mineral oil to my house batteries about 18 months ago and have not had to add water since and my battery compartment and terminal connections stay clean. Pretty cheap alternative. Add 4oz per cell. You can find mineral oil at most Pharmacies sold as a laxative. Sorry for the upside down pic but you get the idea.

[sgtjoe]

Have had the pro fill kits on my 2001 Tradewinds for about 9 years. The last set of batteries made it 7 years. I check and add water, if needed, once a month. After over a year I finally had to buy another jug of distilled water. BTW, since installing the systems I have never had any corrosion build up on the cables or posts. I run four 6v's.

[rvjimzhr]

For the first year I had my coach I cussed and fussed as I used a mirror and turkey baster to tend to the batteries and probably did a half-assed job of it. I was considering spending big $$ to put in a tray but so stubborn, I refused to pay $$ for the "watering system". Then I gave in and bought the "system". Best $$ I've spent on my coach EVER! Fill the batteries regularly every couple of weeks with very little effort. Buy it now ROOK, you won't regret it.

[Rook]

Thanks for all the comments and info. I'm still thinking about getting the "watering system"....I'm searching for the best price.......they all seem extra "pricy" for a few plastic and rubber parts. Rook

[Fred and Bonnie]

Yep, pricey, but sure makes life easier, for me that makes it a good purchase.

Fred