Community Forums

MarkandBern · 10-30-2022, 07:37 AM

My starting battery cabinet trim is shorter than the starting battery itself. when Fleetwood mounted the box on the chassis, a piece of angled steel (part of the RV box wall) extends approximately 3 inches below the freightliner chassis frame and creates this issue. To change the batteries, they have to be removed from the back side and should be possible, however, not a solution for future access to the top of the battery. I spoke with REV customer service and they acknowledged this issue and future models have been modified by having freightliner drop the battery shelf lower. Would like to know how others have solved this problem, as i want to have safe access to the top of my starting batteries.

Thanks.

Unplanned Tourist · 11-01-2022, 11:01 AM

Maybe someone with a later version will post a picture so you can modify your set-up.

MarkandBern · 11-03-2022, 11:30 AM

After sharing pics and measurements with Fleetwood Customer Service and Engineering, they recommended that I cut the facia that extends below the freightliner chassis.

Not my preferred solution as this is an integrated metal component that is epoxied and screwed into the box and chassis.

They also stated they would not assist in any coverage.

Rev Group does acknowledge that on later models they had Freightliner move the battery tray down to accommodate Rev Groups oversight, but don't offer anything for those of us already stuck.

I will say the batteries probably can be removed from the rear with much difficulty, however, that does not solve the problem for the future as access to battery terminals is a necessity.

Appreciate any other ideas before I start cutting metal.

The battery tray is not removable without modifications as there are drain ports that extend below the welded shelf, however even with those removed, the posts on the battery inside the sliding tray are 1/4 to 1/2 too high and will hit the metal facia. trying to pull the batteries out over the top of the tray would require another 1 1/2" of height that does not exist.

Thanks.

Flyer15015 · 11-03-2022, 11:46 AM

I would cut the facia with my 4" grinder to the width of the battery tray and about 2" up. A 10-minute deal that solves the problem and will not hurt the coach's structurals' in any way. An easy DIY.

Mike in Colorado

Unplanned Tourist · 11-03-2022, 03:46 PM

Yep, get out your cut-off disc on your angle grinder and trim 1-2 inches off the facia, weld a small 3/8 inch round bar along the cut edge so it's not sharp. Slap some paint on it and it will look factory!

An afternoon should do the job with a couple coldies when you're done.

Winemaker2 · 11-03-2022, 05:06 PM

I think I would consider filing NHTSA case report and encourage others to do the same.
Acknowledging a design error us one thing but disavowed bany responsibi Lk ity for it just is not right. If an inexperienced owner or mechanic attempts a normal removal it could turn disastrous.

MarkandBern · 11-04-2022, 06:59 AM

All the feedback was valuable. Hope I can return the favor sometime.

Flyer15015 · 11-04-2022, 09:15 AM

Now you know, after all this good advice, we expect pictures of your fix, to help the folks that follow this path.

Mike in Colorado

Tugboatfrank · 11-29-2022, 02:16 PM

I will replace my battery in my 2017 pace arrow as well in the spring, any results yet?

Frank

MarkandBern · 11-30-2022, 08:06 AM

I cut out the trim 1/2 inch from the bend. I used a piece of 1/2 metal tile border as a straight edge guide Clamped it in place and helped to keep the grinder on track.

I then needed to cut off the plastic battery tray drains that hang below the shelf.

The tray and batteries slide out easily with a little lift in the back as the tray trim catches a little on the metal shelf.

I then pained the cut area and purchased black auto door trim to cover the edge.

FYI batteries tested at 90%. Even though I sometimes get a low voltage warning upon starting. It goes away after about 10 seconds and doesn’t happen all the time I did speak with fleetwood and they indicated that is a common issue as the starting batteries do not go into charge until your house batteries require bulk charging.

Not sure how accurate the last part is