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sheriff1 · 12-22-2018, 06:32 PM

Looking to install 2-6volt deep cells on a 2012 27FB, this is before they put the deeper battery boxes on. Don’t really want to go the expense of LI. Anybody know of someone making a bolt on extension for the bottom of the box?

GMFL · 12-22-2018, 08:04 PM

Here’s what I did. I made my own.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-upgrade-2923/

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-install-2924/

Vinnie’s North Bay Airstream has made some in the past
https://www.facebook.com/VinniesNort...04542062955224

sheriff1 · 12-22-2018, 08:20 PM

Won’t work, 27FB has the door to the storage area right above the batteries, this would need to be something where you cut out the bottom of the battery box and extend it downward. Someone clever could market a premade box that would slip up from the bottom after you cut out the existing bottom. Lots of 27FBs could use it.

GMFL · 12-22-2018, 08:34 PM

That’s right. I forgot about the storage area is up front. Can you weld, or know someone who can?
The battery box is heavy enough gauge to cut the bottom off and weld a extender ring in place then weld the bottom back in place.

68 Overlander · 12-22-2018, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Looking to install 2-6volt deep cells on a 2012 27FB, this is before they put the deeper battery boxes on. Don’t really want to go the expense of LI. Anybody know of someone making a bolt on extension for the bottom of the box?

You can now get Fullriver AGM 6 volts in a group 27 case vs the GC2 and with very little modification, they will fit many stock battery boxes. They are 220 AH and have the best warranty in the industry. He was not our customer but was nice enough call and share what he did and suggest we have a look. I think he is a member but don't know what he goes by here.

Here is a link to Dirks install on Youtube

68 Overlander · 12-22-2018, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here’s what I did. I made my own.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-upgrade-2923/

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...-install-2924/

Vinnie’s North Bay Airstream has made some in the past
https://www.facebook.com/VinniesNort...04542062955224

I checked out Vinnie's page and that is viable too for the GC2 type batteries. Hadn't seen it. I will recommend that box mod for the taller GC2 6 volt installs.

Offack · 12-23-2018, 09:55 AM

I can't give a name of someone, but I'm thinking you want to do what I did. I too have the forward compartment s o building up was out of the question. .
I took a sawsall with appropriate metal blade, checked underneath and around for gas lines etc. and cut the bottom right out from the inside of the box. This left nice edges on the sides. Next exact measurements from the bottom inside , remember wihich is front ,side etc as they are human made and not exact, and headed off to the local metal fabricator. (Translate....good friend for me but most towns have good metal people) Mine was zz" x zz" x 4" deep. Two bolts on sides, slide it in, bolt her down , drill a couple drain holes, paint to match and good to go.
Mines on a 2014 25FC. Did it about 4 yrs ago ....works great. Put two 6v lifelines in it. No pics cause I did it awhile ago and from the side you can hardly tell it was done. It also doesn't hang below weight dis bars so for me clearance is not an issue.

Rick

Lab lover · 12-23-2018, 12:20 PM

We have a 26U which has a very similar front storage compartment to your 27FB. We upgraded to Lifeline 6-CT AGM batteries (300aH) and needed a taller battery box. I considered replacing or cutting out the bottom of the box but decided to try something simpler first. We also were on a short timeline before heading to Utah for 2 weeks, so not enough time for metal fabrication. I made a new elevated top for the box with the front bevelled to allow the storage compartment door to open. I used the same material we have on our house-cedar plank and outdoor paint. A lock on each side (not shown) can be removed to lift the lid off with no hinge needed. See attached photos. The door opening is quite adequate and it has worked very well over the last 2 years. It still looks exactly the same as in the photos.
Worked for us....

Lab lover · 12-23-2018, 12:23 PM

Apparently the photo attachment didn't go through

seascape · 12-23-2018, 06:20 PM

I installed 2 group 27 6 volt agm batteries in our 27 fb 2012 bought them from crown battery.(leoch)lp6-200.all i had to do to make fit was remove lid cut about 1/4 inch off hinge side ,redrill and rerevitdoor

sheriff1 · 12-23-2018, 09:17 PM

Thanks for all the great responses! I’ll be shopping for a couple of series 27 deep cycle 6 volt batteries.

