Cutouts in battery compartment?

Tharrison · 04-17-2015, 05:39 AM

Hi.

We recently took delivery of an Eagle 291 RSTS 5W. The battery compartment in the forward hold has three cutouts in the floor. I am supposing that a battery is to be partially inserted there?

Our problem is that we have two Trojan T105's which will not fit into these cutouts. I keep each in its own case. During travel the batteries work their way into the cutouts and then sit tilted, partially in the void of the cutout.

What is the purpose of the cutouts? I am thinking of simply placing a plywood "floor" over all of it.

Thanks.
Terry

Seann45 · 04-17-2015, 06:43 AM

The batteries should not move tie then down... if they fall over you will have battery acid all over the floor..

Tharrison · 04-17-2015, 07:09 AM

Yes. I agree. However even though they are tied down (tightly) they vibrate and eventually end up with a corner in a cutout. Does anyone know the function of the cutouts?

RoyBraddy · 04-17-2015, 07:33 AM

I am not envisioning your term 'cutouts'...

My fifth wheel area where the batteries are installed has elongated area all across the front on the battery compartment completely open to ground below. My batteries are installed with the plastic case with lids with holes in bottom for drainage and vent tubing of the removable lids. Something like this from GOOGLE SEARCH.

The battery install area should allow for drainage of battery fluids in the event the battery boils over from being overcharged.

The battery install area also needs to be vented to the outside for venting of the battery fumes when being charged. The fumes are very corrosive and will eat up anything metal around it.

Roy Ken

troutslayer · 04-17-2015, 08:19 AM

That's really wierd! I've seen pictures of this and the compartment looks like a good idea but the holes in the floor look like they are there to fit a particular brand or size battery. However, I wouldn't want my batteries hanging down from the bottom of the rv. I guess the thought is to mount the batteries low so you can reach the tops of them? You may want to call the dealer (or Jayco) for the answer if no one here has one. I'd be interested to know what you find out.

Tharrison · 04-18-2015, 06:42 AM

Here are some photos to illustrate the issue.

The first photo simply shows the battery compartment in the front storage area.

The second photo shows the front battery turned slightly sideways to expose one of the three cutouts.

The third photo is from underneath (front of unit is on the right) showing the three cutouts in the battery compartment. I have a piece of plywood over the front cutout.

**norty1** · 04-18-2015, 06:54 AM

I could be venting. I would put a piece of heavy wire down and install the batteries on top of it.

Kinda strange for a battery box. Wonder if anyone has the same rig and could answer what theirs looks like?

jal0710 · 04-18-2015, 08:22 AM

Almost looks like they forgot something when putting this together. I know my battery compartment has a pretty solid floor and is open all around it, along with having the vent hose. Second battery is in the passthrough, but also has a vent hose tying into the other one in front of it. Now, after seeing the openings, it just seems something isn't right about this.

NVGun40 · 04-18-2015, 09:44 AM

I don't know what they are for; However, you might try this. place your batteries so that they straddle the portion between the two cutouts. Then wrap a battery strap around your battery box, over the top of the battery and down out through the cutout and back up through the other cutout and cinch your batteries down. This will hole them in their boxes and hold the boxes in place.

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