Adding a battery bank on a MB January 22, 2005, 11:05:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 49773I'm almost done adding an additional battery bank to "Yonder" (an 05 MB). I had previously decided that I'd add two Trojan 105's to double the original battery capacity of the coach. Since I didn't want to take up valuable storage space with these heavy (about 60 lb each) batteries, the only suitable spot I could find was between the chassis frame rails. The big "Blue Sea" marine battery box would fit there, just aft of the generator exhaust pipe on the left side of the drive shaft. This location has the advantage of keeping the CG low with the considerable additional weight and provides for a short wire run to connect the batteries in parallel with the original battery bank. Doubtless, it would be better to have the extra weight on the right side of the coach (it appears the left side is heavier with the fresh water tank, but I haven't weighed it), but there's really no room on the right due to the exhaust routing.The difficult part of an under-coach location was designing a suitable frame mount bracket and lifting mechanism that would securely raise and lower the batteries into position, be capable of sustaining several G's (several times the battery weight) and not interfere with the drive shaft vertical travel as the rear suspension moves. Due to lack minimal clearance, it is necessary to be able to slide the battery box into position under the coach, and then have the mechanism pick it up. In-line welding quick connects allow easy connection of the pre-wired batter box to the original coach batteries and a Pro-Fill takes care of adding water without having to lower the box.A day of noodling and trying to figure the best way to go about it followed by two days of cutting steel, welding, temporarily C- clamping the fixture in place to see if it's gonna work, then changing the design a bit, welding some more, and I've finally got it!!! It's sitting on the hangar floor with a coat of primer. Tomorrow I'll paint it and finish the install.The lift mechanism uses a 2" nylon cargo strap (rated at 3,300 lb), a weld-on ratchet load binder winch, rollers on the battery box bottom lift brackets (so the cargo strap will smoothly roll as the batteries are lifted), corner guides to help keep the box straight as it goes up and down, and finally stops and locks to secure the box in the up position.Worth over 3 days of work?? Well, yeah!all the best,bumper "Yonder" Minden, NVI'll post a couple of pictures to the Yonder photo album when it's finished. I won't do detailed instructions here unless asked. I suspect there's not a lot of interest as most won't undertake this or have it done (too much work :c). I'll post more details on the LD enhancement group for those dedicated tinkerers.
Re: Adding a battery bank on a MB Reply #1 – January 23, 2005, 12:38:18 am Yahoo Message Number: 49774Quote I'm almost done adding an additional battery bank to "Yonder" (an 05 MB). I had previously decided that I'd add two Trojan 105's to double the original battery capacity of the coach. .... Sounds like a well done project. Don't forget to put either a 200A DC rated fuse or a similar size DC rated circuit breaker in the line within 12" of the new batteries. It would be disasterious if, by some longshot accident, a short develops in the longish line(s) up into the cabin.Linley
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Adding a battery bank on a MB Reply #2 – January 23, 2005, 11:17:54 am Yahoo Message Number: 49784QuoteI'm almost done adding an additional battery bank to "Yonder" (an 05 MB). ...snip...Hi Bumper,I'd be interested in the details Bumper. I'm in the planning phase of adding two T-105s to our 2000 RB. I haven't even scoped out all the location possibilities but I may end up underneath as you did.When you do the pictures could you lay a yardstick next to the framing? I really enjoyed the other pics you have in the photo file. Thanks for sharing.DaveAlbuquerque[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Adding a battery bank on a MB Reply #3 – January 24, 2005, 06:06:33 am Yahoo Message Number: 49804Quote "I'm almost done adding an additional battery bank to "Yonder" (an 05 MB). > the only suitable spot I could find was between the chassis frame rails." Bumper:A very interesting project. Congratulations! A suggestion: Exchange some ideas with Larry (aqd433), which is thinking about a project in the same general guidelines as you. He is also very knowledgeable and has a great experience in LD's, so perhaps the discussion could be good for both...and for us, the dumb-electricals, which will reap the benefits....Eudoro "sparks and explosions everywhere" Lemos, Jr.
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