Under the step house battery compartment

[wbwood]

Our 2013 Thor Chateau's house battery compartment is located under the steps. There is a place for 2 batteries. We currently have 2 group 27's there. They suffice for right now, but I like to think ahead (and dream). I'm wondering how I could add more batteries? There is a compartment on the outside a couple feet over. It has a plastic tub type of bottom. Currently I store a tool box and some other odd and ends things along with a small tv mounted in it that is an on extendable arm. I know it would require some reinforcing for the weight of the batteries, but is that a viable option?

Has anyone added more batteries and have the batteries under the step like ours? How did you do it?

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I gave up one compartment. It was reinforced by welding and has 3/4 inch plywood in the bottom. I have four extra Group 29 batteries in it.

[Golden_HVAC]

I installed two extra batteries in my RV, and used some unistrut to help with the weight. I have a steel sidewall, with 1-1/2? square tubing. I ran the unistrut under the compartment, bolted it directly to the sidewall with 3/8" bolt and washers. Then on the RV frame side, I used some 3/8" all thread, and a L bracket that is bolted to the frame.

The unistrut is good for several hundred pounds. You might be able to buy it in 2' lengths at Home Depot. I bought it at a electrical distributor in 10' lengths. You can special order 20' long too. I used the 20' long for my patio cover sun screen. It looked like basic awning material, but let through about 20% of the sunshine.

Fred.

[CloudDriver]

Lead/acid batteries need to be located in a ventilated area to allow the hydrogen gas generated during charging to dissipate. The batteries in our Minnie are located under the entrance step, a space that is well ventilated.