Visit our Popular Forums

GAStreamin · 05-21-2013, 06:49 AM

In restoring my 1978 31' Sovereign, can I move the batteries? Maybe to the outside like this photo? Are there any potential problems to this? It seems like it makes much more sense. Am I missing something?

Minno · 05-21-2013, 11:13 AM

If you use big enough wires, you can pretty much put the batteries anyplace you want. Size the battery wires based on the output of your converter (45 watt, 60 watt, etc.). If in doubt, larger wire size is better.

We had originally thought about putting the batteries on the tongue of our '72, but there isn't really enough room on the tongue for two batteries and two 30 lb propane tanks, so we moved the batteries inside, centered in the front inside a battery box under a table.

Chris

TouringDan · 05-21-2013, 12:25 PM

Chris

I hope you vented the battery box, since it is inside.

Dan

GAStreamin · 05-21-2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minno

If you use big enough wires, you can pretty much put the batteries anyplace you want. Size the battery wires based on the output of your converter (45 watt, 60 watt, etc.). If in doubt, larger wire size is better.

We had originally thought about putting the batteries on the tongue of our '72, but there isn't really enough room on the tongue for two batteries and two 30 lb propane tanks, so we moved the batteries inside, centered in the front inside a battery box under a table.

Chris

I am wondering if there will be enough room too. I am looking at and it appears like there will be, but nothing like measuring exactly. I will have to measure one of these type boxes. Thanks!!!

idroba · 05-21-2013, 02:25 PM

The new Airstreams (at least the smaller ones) put the batteries in a box in the exact location you show, at the rear of the front tongue. They are located in a metal box a bit lower, with the top of the box about even with the top of the frame.

Minno · 05-22-2013, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TouringDan

Chris

I hope you vented the battery box, since it is inside.

Dan

Absolutely.

crispyboy · 05-22-2013, 06:37 AM

I got rid of the leaky battery boxes and put them outside on our 94 model trailer. There was only enough room for two group 27 batteries. It is a metal box fabricated by welder. I welded in two struts and bolted the box in place. I borrowed the idea from a newer Airstream trailer.

cwf · 05-22-2013, 06:46 AM

I make battery cabling from welding wire cable. It is made to live outside. It is made to be drug around and to be used. It is flexible and user friendly.

Bob4x4 · 05-22-2013, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I got rid of the leaky battery boxes and put them outside on our 94 model trailer. There was only enough room for two group 27 batteries. It is a metal box fabricated by welder. I welded in two struts and bolted the box in place. I borrowed the idea from a newer Airstream trailer.

Very much like what my 03 Safari came with.

surfpod · 05-22-2013, 07:11 AM

Crispyboy!
Thanks for the picture! That's going to be my approach. I removed the battery compartment from the street side of my 76 Safari and placing it same as yours. This seems to be a much cleaner, tighter place. How about heat? I understand that's a battery's enemy. I'm learning a lot about batteries as I am going to add a solar system.

GAStreamin · 05-22-2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I got rid of the leaky battery boxes and put them outside on our 94 model trailer. There was only enough room for two group 27 batteries. It is a metal box fabricated by welder. I welded in two struts and bolted the box in place. I borrowed the idea from a newer Airstream trailer.

Wow! This is great! What a helpful picture and explanation. What are dimensions of the box? What metal did you make the box of?

crispyboy · 05-22-2013, 09:30 AM

I will have to get exact dimensions after work. Only enough room for two group 27 batteries.

idroba · 05-22-2013, 10:43 AM

If you make the box, make it tall enough for golf cart batteries. Two of them in series to give you 12 volts will make a much superior battery system than any two 12 volt batteries in parallel. It has been my standard RV battery setup for years.

crispyboy · 05-23-2013, 05:40 AM

When I initially took my measurements I put my two group 27 batteries side by side to get the three dimensions and also gave them some wiggle room.

The interior dimensions are:
15" x 13 1/2" x 10" high

Steel thickness was 3/32"

I forgot to measure the angle iron but I think it was 1 1/2" angle iron (whatever scrap I had in the garage). One end welded to the cross member and the other to the side of the tongue. The box is bolted in place using three 5/16 bolts.
I drilled a few drain holes in the bottom and some breathing holes near the top. After painting it I coated the inside with some undercoating to help protect from acid spills.
In hind site I should have made the box just a little bigger(taller) for the superior 6 volt batteries but it seemed like it was hanging low enough now and may have have conflicted with the cover for the LP tanks. I didn't want to fiddle with the LP tank cover everytime I inspected the batteries. I would need to add another 1 1/4" in height for the 6 volts. 6 volts are 10 7/8" tall. When these batteries go bad I maybe I will make a change.

Believe me when I tell you that the cover is right up next to the LP tank cover. Sorry this is the only picture I have.

perryg114 · 05-23-2013, 05:46 AM

Where are your batteries now? Mine are in the front on both sides. I bought replacement plastic boxes for mine and everything seems to be leak free. Pulled the trailer in the rain a few times and no leaks. 30+ years is not bad for a plastic box.

Perry

GAStreamin · 05-23-2013, 06:14 AM

@crispyboy, great pics! Thanks for sharing. Mine are in the front, inside, one on each side not in a box. I would like to mount them outside in a box for access ease and more space inside.

perryg114 · 05-23-2013, 06:26 AM

You mean you don't have an access box from the outside? Like this one, if you don't have these then an outdoor box would be the best.

Perry

GAStreamin · 05-23-2013, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perryg114

You mean you don't have an access box from the outside? Like this one, if you don't have these then an outdoor box would be the best.

Perry

Yes, I do have an access door, but it is not in good shape. I put new gasket, but it still doesn't seal well and that is where a good bit of my floor damage was.

perryg114 · 05-23-2013, 06:37 AM

The door is not supposed to seal. There should be a plastic box on the inside. The door is vented and will leak like mad if there is no inner box on the inside. Here is what you need.

Plastic Battery Box for 1977 thru 1981 200276 [200276] - $34.95 : Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!

When the box is installed properly, you can hose out the interior of the box and no leaks.

Perry

GAStreamin · 05-23-2013, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perryg114

The door is not supposed to seal. There should be a plastic box on the inside. The door is vented and will leak like mad if there is no inner box on the inside. Here is what you need.

Plastic Battery Box for 1977 thru 1981 200276 [200276] - $34.95 : Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!

When the box is installed properly, you can hose out the interior of the box and no leaks.

Perry

Oh, ok, I understand now. It is nice to see original. Not clear in my manual. What about the other battery? The manual shows another one on the other side, but no door.