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Adding Batteries

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thrutraffic

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Adding Batteries
« on: July 01, 2020, 08:21:58 pm »
I’ve got a 2011 2551 and am having to replace the refrigerator. The dead one is a Vitrifrigo AC/DC compressor unit. Two batteries just aren’t enough to support this rig with that type refrigerator. But I really am not that interested in moving to AC/LPG.

So I’m considering adding two batteries and using part of the small storage compartment next to the battery compartment. I know the existing fiberglass compartment bottom isn’t strong enough but I can weld/fabricate a rack that would be.

Curious if any other PC owner has any experience in this context.
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donc13

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Re: Adding Batteries
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2020, 09:35:03 pm »
I have never done that so have zero experience to offer.  I do have a 2551 and trying to use that space would be difficult, but certainly not impossible.   A tray similar to the existing, and mounted just like the current battery tray, bolted through the floor should be strong enough.  The biggest issue would be how to put the batteries in and take them out.   If you are skilled at fiberglass repair/creation you could remove the storage bin, replace the panel and add a door like the standard battery tray.

I suppose an alternative would be the slide out storage space on the right rear side, or put the batteries on the shelf just above that slide out.  Only you know how much storage you need/use.  Using either of those options just means longer cables to the current pair of batteries.

I presume you plan on using AGM batteries.

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hutch42

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Re: Adding Batteries
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2020, 12:23:26 pm »
Quote from: thrutraffic on July 01, 2020, 08:21:58 pm
I’ve got a 2011 2551 and am having to replace the refrigerator. The dead one is a Vitrifrigo AC/DC compressor unit. Two batteries just aren’t enough to support this rig with that type refrigerator. But I really am not that interested in moving to AC/LPG.

So I’m considering adding two batteries and using part of the small storage compartment next to the battery compartment. I know the existing fiberglass compartment bottom isn’t strong enough but I can weld/fabricate a rack that would be.

Curious if any other PC owner has any experience in this context.

Besides additional wet cell or AGM batteries, you could add solar or the newest rage Lithium batteries.  Lots of folks making the change to Lithium set ups.

Dont take up much room.  Picture of a 4 battery 400 amp (90% usable amps) under bed -settee set up.

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Engineerlt

Re: Adding Batteries
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2020, 12:41:14 pm »
Hello
I have a 2552, which I assume is very similar to your 2551 when it comes to the battery compartment.  I had 2ea GC2 lead-acid batteries, now I am using 1ea AGM 8D battery 250 Ah, I could have installed a 330 Ah AGM.  I know its not much of an upgrade currently from the 2ea GC2 batteries but when I get ready to make the jump to Lithium, I can get a 8D lithium replacement with an amp hour range from 400 to 600.  I extended my battery box 6 inches to the right and 1 inch to the left.  I installed the 8D AGM battery on its side and it slid in with no issues.  The space is longer than really needed but if I decided to make a custom Lithium battery set-up I will have plenty of options. I included a picture of my installation.
Lance
« Last Edit: July 02, 2020, 01:20:25 pm by Engineerlt »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Adding Batteries
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2020, 06:06:31 pm »
I recall someone once discussing mounting two additional AGM batteries in the space to the right of the entry door, behind the transition wall.  I wonder who that was and if they did it.

Google "Frame Mounted Battery" and you will see some interesting ways to mount an additional battery (or two).

But the best arrangement is what hutch42 has pictured, all 4 in one space hooked up together.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2020, 06:12:22 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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