GM Airstream · 12-23-2018, 11:07 PM

First Vinnie makes a battery box extension that increases the height of the battery box... which as others have said you can't use due to the front storage door.

However, you can call a dealer that has a parts department and order the new box that will extend lower.. that is being used on the new AS. They are fairly cheap.. about 135 bux... and take about a week to get. If you need the P/N either the parts people or I can give it to you...

We are working on a friends 2018 AS who allowed it to get away after they un hooked from the TV ball... it rolled forward after the wheels jumped the blocks min after the TV moved away...and slid forward... going across the street... and hitting the curb... taking the lift jack bending it backwards... and bashing in the battery box...

Both the batteries and the box were totaled.. luck it didn't start a fire with the propane tanks just in front...

We carefully cut out the old box welds and remove it.. installed the new deeper box.. re-attached the lid ... most of the attachment battery box cross pieces didn't get bent or hurt. Installed a new lift jack... and good to go...

We questioned the locking of the wheels before... and looked to dexter for some help.. as once you remove the AS off the ball.. you only have gravity to hold the beast in place with wheel blocks...

You would think that AS would come up with a better way to keep the AS from moving once you do un hook.

This is the third AS that we have heard about that got away from the owner when they set up camp. One at the beach where the trailer went backwards... and over a cliff and on to the beach below.. total... The owner said they backed into the spot... set the level blocks... and disconected the safety chains... then jacked the trailer up to take it off the ball... at that point it started to roll backwards.. leaving them nothing to do but to watch it go over the cliff.

One recommendation is to wait and remove the safety chains last... as then if you lift it up off the ball and it starts moving away... they will still arrest the beast and keep it from going anywhere un-assisted... grin Airstream and dexter really should come up with a wheel locking system.

the adventure contenues...
G.M> WA6CDE

veg hed · 12-23-2018, 11:36 PM

That video was super helpful

SnorkyII · 12-23-2018, 11:45 PM

Good YouTube video installing two group 31 AGM batteries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UoKLFHTCoY

I use two Hensley Ultimate Tire Chocks. I install them before unhooking.

rmkrum · 12-24-2018, 12:30 AM

I have a set of Camco wheel chocks that get installed and tightened as tight as I can get them before hitch or safety chains come off the truck. If no one is in the driver’s seat, the truck is shut down, tranny in PARK, and emergency brake set hard while I set chocks. Keys are out of ignition and in my pocket before stepping out of cab.

No, I’m not real paranoid, one ‘noid’ is enough.

Just hate doing the paper work to explain a roll away accident to the insurance company.

A good tightening on the chocks will lock the Airstream tires together such that the AS will skid only if I hit it with a lot of power from the TV. Just the way I like it.

Usually when we are on the road I don’t disconnect from TV, but if we are parked overnight, the wheels are chocked per the checklist.

Haven’t lost a parked Airstream or airplane yet...

WhereStream · 12-24-2018, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM Airstream

One recommendation is to wait and remove the safety chains last... as then if you lift it up off the ball and it starts moving away... they will still arrest the beast and keep it from going anywhere un-assisted.

After reading a number of "Oops! There she rolls!" anecdotes here on Airforums, I've made this part of the routine ... safety chains are the last disconnect, and only after the trailer is stable and 100-percent at rest.

blkmagikca · 12-24-2018, 07:20 AM

I almost lost my AS to a rollaway - fortunately, I had not disconnected the safety chains. Lesson learned - the safety chains are the last item to disconnect. Also, I use X-chocks on both sides (the cast aluminum ones where the lever can be locked down with a padlock), so the wheels are locked from rolling.

Bgibbs · 12-24-2018, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the excellent video!

Bgibbs · 12-24-2018, 09:14 AM

Don’t put too much faith in the x-chocks. I use them and forgot to remove them when leaving the house. The truck at idle was enough to move the trailer. One x-chock was pretty bent up. Don’t rely on them totally.

seascape · 12-24-2018, 11:13 AM

I might add the batteries i gave you the name and model are the only ones i could find that are short enough to fit battery box without any modifications to height hope this clarifies my previous post.