Mounting 2 batteries in 64 Safari

[Safari64]

I want to install two 12v deep cycle batteries in 1964 Safari with solar panels on roof. I’ve read what I can about 2 battery installations, solar, out gassing etc but still can’t figure out location.

I currently have original one battery tray in aft “one stop service bay” compartment with one 12v deep cycle. I simply have no space back there for another.

I have space to mount 2 side by side:
1) In street side compartment / under gaucho (spelled under my head!) next toH2O tank
2) Under street side front dinette/bed (spelled under my kids head!)
3) Front tongue where I currently have and would like to leave my spare tyre and just don’t want them there.

Any giant red flags in locations 1) or 2) ?

Has any one done this mod in a ‘64?
Where did you stuff them?
Do they have to be together? (one in original spot other on street side?)
How are newer AS 2 battery units mounted under gauchos? How’s it vented or sealed?

How badly do I NOT want H out gassing in main compartment (under bed).
How could I seal the area? Will sealed gel batteries eliminate this lack of venting?

[Tinsel Loaf]

Check out the Concord Sun Extender batteries. I replaced my system using Concords and with the correct size you may need only one.

[Darol Ingalls]

Use AGM or gell-cell sealed batteries which to not "outgas" when being charged. They are more expensive, but you can put them inside without worrying. You could place them seperately, but be sure the wire used to connect them in parallel is battery cable so you don't loose voltage. Since you're in a cold climate, I'd suggest you keep your batteries inside in a place that gets some heat since batteries like to be warm to operate at their best.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Darol Ingalls

Use AGM or gell-cell sealed batteries which to not "outgas" when being charged. They are more expensive, but you can put them inside without worrying. You could place them seperately, but be sure the wire used to connect them in parallel is battery cable so you don't loose voltage. Since you're in a cold climate, I'd suggest you keep your batteries inside in a place that gets some heat since batteries like to be warm to operate at their best.

64,

Good suggestions! You also might consider using 2-6VDC golf cart Lifeline brand AGM's. When connected in series, it gives you 12VDC and the golf cart types have much heavier plates than regular deep-cycle types and can withstand many more deep discharge cycles (80% discharge depth) repeatedly. I have these in my 19CCD and they work very well, plus an extra advantage to AGM's is that due to very low internal resistance, they do not self discharge (2-3% per month) when not being used like lead-acid types (30-40% per month).

[Safari64]

Thanks, am I correct that AGM or gel-cell sealed requires no venting? Even in F-15s and A-10 aircraft we had a battery vent hose to hook up. I could put two of them under the gaucho, accessible from inside the trailer without too much further cable run than I have now and easy wire run for solar. This would keep them warmer also.

I have 1 Trojan deep cycle lead acid battery now. I do a lot of boondocking, in cold snowy weather with furnace running etc.

Hmm, do I actually need two? Good question. Current battery drain is ridiculous.

[Tinsel Loaf]

The Concord Sun Eextender AGM is low profile no gassing is 12 volt 305 amp hour weigh in at 165 pounds. More power than you need down to the 150 amp discharge before a recharge. Also consider a method of using a high frequency pulse conditioner for extended non-usage. These batteries can last ten years if you do not let them go completely dead.