I have done some searches but I'm not having any luck. As stated, I want to move the batteries from the tongue to the rear bumper. My TT has front tanks, bath and kitchen and is a bit tongue heavy.
Can someone tell me the best way to add support to the bumper?
What gauge wire should I use, batteries will be about 14ft further from the inverter?
Anything else I need to know?
Trailer wieghs 4800 dry with a 495 tongue weight. Removing two batteries at 62lbs a piece would help, plus I would reduce the LP by one 30 tank.
If there is a thread already dealing with this that I couldn't find, please let me know.
You scare me. Folks can't keep bicycles from falling off rear bumper, but batteries?
Note if LOADED TT is about 6000#, your tongue weight should be at least 780#. You knew that, right?
Just in case.
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I'm no expert, but your current tongue weight looks pretty good to me. Your plan may make you dangerously light on tongue weight. You could end up with only about 200 pounds.
I agree with the others, your tongue weight is fine. Even on the light side already. If you are saying the your Dodge can't handle 500 lbs on the hitch, you have a truck problem not a tongue weight problem.
My other concern would be the amount of bouncing the batteries would see on the rear bumper. I think you would see much shorter battery life back there.
I would definately keep the converter/charging unit as close to the batteries as you can get it. The tongue area would be the choice for me to stay with. If you are planning on installing 500-600 lbs of batteries than movng away from the tongue might be a good choice then.
Some folks with a heavy load on their tongue area will off-set the heavy batteries by keeping water in their fresh water tank which is usually behind the trailer wheels.
I am presently planning a dual battery bank to help out my large battery requirements to support emergency two way Ham radio operations for RACES, MARS, and SKYWARN... I am planning on four each trojan T1275 150AH batteries which weighs 80lbs each and havng two installed on the trailer tongue in one bank and the other two batteries installed in the back of my truck bed. These two battery banks will weigh around 200 lbs each with the required locked metal cases to mount them in to help keep them from being stolen.
This setup will support operations from both the truck and the trailer. The two battery banks can be switched together for additional battery power for camping off the power grid.
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - PM me Roy and Carolyn
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RoyB has zeroed in on the best response to your query. Aside from rebuilding the structure to support batteries, the 14' distance from the convertor is the killer in your quest. Theres a reason all manufacturers keep the battery bank and convertor very close together.
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