evy wrote:
Lastly, you guys made me doubt my decision to install the batteries under the bed/bench, if I change my mind and find a place to put them outside the living area, they won't be heated and will be affected by the outside temperature (cold/heat), but if I do this, I could go with the "golf cart" setup but I need easy access to the batteries, to check the water levels weekly, If I install them outside I doubt I will have that...
You will find fewer people objecting to AGM inside (under bed etc), than those who install it there. They don't gas unless being severely overcharged.
In my trailer I have AGM inside, in storage space under bed. This space can be accessed from inside. It also "can" be accessed through the outside hatch but normally the hatch is closed unless I need something. This is a trailer, and the only charging is from solar on the roof - this practically eliminates the risk of overcharging. Solar controller won't let this happen - and of course it's not charging in the night when I'm in bed. This is something you might consider. With 200-300W solar, and with proper wiring from alternator, you will only need a generator to run a microwave. I've done my estimates, concluded that with 400W solar array and 300 AH battery I won't need a generator at all - and installed 490W :). So far, so good.
Since you're building your truck camper yourself, you can have batteries in a compartment accessible from outside and separated from the inside area - like in 5-ers and motorhomes. Make some vent, just in case. Golf Cart batteries will be the most value for your money, but it's usually easier to squeeze in more AH in a small space when using 12V AGM. You won't have to "access" AGM after you've put them in, until it's time to replace them. I would just put AGM where you planned initially - under bed. Having them in a small enclosure with outside hatch doesn't sound any better to me. A decent quality AGM starts from $US 230 per 100 AH.
If any generator charging is to be done, you will need a good 3-stage regulated charger.
