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04-21-2007, 07:17 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
2005 22' International CCD
Woodland Park
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 114
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Upgrade to 2 x 6V Batteries on 2005 Intl' 22'
I have been working on setting up my 2005 International 22' for long-term boondocking. My first dilemma was replacing the single 12 volt battery setup to a two battery setup. I decided on two 6 volt golf cart batteries based on the recommendations of several here and other battery articles posted here and elsewhere on the net (thanks rseagle for pointing me in the right direction). The batteries I purchased are the GC45G 244 aH batteries from Deka ( http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/scrubber.pdf).
The first major hurdle was finding a way to mount the batteries on the tongue of the trailer. There is limited space on the tongue and most battery boxes were simply too big to fit. A local battery shop had a box similar to the ones here Boxes, which were just large enough to hold the two batteries yet small enough to fit on the tongue without interferance.
Took the battery box to a local welding shop to fabricate a bracket, which they welded onto the tongue as shown in the pics below. The propane cover is still able to be removed with the battery box in, though it does scrape against the threaded rods. Another option would be to have the threaded rod hold-downs mounted on the outside of the rack, which would allow the propane tank cover to be removed without any interferance. I decided to remove the cover completely as I plan to upgrade to 30# tanks anyways (plus it is much simpler to service without having to remove the cover every time).
I know there has been alot of interest in upgrading the single battery setup on these trailers so I thought I would post one solution. I spent alot of time looking at different options (even looking at having a custom built aluminum box which would have looked great but was not cost effective). In the end the solution was pretty simple and relatively cheap (about $500 for everything, including batteries and the cable extensions for the extra distance).
Next step is upgrading the current converter to one with 3 stage charging, followed by a propane generator and swapping some of the cabin lights to LEDs, which are getting pretty good reports these days.
Hope this helps anyone trying to decide how to increase battery power on the 22' Internationals....
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04-21-2007, 07:51 AM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
1971 18' Caravel
2004 25' International CCD
Bend
, Oregon
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 65
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Nice work, looks great.
__________________
Mike Martin
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04-21-2007, 12:15 PM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
2004 16' International CCD
Arcata
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 250
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I have a fabricator working on a custom battery box for my 2 6V batteries as I type. And it will be pricey. I'll post pictures when I get it set up. JK3500, tell me about your cable extensions. Is it a simple project with parts from an auto parts store? Jamie
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04-21-2007, 01:03 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2005 22' International CCD
Woodland Park
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtle
I have a fabricator working on a custom battery box for my 2 6V batteries as I type. And it will be pricey. I'll post pictures when I get it set up. JK3500, tell me about your cable extensions. Is it a simple project with parts from an auto parts store? Jamie
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Jamie,
I am interested in seeing your battery box when you get it done. Please post some pics when you get it done. I talked to a fabricator about building an aluminum box but it was well over my budget.
The cable extensions were easy. Had the battery shop I bought the batteries from put them on. All they do is clamp on the end of the battery cables. You need a heavy duty crimper to put them on though. I would say a battery shop vs an auto parts store for finding them. jk
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04-21-2007, 04:19 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1971 21' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,527
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The best type of battery box is exactly what you have. Battery acid will corrode aluminum in very short order unless the aluminum is painted with bituminous paint, or a high quality poly
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04-25-2007, 06:29 PM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
2004 16' International CCD
Arcata
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 250
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What if the batteries are sealed AGMs? Will it still corrode an aluminum battery box? Jamie
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04-25-2007, 06:34 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2005 22' Safari
Santa Ana
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 167
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Nice work man.
Being as lazy as I am, what % increase in capacity can you expect over two group 24 12v batteries?
__________________
Alan
2005 22ft Safari
2003 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 5.3l
"Life is like a box of chocolates..." Forrest Gump
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04-25-2007, 06:58 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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Nice work. I switched my SOB 5th wheel to that arrangement, and added a 2000 watt AC invertor, to watch TV and small loads w/o running the generator. Worked great. Haven't upgraded the AS yet, but will follow your example. Thanks!
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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04-25-2007, 07:03 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1971 21' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,527
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtle
What if the batteries are sealed AGMs? Will it still corrode an aluminum battery box? Jamie
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Most likely not but I would still put the batteries into a poly box first and then drop that whole assembly into the aluminum box just to play it safe
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04-25-2007, 07:14 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtle
What if the batteries are sealed AGMs? Will it still corrode an aluminum battery box? Jamie
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Sealed AGMs like Lifelines do not out-gas, except in extreme overcharging circumstances, which are rare. That said, there should be no problems with an aluminum battery box that is caused by the batteries. Other forms of corrosion possibly, but not from the batteries.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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04-25-2007, 08:25 PM
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#11
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_
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, .
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,812
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JK3500
My first dilemma was replacing the single 12 volt battery setup to a two battery setup. I decided on two 6 volt golf cart batteries based on the recommendations of several here......
