Getting Batteries and Propane Off Tongue

kpconnell wrote:
Hi All,

Experienced Class A'er, but recently got our first TT, a 30' keystone and in the process of getting ready for a long (8 months-ish) trip in the US.

I'm installing inverter, larger golf cart batteries, and these alone will add a hundred pounds to tongue weight. I am also interested in larger or more propane capacity beyond the 2x20lb.

Our TT's frame is covered with a plastic cardboard which is nice and clean but am reluctant to hack away at that to find areas to use.

Looking for creative and safe solutions to place batteries, propane and inverter gear closer to axles.

Moving that much weight to the axle will change the towing geometry a bit and may not be as stable. As long as you have a good anti-sway weight distribution hitch you might be fine.

RVIA standards require batteries to be vented to the outside including AGM. However plenty do place batteries under the dinette bench or behind a cabinet where there is extra space. Depending on space and venting the inverter should be in a separate compartment.

Propane tank must be completely outside the living space. You could look at a permanent tank similar to a motorhome and mount it along the frame rail if space and clearance permits and this is probably a long shot with a lot of custom work. Might be best to just carry a spare propane bottle and have an extended stay kit to connect as needed. Or just swap in as needed and refill the third bottle when convenient.

Maybe just focus on the battery. Are you installing a large 2000+ watt inverter? This really should have 4+ batteries.

If you will be off-grid a lot I really recommend 200+ watts of solar.