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Reelay's avatar
Reelay
Explorer
Jul 30, 2017

Relocation of 12 volt batteries

My 2003, 31 foot fifthwheel Sandpiper has the batteries located in the smallest and hardest location to service them. I usually use a mirror and flashlight to inspect the fluid levels. I am considering moving them to the front compartment which looks to be pretty easy. The batteries have an isolater located in the front compartment already and wiring seems to be long enough. I am also thinking about getting two plastic battery boxes, a piece of plywood to fit under the battery boxes and a strap to hold them down. The floor of the compartment seems heavy enough to hold the weight of the two batteries. This would make servicing them and removing much easier. Any input would be appreciate...Thanks in advance, Ray
  • Yep 6volt golf cart batteries are a good idea got 6 of them set up with our solar panel at our off grid summer place. Thanks for the input!
  • Since you now have lots of room, next time you replace them consider 6V golf cart batteries from Costco. Wire them in series to get 12V. Not AGM but inexpensive and built for deep cycle operation.
  • Thanks for the input it is appreciated. I located them in the up front compartment. Plenty of venting openings. Yes I will purchase agm batteries next time which will be next year these Marne deep cycles have eight years on them now and still are working fine. Thanks
  • if you stick with wet cells and relocate them i would be just as concerned with proper "venting" of gas. as mentioned you could leave them there and just switch to AGM
  • Seems heavy enough would not be good enough for me. I'd have a brace welded into place--and I would use AGM jars.