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hi jk3500
great looking setup, thanks for sharing.
haven't read all the juice box threads,
but quite a few...
i still have not seen sound justification for 2x6 volt over 2x12 volt.
or 4x6 volt vs 4x12 volt...
who wants to go first?
cheers
2air'
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04-25-2007, 08:38 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1981 25' Excella II
Dillon
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 397
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What you did looks great, and doesn't take away from any storage on the trailer. This may be a stupid question, but would it be possible to just add a sealed battery box inside the trailer? My factory battery box has an opening on the side of the trailer with a plastic battery box that fits under the couch. I've read that deep cell batteries emit some gas. Would adding another plastic battery box with a lid (like Walmart sells) under the couch be safe?
Charlie
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04-25-2007, 08:55 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
1981 25' Excella II
Dillon
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 397
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What if you're just using a regular deep cell marine?
When I look at what I have from the factory it doesn't seem that different. The box still comes in under the couch. I've never noticed any issues with it. I'm putting in a temp. control charger converter, so I shouldn't ever have an overcharge issue. Is the concern with the gas due to corrosion, or is it a safety issue from being toxic?
Thanks: Charlie
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04-25-2007, 09:23 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
1964 26' Overlander
1977 25' Tradewind
Eastern
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 865
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JK3500
I have been working on setting up my 2005 International 22' for long-term boondocking. My first dilemma was replacing the single 12 volt battery setup to a two battery setup. I decided on two 6 volt golf cart batteries based on the recommendations of several here and other battery articles posted here and elsewhere on the net (thanks rseagle for pointing me in the right direction). The batteries I purchased are the GC45G 244 aH batteries from Deka ( http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/scrubber.pdf).
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I figure you added about 140lbs to the tung weight with the batteries in that position. Do you have any concerns about the added weight? Did you box in the frame for added support?
__________________
Peace
Gary
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04-26-2007, 06:14 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pacerized
What if you're just using a regular deep cell marine?
When I look at what I have from the factory it doesn't seem that different. The box still comes in under the couch. I've never noticed any issues with it. I'm putting in a temp. control charger converter, so I shouldn't ever have an overcharge issue. Is the concern with the gas due to corrosion, or is it a safety issue from being toxic?
Thanks: Charlie
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ANY liquid cell battery WILL gas during the charging cycle. AGMs have no free liquid, hence no gassing. If you use an interior battery box, as I have seen often in smaller class 'C's it MUST BE SEALED AND VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE to assure that no hydrogen sulfide can escape to the interior of the coach.
This type of box is readily available.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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04-26-2007, 06:37 AM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2005 22' International CCD
Woodland Park
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet's Husband
I figure you added about 140lbs to the tung weight with the batteries in that position. Do you have any concerns about the added weight? Did you box in the frame for added support?
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It was a consideration. Actually though, I added a bit under 100# as I replaced the single 12 volt (50# +/-) for the 2 x 6 volts. Also, the new design Internationals and the other current models are pretty much all running 2 batteries and 30# propane tanks. Others, like Rseagle have added similar weight to the tongue with no problems. Also, the rack itself is quite a bit stronger than the factory battery rack, which sat between the frame rails as now the weight of the batteries is directly on top of the frame rails. I do plan to weigh the tongue soon to see where I am at, especially as I intend to replace the 20# propane tanks with 30#.
As far as the question asked earlier about 2 x 6 volts vs 2 x 12 volts, I too read all the debates and articles on batteries and talked to a number of battery shops. The general consensus I got was, for the $ the golf cart batteries are a better choice over 12v, as they provide more amp-hours and typically will last longer than standard 12 volts. I know alot here are using the AGMs, which have alot of advantages over standard lead-acid batteries but for me the cost was too high.
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04-26-2007, 06:45 AM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member
2005 22' International CCD
Woodland Park
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pacerized
What you did looks great, and doesn't take away from any storage on the trailer. This may be a stupid question, but would it be possible to just add a sealed battery box inside the trailer? My factory battery box has an opening on the side of the trailer with a plastic battery box that fits under the couch. I've read that deep cell batteries emit some gas. Would adding another plastic battery box with a lid (like Walmart sells) under the couch be safe?
Charlie
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I actually thought about that, as ideally I would have liked to have a 4 battery set-up. Thought about a sealed box with 4 AGM batteries mounted under the bed and vented to the outside. From talking to folks I think it is completely doable and would keep the weight farther back from the tongue. In the end the cost of such a set-up, along with the fact the wife did not like the idea of batteries (AGM or not) right under the bed kept me from pursuing it. jk
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04-26-2007, 10:14 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
New Borockton
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pacerized
What you did looks great, and doesn't take away from any storage on the trailer. This may be a stupid question, but would it be possible to just add a sealed battery box inside the trailer? My factory battery box has an opening on the side of the trailer with a plastic battery box that fits under the couch. I've read that deep cell batteries emit some gas. Would adding another plastic battery box with a lid (like Walmart sells) under the couch be safe?
Charlie
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People are doing this but it is not recommended for the reason that Lew mentioned. If for whatever reason the pressure rises to a point where the relieve valve opens (> 2 PSI) the Lifelines (and other AGMs) will out gas into the living area. Normally this would only happen from overcharging, particularly using a non-regulated charger. AGMs must be stored in a vented compartment just like regular lead acid batteries. You could fabricate a sealed box that vents to the outside however.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
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04-26-2007, 10:44 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1976 Argosy 24
now being enjoyed by Heath and Mary in
, Vermont
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,432
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Who is the vented box that Lew and Randy are talking about available from?
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