4 Deep Cycle Batteries Installed In My Lance

[Racorman]

I finished installing (4) 12v deep cycle batteries in the camper along with a 1500 watt inverter. It took a little planning, but I got it up and running today. I couldn't go with 6V Trojans as they were too tall for both the Lance slideout battery tray compartment as well as the other compartment I used. I completely sealed the second battery compartment and also vented it.

I've got the 145 watt solar panel installed on the roof and have room for another 100 watt panel, which I can get for $139.

[Racorman]

AimlessWanderLust wrote:

deltabravo wrote:

Racorman wrote:
We run a satellite receiver, TV, sewing machine, computers for many hours of the day.

Do you have all the equipment in a cargo trailer? (except the SAT receiver).

Looks like they have a 5th wheel, not a truck camper.

Sorry about that...... I forgot to update my signature. All that stuff we use in the camper. My wife is a quilter and loves the tube when she works 🙂

AKA..... 56Nomad
2012 Attitude FL28AKLG 5th wheel
2008 Lance Camper 1055
2011 Can Am Commander
2002 Chevy 1 Ton Duramax/Allison 4x4 -Edge w/Juice and 4" Exhaust
2013 Jeep 2dr Wrangler

[AimlessWanderLu]

deltabravo wrote:

Racorman wrote:
We run a satellite receiver, TV, sewing machine, computers for many hours of the day.

Do you have all the equipment in a cargo trailer? (except the SAT receiver).

Looks like they have a 5th wheel, not a truck camper.

[deltabravo]

Racorman wrote:
We run a satellite receiver, TV, sewing machine, computers for many hours of the day.

Do you have all the equipment in a cargo trailer? (except the SAT receiver).

[deltabravo]

This is making think of a way to add 2 more batteries to my AF811.

I often camp in partly shady areas in Washington, which limits my solar charging.

I use a lot of power.

My current batteries are on their last legs... the voltage sags significantly when there's a big load on them from the inverter (Microwave oven). They don't hold a charge very well either.

I really want AGMs. Wet cells have to be completely disconnected and removed from the battery tray to check / refill the water in them, which is a pain in the *** when you factor in that the batteries are about eye-level when the camper is on the truck.

[Racorman]

wintersun wrote:
Seems like overkill and a lot of extra weight to haul around. We do fine with two 110AH 12v batteries never getting below 80% DOD when camping and the 15 amps provided by two solar panels recharges them in less than 3 hours.

That does not work for us..... We run a satellite receiver, TV, sewing machine, computers for many hours of the day.

I went the most inexpensive way with flooded batteries.

[crosscheck]

wintersun wrote:
Seems like overkill and a lot of extra weight to haul around. We do fine with two 110AH 12v batteries never getting below 80% DOD when camping and the 15 amps provided by two solar panels recharges them in less than 3 hours.

It all depends on your electrical wants or needs.

Our first TC had 1 truck battery, 2 or 3 inside/outside lights and that was it. Ice box,hand pumped fresh, propane stove. Thats it.

Present TC has 4x6V AGM's in the basement,2000W inverter and 330W solar so we don't have to run the genny. With 4 batteries, you can put quite a load on from the inverter before running the batteries below the cut off volts. 2 batteries would not have that capacity obviously. Its another 130# and double the cost.

Another reason why I went with 4 rather than 2 batteries.

You build a dam(2 batts) and let the rain water fill up the reservoir so you can generate power. Water drops in the reservoir as you produce power. When it rains hard you have to open the flood gate and potential power goes down stream. Stops raining for 2 months, reservoir dries up . No power generated until rains come back.

You double the height of the dam(4 batts)and start generating power. Water starts to drop in reservoir. Lots of rain falls and you have to eventually open the flood gate. Then there is a 2 month drought, water gets drawn down and down to say 30% and then the rains come back. No interruption of power.

Dave

[Gary3]

I vented the compartment next to the battery box and added another 27 in there I used #8 wire to join them that was the size recommended by a very good Lance dealer.Looks like you did a nice job and now you don't worry about running low on 12 volt.

[okan-star]

I had 4- 6 volts and 140 watts of solar and a prosine 2000 inverter in a camper I used to have , nice thing is when you have itset up for 4 batts, you can add and remove sets when you dont need 4, on a given trip.
I have 2- 12 volt grp 31 flooded in my lance now and had to move the bat location to do that , with 12 volts I can add one more grp 31 which I have space for if I need more , but I do ok with 2 + 140 watts solar and a 1800 watt inverter
More of anything is always better
But weight can somtimes play into it also

The diesel crowd has a saying
Better of BOMB ed = better off modified baby

[bka0721]

Boatycall wrote:

wintersun wrote:
Seems like overkill and a lot of extra weight to haul around. We do fine with two 110AH 12v batteries never getting below 80% DOD when camping and the 15 amps provided by two solar panels recharges them in less than 3 hours.

If four is overkill, what's six? I have six. I live near Seattle. Think solar and Seattle. They don't work together. Now, on the other hand, if I could mount some sort of hydroelectric generator to my downspouts I'd be set.

I run a 2kw inverter, and run my coffee maker, satellite, nuker, the whole works.

I have two golf carts in the factory spot, four more in the basement with a vent.

Seems like overkill, well to many, yes.

But we all are very different in what we use our campers for and how we live our lives. Otherwise everyone should be driving the same truck I have, and the same camper I have too. I like seeing all the different threads and modifications all of us do to our truck campers. I like to cherry pick the ones that best interest me.

Full disclosure? I have ten 6 Volt batteries and there are times I wish I had more.

b

[Boatycall]

wintersun wrote:
Seems like overkill and a lot of extra weight to haul around. We do fine with two 110AH 12v batteries never getting below 80% DOD when camping and the 15 amps provided by two solar panels recharges them in less than 3 hours.

If four is overkill, what's six? I have six. I live near Seattle. Think solar and Seattle. They don't work together. Now, on the other hand, if I could mount some sort of hydroelectric generator to my downspouts I'd be set.

I run a 2kw inverter, and run my coffee maker, satellite, nuker, the whole works.

I have two golf carts in the factory spot, four more in the basement with a vent.

[wintersun]

Seems like overkill and a lot of extra weight to haul around. We do fine with two 110AH 12v batteries never getting below 80% DOD when camping and the 15 amps provided by two solar panels recharges them in less than 3 hours.

[crosscheck]

Racorman,

You are going to loooove the extra capacity of the batteries and the convenience of the inverter and the quiet power of the solar. You will want to go dry camping or boondocking when ever you can.

The only problem I can see is that after a week out camping, you will say"I guess I should have installed that other solar panel."

Dave

[Racorman]

Led 67 wrote:
Racorman just a question. How did you fit the ends onto the cables and what type did you use.

I used #4 welding cable wire and copper ends all purchased at a welding supply store.

[rob_g]

Very nice.

Did you use AGMs? or flooded lead acid batteries?

A very clever solution; nice job.

Rob