stan909
San Bernardino,Ca
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Joined: 01/23/2006
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My 97 class B has everything running off the starter so I am adding a Deep cycle.Does anyone know how or where to find out? Thanks
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LadyRVer
Florida
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Joined: 09/04/2007
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Our 2003 PW has a coach battery in a battery compartment on the outside. It had a battery (must have been installed by previous owner) inside the coach in a storage cabinet on the floor. I was told it illegal to have one inside the coach (not vented.) I would assume the prev. owners needed more battery power so just added one themselves. I am sure someone with experience will chime in.
I would also check with the mfg. of the vehicle (if still in business.) about location to add a coach battery.
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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Flooded cell lead acid batteries must be vented --- or you risk a hydrogen explosion which will ruin your day and more.
Installing a 2nd battery is not for the inexperienced.
It needs to be fused properly (safety) vented properly (safety) and also isolated from the rest of the coach electrical system (so you don't just drain the starting battery).
Technically it is possible to not have it vented --- by using a gel cell type that do not need venting --- and you give up certain performance for that.
But it is technically dangerous to have it not properly fused and so on.
Simple things like wiring -- protection of wires against rubbing and shorts, and so on --- need a pro, not a handyman.
RV wiring is not home wiring --- especially when high current applications are involved. You can start a fire --- while you are asleep in the RV.
You sure you want to do this?
How about talking to a qualified RV tech first?
* This post was
edited 05/21/12 08:27pm by NewsW *
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Folks here may be able to be of more specific help if you tell us which brand of B on what chassis.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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stan909
San Bernardino,Ca
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Thanks everyone.I am aware of venting requirements and by doing a simple yahoo search,found some scematics. I am entertaining the idea of agm batteries or an optima.If I go lead acid I will take the proper venting precations.Battery isolator to avoid feedback.Fuses etc....Where I plan on going with this little rig I don't want to take a chance on needing a jump. I let you know how it goes.maybe I 'll even learn to post pics.
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kmb1966
Lake Charles
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Joined: 09/18/2005
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stan909 wrote:Thanks everyone.I am aware of venting requirements and by doing a simple yahoo search,found some scematics. I am entertaining the idea of agm batteries or an optima.If I go lead acid I will take the proper venting precations.Battery isolator to avoid feedback.Fuses etc....Where I plan on going with this little rig I don't want to take a chance on needing a jump. I let you know how it goes.maybe I 'll even learn to post pics.
Hmmmm.....
If this is all about avoiding a jump (and having to find someone to jump) perhaps a portable jump starter (available at auto parts, wally world) is all that is needed here.
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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stan909 wrote: I am entertaining the idea of agm batteries or an optima.
Some time ago, we tried an Optima as a replacement for our type 24 house battery but found that it just didn't have the capacity (only 50 A-h if memory serves correctly). Fortunately, Costco took it back, and we replaced it with a cheaper flooded-cell battery (Kirkland brand from Costco, made by Johnson Controls, type DC24). It's rated at 95 A-h which serves us well, and they typically last three years which isn't bad for ~75 bucks. These batteries are admittedly a "compromise", as they're the so-called RV/Marine type, but are sealed, and don't require maintenance which would be hard to do in our older Roadtrek due to the rather poor placement of the battery under the floor.
The bottom line: if you have limited space, be aware that size-for-size, the Optima type as well as some other AGM's have a smaller A-h rating than a conventional flooded-cell battery.
Jerry & Susie
1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile (Dodge 5.2 L)
FMCA F390585
Trees are being destroyed through the transportation of invasive insects and diseases in firewood. For more information, please visit www.dontmovefirewood.org
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stan909
San Bernardino,Ca
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I bought an Optima refurb 50 AMP Hrs.from Interstate batteries with a one year replacement for $80.Auto Zone has them for $230. .I didn't know they sold returned batteries ( fromCostco no less) .They can't use the Optima name on a refurb.I don't think it very wise to use the starter battery for coach use.I am waiting for my isolator/charge controller to arrive.My wife and I took the van out Saturday for her B-day and stayed at a nice litte campground nearby overnight.Fun.No kids.No dogs.I did cosider a jump starter but opted for a more permanent solution.I'm going to make a web page for my mods.
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stan909
San Bernardino,Ca
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Joined: 01/23/2006
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Installed the Sunforce battery isolator / smart charger to finish my deep cycle project until I get a converter .But I'm going to wait on that. Stan's little rig mods
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