Fit new AGM batteries

[ModernVista]

Originally Posted by ostream

Attached is a the battery box lid design I had made to accomodate Lifeline !

Thanks for this box design. I just had a local sheet metal place in Santa Monica CA put this together out of stainless. looks great!! Ordered my batteries today and am jazzed to set up.

have a Yosemite trip planned just at the crack of spring and it's going to be cold, needed more battery time for the furnace. also ordered a small Yamaha 1000 watt generator to supplement my solar as a backup.

thanks so much for sharing this!!

cb

[ostream]

Right on!

[Bigbat]

What about cutting the bottom of the battery box off about 2 inches up from the bottom and welding a 1 or 2 inch piece in. You retain the original bottom and the bottom is still higher than the spare tire from the ground. This will allow a couple of 6 volt AGMs. It does increase the hitch weight. You can still open the storage door.

[TBRich]

When we replaced our two Group 24 Lifeline Batteries (we have factory solar and the rig cam with two Group 24s) we were told that we could fit two Group 27s in the battery box by removing the plastic tray that sits below the batteries. I know others have done this with success. However, we ended replacing the 24s with new set of Group 24's because I was uncomfortable about buying the 27's and then having hassles in getting them into the battery box. The 24s are stuffed in there as it is.

By the way, after replacing the batteries, I put self-adhesive weather stripping along the top edge of the box (so that it would be between the box lip and the lid) to keep moisture and dirt from getting in through the top of the box).

[BAB]

Last Tuesday I changed out my stock Interstate SRM 24's with two Interstate GPL24T batteries. They fit perfectly. Also installed an AM Solar SunRunner Signature 100/25/6 Pro solar system with four 100W panels. Since I'd already swapped out the stock charger/converter with an Iota DLS 55, I have now changed all of the stock components in my new trailer. Oh, I did get the inverter package, but I'm contemplating a Magnum pure sine wave as my next foray into watts/volts/amps. When I look at what the factory charges for a solar upgrade and an inverter I really understand the value of DIY.

[Excella CM]

some optima specs:
Optima Battery Optima Batteries Free Shipping! Best Service! Deep Cycle Batteries Yellow Blue Red Top Optimum

[Phoenix]

For anyone interested in Optimas, the company below sells them for Prius's (which use a very small and hard to find size). I recently asked the owner if he sold other Optima batteries, because Costco quit carrying them; and he said that he could get any Optima size, but he hadn't had any requests for anything other than those that fit the Prius.

In any case, his prices are the lowest I have found, and he ships free out of Sylmar, California. I ordered my third battery from them on the Internet after midnight one Sunday night; and it was delivered in Phoenix, Tuesday at noon.

When our two Optimas in our Airstream and the battery in our Tundra need replacement, I'm ordering them from this company.

Optima D75/25 Yellow top

Notes:

1. The link above is for a Prius battery. However, it navigates to eLearnAid's web site where you can get information on marine deep cycle batteries. I think we have Optima D34M Blue Tops in our 19-foot Bambi.

2. I have no affiliation with this company other than being a satisfied customer.

[ModernVista]

I wanted to update this thread:

1. the cover ostream designed was the talk of everyone who saw it on my trailer. the Dealership even wanted me to make a bunch for them! (i didn't)
2. the 2* Lifeline GPL-4CT 6V fit like a champ and i think i used my generator once or twice and didnt need to - with only 140 watt panel on the roof of the FC20.
3. I was frequently at 100% by noon while camping in CA [victron battery monitor]
3. i sold the Fc20 and upgraded to a 28' and put more solar up top, but am using the same 2 batteries. note the 2016 battery box is deeper and they fit without modification. OTOH - i may do the mod in the future because then i can get even taller batteries!

cheers! thanks again OSTREAM!!

chris

[111]

I just put two Trojan group 31's in a 2015 23D. Tight fit and had to make up two new connector leads but it fits. I did add some weather-stripping to the box lid to prevent rubbing and further rusting.

[Lumatic]

I don't think this was mentioned yet on this thread. I have been told AGM batteries can be installed in any position, for example on the side,

[111]

[111]

Having some trouble adding my picture buts it under member 111 " 23D battery" in the photo area. Two 31 AGM's will fit in factory box. Uses every bit of the box without having to raise the lid.

[Gsmblue]

Originally Posted by 111

Having some trouble adding my picture buts it under member 111 " 23D battery" in the photo area. Two 31 AGM's will fit in factory box. Uses every bit of the box without having to raise the lid.

I looked at your pic, how did you shoe horn those in? what model are they specifically?

Thanks.

[Rocket53]

Interested in the answer to Gsmblue question as well.

[111]

They are Trojan's group 31 AGM. The front battery box lip where the lid mounts needs to be tweaked to allow the second battery in. Just bend it back, add a bit of grey paint with new rivets for the lid and your good to go. I still need to add a tie strap. They can't go fore and aft but could slide sideways. Batteries are padded with 3/8 rubber on the bottom and sides too.

Another option would be to cut the front lip but really no need, it's mild steel and quite malleable.

I added a 1/4" rubber strip to the lid since it was already wearing into the box and causing some rust.

[Rocket53]

Modern, I've read your post and OSTREAMs as well. How is the cover attached so you have access to the batteries?

Mike

[111]

[ostream]

The custom lid I designed and built features holes in lip which allows factory threaded rods to secure lid with wing bolts.

BTW, I'm currently replacing my Lifelines GPL-4C's after 6 years years of service. Work great!

[ModernVista]

I didnt use threaded rods, i just drilled a hole in either side ofthe case and the stainless cover and used some nice stainless wingnut + stainless thumbscrew (with allen key) - worked great.

[Rocket53]

Thanks for the clarification. I may be going the aluminum channel route as the quotes I received are more than I wanted to spend on a cover. well over $100

Mike