Bounder: 1997 Bounder chassis battery installation issues

[clooper5269]

hello all,

i am replacing the 2 six volt batteries in my 1997 bounder. i purchased 2 golf cart batteries but the one on the drivers side will not slip down like the passenger side did. the previous owner had 2 optimum batteries the were a lot smaller. any help on getting the golf cart battery installed? almost seems the rv was built around the batteries.

frank novotny

[leesdx1]

Originally Posted by clooper5269

hello all,

i am replacing the 2 six volt batteries in my 1997 bounder. i purchased 2 golf cart batteries but the one on the drivers side will not slip down like the passenger side did. the previous owner had 2 optimum batteries the were a lot smaller. any help on getting the golf cart battery installed? almost seems the rv was built around the batteries.

frank novotny

I have a 1996 Bounder and mine is just the opposite. I have to remove the chassis battery on the passenger so the 6 volt will go in no problem. Those 6 volts battery are heavy and just have to fight and wiggle them until they fall into place. But again, measure the open space and the battery to make sure there is indeed enough clearance. Good luck

[clooper5269]

what is the length and width of the batteries you have in your 1996 bounder. mine are 7 inches wide and 10 inches long.

frank novotny

[Old Bounder]

Originally Posted by clooper5269

what is the length and width of the batteries you have in your 1996 bounder. mine are 7 inches wide and 10 inches long.

frank novotny

Your '97 Bounder came with two 6volt GC-2 house batteries, so yes they will fit. Replacing then is a real Bear.

Using my Dremmel, I actually drilled out the pop rivets that hold the center grill work in place (I also had to cut one aluminum upright) to make my center grill removable. I reinstalled the grill work using small SS metal screws.

I wish I had taken photos, but I didn't.

[leesdx1]

Originally Posted by loulong

Your '97 Bounder came with two 6volt GC-2 house batteries, so yes they will fit. Replacing then is a real Bear.

Using my Dremmel, I actually drilled out the pop rivets that hold the center grill work in place (I also had to cut one aluminum upright) to make my center grill removable. I reinstalled the grill work using small SS metal screws.

I wish I had taken photos, but I didn't.

1st- my 96 Bounder has the same dimensions 6volts. 2nd- I am not sure if they redesign the hood compartment for the 97. As I mention in my earlier post that the passenger side is more of a fight to R&R the battery. Maybe use a battery strap carrier or attach rope to the battery to help lift and guild it into place. I can't image you have to remove part of your grille for R&R the coach batteries.

[clooper5269]

thanks for the input. I looked at the grill last night and saw the pervious owner used sheet metal screws to hold it in. seems they they had issues also. I am going to attempt the install this afternoon and will report back.

I'm going in!

[Old Bounder]

Originally Posted by leesdx1

1st- my 96 Bounder has the same dimensions 6volts. 2nd- I am not sure if they redesign the hood compartment for the 97. As I mention in my earlier post that the passenger side is more of a fight to R&R the battery. Maybe use a battery strap carrier or attach rope to the battery to help lift and guild it into place. I can't image you have to remove part of your grille for R&R the coach batteries.

The '97 has the chassis battery mounted on the drivers side, directly above one of the 6V house batteries. It's just a matter of weight and leverage that makes it nearly impossible for one person to horse that lower house battery in/out of place. A second (strong) person would help, or maybe the use of a shop jack to raise the battery from the bottom might help.

In any case, altering the grill work for easier removal proved to be a great help.

BTW - some of the Fleetwood coaches of those years actually had removable grills just for that purpose.

[clooper5269]

loulong and others,

the grill already had sheet metal screws installed and it was easier getting the battery close. i got it partway in but will need the second person. i was able to wrestle it in so it could be hooked up and it is not budging. i will get some help on friday when i get to the boat race site and get it the last 2 inches. i will need to pry up and hold to slide it in. hmmmmm maybe that's the reason last owner installed optimun batteries.

who ever designed the compartment never had to work on what they designed. i think that would have to be a requirement!

frank novotny