battery compartments

I have slide try and it holds 2 batteries just fine even the siding under the compartment is totally roten.
I bought camper with some damage and the leaks completely deteriorated the plywood under the sides bottom and I peeled 2 layers of loose wood leaving last layer on for couple of seasons.
This year I come back and laminated whole thing with fiberglass, but there is a frame under the box that holds well regardless no siding.
The bolts after 10 years were in poor condition and all broke on removal.
I replaced them with stainless steel and fender washers.

The tray makes it much easier for me to maintain my batteries. If you remove the tray you may want to look into reinforcing the bottom of the battery box and also adding a battery filling system.

I briefly went through the same thought process, but on a new AF 990 (Sep 20th Del) and wondered about 6v vs 12v... and bigger 31s? as compared to the 29s.. (sorry, forget what they're called)

I was advised by dealer and it seems to make sense to me.

6v vs 12v -
- 6v I believe will have 'More Power longer" but that if one goes bad it drops to -0- power immediately until fixed.
- 12v as a little? less power duration, but if one goes bad, you're still good to go

Trays:
I thought about just going with the bigger batteries, 31 or ??? and they could do it but would have to take out the trays. The thought of trying to slide out to "Load/unload" a heavy batter up higher than my knees convinced me to keep the trays.. If need be, I'll get 1-2 more under the truck storage for additional batteries, but not seeing it as a "Must have" for now.

So for now, subject to changes an hour from now, heheh, I'll stick with the 2 @ 12v on the trays and go from there. Apparently the container bottom can handle the weight, but this is a new one, so?? dunno know on older ones..

Kayteg1 wrote:
I have slide try and it holds 2 batteries just fine even the siding under the compartment is totally roten.
I bought camper with some damage and the leaks completely deteriorated the plywood under the sides bottom and I peeled 2 layers of loose wood leaving last layer on for couple of seasons.
This year I come back and laminated whole thing with fiberglass, but there is a frame under the box that holds well regardless no siding.
The bolts after 10 years were in poor condition and all broke on removal.
I replaced them with stainless steel and fender washers.

Please fill out sig and post a pic up in the pic thread so we all know what you are running...it helps in the conversation.

Thx.

fpoole wrote:
I briefly went through the same thought process, but on a new AF 990 (Sep 20th Del) and wondered about 6v vs 12v... and bigger 31s? as compared to the 29s.. (sorry, forget what they're called)

I was advised by dealer and it seems to make sense to me.

6v vs 12v -
- 6v I believe will have 'More Power longer" but that if one goes bad it drops to -0- power immediately until fixed.
- 12v as a little? less power duration, but if one goes bad, you're still good to go ...

That is my opinion also.

It brings up another thought. Many trucks (diesels) are equipped with two 12-volt batteries. Why did they not have 6-volt batteries?

Wayne

Reddog1 wrote:

fpoole wrote:
I briefly went through the same thought process, but on a new AF 990 (Sep 20th Del) and wondered about 6v vs 12v... and bigger 31s? as compared to the 29s.. (sorry, forget what they're called)

I was advised by dealer and it seems to make sense to me.

6v vs 12v -
- 6v I believe will have 'More Power longer" but that if one goes bad it drops to -0- power immediately until fixed.
- 12v as a little? less power duration, but if one goes bad, you're still good to go ...

That is my opinion also.

It brings up another thought. Many trucks (diesels) are equipped with two 12-volt batteries. Why did they not have 6-volt batteries?

Wayne

2ea 6 volt batteries can give you 12 volt system which a diesel engine needs (unless it's a humvee which is 24volt) but the amp hour power of the batteries will not be doubled and probably not enough power to both heat the glow plugs and turn over the engine with enough rpm to start the engine. With 2ea 12 volt batteries you have 12 volt power and "double" the amp hour capacity.

I hear what you say about if one 6volt dies you will not have 12 volt power but if one dies the 2nd one is probably not far behind and the ah loss with 2ea 12 volts are not what I want when boondocking. What ever works and makes you happy. :)

Not all diesel pickups come with two batteries. A single 12v battery can both light up the glow plugs and crank the engine.

lc0338 - Makes no sense to me. But then lots of things make no sense to me.


Gripnriprod - Which diesel trucks do not come from the factory with two 12-volt batteries?

I do agree many diesel trucks can operate with one 12-volt battery, mine will in California. I think it depends on the temperature.

Wayne

I went to the GMC build site and noted that when selecting the Duramax option, you get dual batteries. Can't speak for other brands. I may have misspoken as I was going from memory when I purchased my 2011. It seemed I had to select two batteries, but that may be a mistake chalked up to age. I added a second alternator.
Thanks for catching this Wayne. We don't want bogus info out there.
Best regards,
Mike

Sorry...I did not clarify...I was talking about TC batteries, not truck batteries. We have more than enough battery power for the Dodge.

I guess there are 2 conversations going on? Glad to help:W