So, I have started the slow remodeling/reconfiguration process on my new (old) classic gem, a mint-condition vintage 1974 Amerigo Truck Camper.
(Okay, so I am kinda cheating on my visited map. Yes, I have been to all of the 50 states but about two thirds were in my parent's TC when we traveled around the country years ago. Ironically, that was in an Amerigo Truck Camper as well, which in my opinion is one of the best TC's ever built. That is why I jumped on this one for my family when it popped up on Craigslist.)
I just upgraded the propane tanks to the newer horizontal OPD type tanks. (What a nightmare that was! Sometimes online is not always the cheapest when you include the shipping cost. I eventually found two 10487TC tanks at a local propane dealer for $69 each. Special thanks to those I PM'ed who helped me out in this quest.)
I also just ordered a new converter, an Inteli-Power PD4045 (Mighty Mini). The old one was making a terrible humming noise and I don't trust it or believe it will last too much longer having been made in the 70's.
Now I want a house battery to be self contained in the TC for when I disconnect the truck from the camper. But the big question is where to put it? I don't have a battery bay like my friend's Lance and I don't want to put it inside the camper because I don't want the hydrogen gas to go inside the TC when it is being charged. My Lance friend says I should just store it in the bed area beside the wheel well, but I am thinking of building another bay into the camper.
What do you other TC owners do about the house battery?
Thanks,
E7
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Whatever you decide to do,post it here. Proud owner of a 72 model Amerigo and I am thinking of batteries myself.
There is space under the ends of the dinette and I was thinking there but, maybe not. I saw a picture of I think reddog's when he had the camper off and noticed his batteries in the bed of the truck. Will be interested to see what you come up with.
Bob
This is the perfect time to think ahead to what type of camping you and your family will be doing most. Will most of your trips be to sites with hook ups or a more boondocking style? If more public, hook up type sites, you'll be building space or storing a smaller battery. If you are thinking extreme remote, you might go with the multiple 6v golf cart batteries in the truck bed.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
Camper: 2007 Eagle Cap 850
Boat: 2003 Jetcraft 2125 - Yamaha 150 HP & 8 HP Kicker
Super_Dave wrote: This is the perfect time to think ahead to what type of camping you and your family will be doing most. Will most of your trips be to sites with hook ups or a more boondocking style? If more public, hook up type sites, you'll be building space or storing a smaller battery. If you are thinking extreme remote, you might go with the multiple 6v golf cart batteries in the truck bed.
I would imagine a bit of both. I want to plan for all the possibilities. I have some room right now in the forward port (left) area of the TC under the sink. That was where I was thinking of putting the battery (probably just a large 12 volt deep cycle) until I considered the gas from charging the battery. I could carve out a bay there but I hate the idea of making mods to the existing exterior.
Looks like I'm going to go AGM. I like the idea of spending a bit more (since I'm in spending mode now!) on a battery I can keep inside without cutting up the camper. (I decided not to go the double 6 volt route since I am in a TC after all. I have the room but the missus is likely to complain if I take up too much space.)
So, which AGM brand works best and what price should I expect to pay for a decent sized (but under 100 lbs, maybe up to Group 30?) 12 volt AGM battery? Anyone have an online dealer with decent prices? I just called my local Batteries Plus dealer and the high school age afternoon worker I talked to didn't have a clue. Quoted me a price of $144 for a 50AH 42 lb Group 22 size house brand (Worker brand) AGM battery.
I think I'll keep looking...
kohldad wrote: If you winter camp, you will want the battery inside the heated space to help it stay warm.
I'm getting ready to add two 6v AGM batteries and will be putting them in the "hall way" disquised as the first step going up to the bed.
Where did you get your AGM batteries? How much did you spend? I unfortunately can't put my battery there. That is where the water tank resides. Unless I want to make a second step and cover up the window to the truck cab.
E7
* This post was
edited 10/27/09 04:41pm by esevin *
Blind Bob wrote: Whatever you decide to do,post it here. Proud owner of a 72 model Amerigo and I am thinking of batteries myself.
There is space under the ends of the dinette and I was thinking there but, maybe not. I saw a picture of I think reddog's when he had the camper off and noticed his batteries in the bed of the truck. Will be interested to see what you come up with.
Bob
Bob, nice to find another Amerigo owner. My wife and I bought a tent trailer about a year ago and really loved it. Then we went camping with my sister and her family and I immediately discovered a flaw. Limited trailer options. I wanted to bring my boat along but it was either the tent trailer or tents with a boat. That was when I began searching for a TC. Looked at a bunch and finally settled on the same Amerigo my parents owned years ago! It is amazing to me that after all these years the Amerigo with the snap and nap is still the best and most efficient slide out that you can have on a TC. Most slides I have seen extend out the dining table area but don't really improve the sleeping arrangements. Lance has finally added a tent drop down rear sleeping area (brrr!) on some of their newer models, but the Amerigo is still better (hard enclosure) and at a fraction of the price when you buy used!
Yes, I agree, I really don't like the idea of hanging the battery out a hatch when the camper is detached from the truck. I also worry that some day I will forget the battery is in the bed and start to drive off with the battery falling to the ground!
The top of the water tank will be my second step, the top of the battery enclosure the first step. The battery will be on the floor between the dinette and the water tank, below the frig (see Lance 815).
I haven't purchased them yet, but they are going to run about $200-$250 each. But since they will be part of my solar system, I'll get 30% back on tax credit.
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