Basecamp 20 Battery Compartment Dimensions

[jshumaker]

Hello, we are receiving our Basecamp 20X in a couple of months and I was curious if anyone had the dimensions for the battery compartment? Thank you!

[dkmcgrath]

Mine is in for some warranty work, but if you remind me in a couple weeks, I can measure for you. We have a 2022 model, which should be similar to what you are going to get, possibly identical.

I'm curious...what are you thinking of doing to it when you get it?

[jshumaker]

Originally Posted by dkmcgrath

Mine is in for some warranty work, but if you remind me in a couple weeks, I can measure for you. We have a 2022 model, which should be similar to what you are going to get, possibly identical.

I'm curious...what are you thinking of doing to it when you get it?

Hello dkmcgrath, I will be install 4x 320ah LiFePO4 cells with 200A BMS w/ bluetooth for an effective 4kWh capacity. A 2kw inverter and automatic transfer switch will handle all the AC loads. There is room to double the capacity if desired. Total cost was $850 for everything listed above. For solar looking at 300-400W flexible solar on roof and victron controller.

[dkmcgrath]

Originally Posted by jshumaker

Hello dkmcgrath, I will be install 4x 320ah LiFePO4 cells with 200A BMS w/ bluetooth for an effective 4kWh capacity. A 2kw inverter and automatic transfer switch will handle all the AC loads. There is room to double the capacity if desired. Total cost was $850 for everything listed above. For solar looking at 300-400W flexible solar on roof and victron controller.

How on earth were you able to find that many batteries that large for so little? Heck, that's less than just the redarc charger cost me!

[Chalmers.1]

Originally Posted by dkmcgrath

How on earth were you able to find that many batteries that large for so little? Heck, that's less than just the redarc charger cost me!

That is my reaction also….

[jshumaker]

Here are some links:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/100500...1ddba70&gclid=


https://m.aliexpress.com/item/100500...a45ca88&gclid=



Curious why your new basecamp needed maintenance? Thanks!

[dkmcgrath]

Things that arrived damaged, primarily. Replacement rock guards, a bubble in the flooring, that sort of thing.

Nothing actually wrong, just fixes for factory problems.

[ThB]

Originally Posted by jshumaker

Hello, we are receiving our Basecamp 20X in a couple of months and I was curious if anyone had the dimensions for the battery compartment? Thank you!

Dimensions for the battery compartment in the BC 20X:
Since the compartment is inside the trailer towards the front (under the front bench seats), the compartment is 4-sided with a curved edge. The dimension of the outer curve (next to the side of the trailer) is 32". The opposite edge (under the front edge of the bench seat) is 26". The compartment is 16" deep (both side edges 16").

We had AM Solar in Eugene, OR install a solar upgrade with lithium batteries and a new inverter/charger. They were able to design the install of the equipment so the inverter fit on the floor of the trailer behind the circuit breaker panel. All the other elements of the system (including the shunt, controller, batteries, etc.) fit in the original battery compartment. They also installed an auxiliary fan to vent heat from the inverter.

This was not an installation I would ever have done myself. Tight squeeze for all the equipment. It was considerably more than you're contemplating paying, but worth it to me.

Thayne

[jeffb831]

Originally Posted by dkmcgrath

How on earth were you able to find that many batteries that large for so little? Heck, that's less than just the redarc charger cost me!

The OP is actually buying 4 3.2V 320Ah cells so the 4 of them will be equivalent of a single 12.8V 320Ah battery.

He's basically building his own battery for ~$500 for the BMS and cells + case and cables versus buying something like a Chins/AmpereTime/etc... battery for ~$1000

[jshumaker]

Thank you for the dimensions. I will post some pictures of my install when it is done.

[dkmcgrath]

Were you happy with the work AM Solar did? We are frequently in Springfield, so a recommendation for someone essentially local is nice to have!

[ThB]

I am totally impressed with AM Solar. They provide friendly, respectful customer service - and use quality products. They created a unique, thoughtful design for our installation that didn't use any of our existing storage. Also, because we had some warrantee issues to deal with on our trailer, we had to move our dates for install a couple of times. They were very adept at doing that, even though they are often scheduled out a couple of months. They are very busy in the winter, easier to get in during the summer RVing season.

[dkmcgrath]

Originally Posted by ThB

I am totally impressed with AM Solar. They provide friendly, respectful customer service - and use quality products. They created a unique, thoughtful design for our installation that didn't use any of our existing storage. Also, because we had some warrantee issues to deal with on our trailer, we had to move our dates for install a couple of times. They were very adept at doing that, even though they are often scheduled out a couple of months. They are very busy in the winter, easier to get in during the summer RVing season.

That's awesome to hear. I'm not thrilled with Ultimate Airstream's pricing for this upgrade, so would be nice to get another quote. One caveat: UA is factory authorized, meaning it's covered by warranty. That's worth some peace of mind, but I'm hoping for much better pricing. I really don't want to spend $15k more on this trailer.

Definitely a longer-term plan, as we start to spend a larger proportion of our time boondocking.

[jshumaker]

Today I finished the battery install. 4x 320Ah cells with 200A Daly BMS with bluetooth. Renogy 40A Rover solar charger with bluetooth and Renogy 2000W pure sine inverter. I have an automatic transfer switch which protects against having shore power and inverter on at same time. Airstream labeled the PV+ and PV- wires reversed. I shortened the 8 feet of 8 gauge battery wire, far too long. Battery cells are in a new wooden frame I made. 3d printed the standoffs for the solar charger. Also noticed the 12v socket leads were never installed. Found screws, rivet heads, wire scraps in the compartment. Sold the two original lead acid batteries for $100. Solar panel install is next, 300W from 3 100W flex panels.

Solar 300W: $345
Lithium BMS 200A: $150
320Ah 4x LifePO4 cells: $536
Renogy 2000W Inverter: $286
Renogy 40A Solar Charger: $160
Solar Cable Adapters: $38
Transfer Switch: $42
Wood + Wire + Misc: $30

Total: $1587