BATTERY(ies) ?

[wozzy53]

I just bought a 2014 Sport 22. All of my camping is spent Boondocking and dry camping. The Sport 22 only comes with one group 24 battery and I do not think this will meet my needs. I do have a Zamp 80 watt portable solar panel.
My question: the dealer tells me there is not room for another group 24 battery on the tongue rack unless I do away with the battery boxes and expose everything to the elements. How do I get more amp hours (ah) for my needs? Can I put one group 27 or 31 on that rack? Would that require cutting and welding the rack? If I only use one battery I would like to use an AGM, but then I was told I would have to upgrade the converter.
It would be nice to reduce some tongue weight also. Has anybody installed 2 batteries inside the trailer itself? If so, where?
Any of your experience and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks. Oh, and a generator is out of the question.

[Boxite]

I'm considering the same situation on my 22' Sport. I haven't measured yet, but at a glance, I see no reason two 24's won't fit on that same rack including their boxes. (My 2008 has that cheap plastic box.) I also believe a series 27 would fit, as would two 6-volt types, any of which would improve boondocking capabilities.

Other possibilities is to stack the batteries within a custom-built box behind the propane tanks. If I choose that route, I'll make it out of metal to improve anti-theft scenario.
Certainly I expect better longevity since I've replaced all incandescent lamps with LEDs, and my TV is a Ram 1500 gasser into which I plan to install a second battery (isolated from starting battery) to serve the coach with addt'l storage-battery capacity.

[Ahab]

I went from the GR24 to a 27 and now a 29 and am extremely happy. Had to change to a bigger battery box but that was no problem. We do a lot of boondocking but I don't see a need for more capacity. We run all LED's and the refer on LP.

[55AS]

AGM's can be installed inside the trailer, reducing tongue weight, weather issues and theft.

[Jammer]

One possibility to consider is to install an extra battery in your tow vehicle.

[PaulG_4307]

We use a 55watt solar panel and charge controller purchased on Amazon for $125. It clips on the battery and we have gone 5 days on 2 occasions. The battery was fully charged by noon daily. We have all LED lights and use a 75watt Inverter on the TV. Kept all our USB stuff charged with 12v.

[PaulG_4307]

Amazon 55watt solar panel with 7.5 amp Sunforce Charge Controller - 25ft of wire and aligator clips from Radio Shack. Fits behind backseat of 4Runner.

[armstrs]

Here is what I did. We are boondocking for the first time in a couple weeks. So I got a portable 100 watt solar "suitcase" and just replaced my group 24 with 2 golf cart batteries. There was plenty of room on the trailer for both but I wanted to lock them up. So I installed a trailer tongue box. After researching prices/amp hours... and since we are not regular boondockers, I picked up the golf cart batteries from Sams. Install was easy. Hardest part was cutting the hole for the cables in the box.

[scamp]

I replace the factory ( garbage ) interstate battery groupe 24 ,with a sunextender AGM groupe 31 , 129 amp hour, and also a plastic battery box , no modifications just install it , and bought two 40 watt solar panels from canadian tire, ( they are sunforce panels )and installed hinges on them and mounted the charge controller on the back for $225 ,( I got them on sale)
to make a portable folding solar panel like most other companies ( go power )etc.making a total of 80 watts , but saved $350 ,we basically boondocks 99 % of the time and the battery has never gone below 80 %full charge, this of course depends on sunny days and campground shade, but been portable I move the panel in the sun and lock it to a picnic table, tree, etc . To keep it from walking away!

Don

[wozzy53]

amstrs: Where did you get that neat battery box?

scamp: Since you put in an AGM battery, did you also replace the stock converter? It is my understanding that the stock Airstream converter will ruin your AGMs.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[armstrs]

Had a 25% Mother's Day coupon at harbor freight. Got it for $69. I was concerned about the 130ish pounds of batteries in it so I made a support that sits under it in the stock battery frame. Treated 2x4 supports spray painted black. So it is bolted to the trailer frame (as are battery tie downs) but is supported the entire length. It's not a bank vault but hopefully will discourage casual thieves.
http://m.harborfreight.com/35-inch-s...not%20provided

[Lumatic]

If your budget could only accommodate new AGM batteries, or switch out incandescent bulbs to LEDs, which would give you more bang for your buck?

Also certain brand batteries are said to work more efficiently with certain brand converters. What works best with Intellipower?

[scamp]

Originally Posted by wozzy53

amstrs: Where did you get that neat battery box?

scamp: Since you put in an AGM battery, did you also replace the stock converter? It is my understanding that the stock Airstream converter will ruin your AGMs.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

No I did not replace the stock battery converter, it will ruin any type of battery, I have a midnite solar charge controller called the Kid that I use to charge the battery monthly, since AGM batteries don't need to be desulfacated it's most likely better on using the on board stock converter charger, on AGM batteries then on standard lead acid batteries my trailer is 95% never plugged in to campground power or home power. I will not get into the topic of charging batteries as there are other topics that cover this in this forum , battery voltages and time on the 3 main charging stages of charging batteries are different for different types of batteries and lead acid batteries need to have a 4 th stage equalization charge and time and voltages are different for different battery manufactures and some manufactures also equalize AGM batteries. Also to fully charge batteries the end amps going into the battery must be correct see manufacture of your battery! Also so called deep cycle battery most likely is not a true deep cycle battery if it's got cold cranking amps test specs it's not a deep cycle battery !

Don