Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

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stevek
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Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:33 pm

Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by stevek »

I hear 6 volt flooded golf cart batteries are better/ more amps, than 12 volt batteries.
But they are tall and will not fit in my sliding battery tray because they are too tall.
Has anybody modified their battery compartment to hold 6 volt batts?
Thanks

I know AGMs can be laid on their side, but I really do not want to go with AGMs.
The RV battery of the future is lithium.
They are pricy, but I may even consider them?

The BF Factory should design the battery compartment where it will hold either a 6 volt or 12 volt batts.
Steve
2011 Born Free 22 foot RSK, rear side (corner) kitchen, E350, 29k miles.
Our first motorhome. Lots to learn. Thanks.
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randallrae
Posts: 365
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 7:30 pm

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by randallrae »

I think if you measure your battery tray and compartment carefully , and search the internet you can find a suitable battery to fit . I had a 1998 BFT and Trojan T125 batteries fit in it , but the newer compartment and trays are different . I did find in my search a 6volt AGM in a group 27 case .
2012 25' rb
tomzleapin
Posts: 485
Joined: Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:15 am

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by tomzleapin »

Bornfree uses an Interstate SRM-27 marine battery which is a hybrid deep cycle/starting battery. A true deep cycle battery would be a better choice. Since a Trojan 6 volt won't fit, another option would be a Trojan 12 volt deep cycle. The Interstate is rated about 80 amp-hours and a Trojan 27TMH 12 volt is rated 115 amp-hours and is a true deep cycle. I'm sure there are other options available.

I have two Trojan T-125 6 volt batteries in my 2005 24 RB which gives me 240 amp-hours. Two 27TMH Trojans would give you 230 amp-hours vs the Interstate SRM-27's 160 amp-hours.

Here's a link to a FAQ about differences in battery types: Battery FAQ
Tom
2005 24' RB
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
New Hope, MN
Brent
Posts: 314
Joined: Tue May 16, 2006 4:53 pm

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by Brent »

I use two Trojan 105s in my 1999 23'.
Bornfree (1999 Rear Kitchen)
Traveling with Chester (The Boxer) - at least in spirit
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SteveLombardi
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by SteveLombardi »

I was able to fit two Trojan T105's into my 2012 25 RB. I had to modify the EZ Glide drawer by lowering the tray and then increase the height of the compartment opening about 1/2" by trimming off some fiberglass. Just ask if you want to know more and I'll put up some pics.
2012 25RB
Ann P

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by Ann P »

I had two 6V batteries (Interstate, from Costco) installed 4 years ago. The tech took the sliding tray totally out, put the new batteries in the back of the compartment , with a bracket screwed in to hold them in place. Then I bought a Pro-Fill system to fill the battery water since there's no access otherwise. These batteries lasted over 4 years til I replaced with Duracell 6v from Batteries Plus.
These "golf cart" batteries do give me extra time when dry camping, but it also depends on how you use them since the furnace can drain them quickly. I'm told that it's unusual to get four years from house batteries, so I guess it worked out well. The Pro- Fill is pretty nifty too.
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stevek
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by stevek »

Thanks everybody.
And yes, Steve L .... I would like to see your pics.
Steve
2011 Born Free 22 foot RSK, rear side (corner) kitchen, E350, 29k miles.
Our first motorhome. Lots to learn. Thanks.
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bcope01
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by bcope01 »

I was able to install two 6V Trojan T-105 Plus batteries in my tray without modification. All I had to do was reorient the direction of the batteries from fore and aft to port and starboard.

Bill
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Trojan T-105 Plus 1.jpg
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Barb & Bill
2004 Born Free 22' Built for Two (Sold)
no longer towing a 2008 Smart ForTwo

Escondido, CA
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stevek
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by stevek »

Thanks Bill.
The max height for a battery I can get thru my opening is about 9 1/2 inches.
But, if I cut out some of the fiberglass, I can increase this to nearly 11 inches.
Does not look like it would cause any structural damage.
I do not see any simple way to lower the tray. It could be lowered, but would be major work.
My battery tray is a little over 14 inches wide and 13 inches deep.

Bill.... could you measure the height of your T-105's?
Any way to shorten the height?
The Trojan web site says 11.07 inches high.
Thanks.
Steve
2011 Born Free 22 foot RSK, rear side (corner) kitchen, E350, 29k miles.
Our first motorhome. Lots to learn. Thanks.
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bcope01
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by bcope01 »

My batteries with the low profile screw on terminals measure 11.125 (11 1/8) inches in height.

Bill
Barb & Bill
2004 Born Free 22' Built for Two (Sold)
no longer towing a 2008 Smart ForTwo

Escondido, CA
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stevek
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Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:33 pm

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by stevek »

Thanks Bill. Probably not worth messing with for me.
I can get just a little under 11 inches with "cutting".
Just stay with my 12 volt's.
When I need new batteries, looking into getting 12 volt Trojans.
Maybe bitting the bullet and getting Lithium.
Nice looking set up you have.
Steve
2011 Born Free 22 foot RSK, rear side (corner) kitchen, E350, 29k miles.
Our first motorhome. Lots to learn. Thanks.
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tomzleapin
Posts: 485
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by tomzleapin »

Tom
2005 24' RB
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
New Hope, MN
Brent
Posts: 314
Joined: Tue May 16, 2006 4:53 pm

Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by Brent »

Is there any way to install four rather than two Trojan batteries?
Bornfree (1999 Rear Kitchen)
Traveling with Chester (The Boxer) - at least in spirit
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whemme
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Re: Has anybody modified Batt. Compartment for 6 Volt Batts?

Post by whemme »

Not within the existing battery compartment. You would have to locate two additional batteries in another location in your coach and then wire them together in parallel with long large battery cables. Probably would be difficult to find that extra space for them.
Bill Hemme - Spencer, Iowa
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
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