Battery Upgrade - Thoughts?

[RetiredLEO]

I'm thinking two 200AH AGM's would be great? I know more money but a lot less up front than Li's?

[JPro4141]

I did a 2X6V golf cart battery upgrade on my 174BH Baja last June. Super easy DIY. Bought the batteries from Costco and the boxes off Amazon. had it done in a couple hrs. Shutoff switch was installed previous.

The only thing I'd say to be careful of is increasing the tongue/trailer weight too much. They have a very low payload capacity. Mine is only 681 lbs. The batteries weight about 60 lbs each.

Best of luck.

[IamSpartacus]

Originally Posted by JPro4141

...

The only thing I'd say to be careful of is increasing the tongue/trailer weight too much. They have a very low payload capacity. Mine is only 681 lbs. The batteries weight about 60 lbs each.

Best of luck.

This. The limited capacity for cargo is problematic for me and driving me to expensive land (lithium) as I begin to look to more boondocking capacity.

[AKGperson]

Originally Posted by IamSpartacus

This. The limited capacity for cargo is problematic for me and driving me to expensive land (lithium) as I begin to look to more boondocking capacity.

The good thing about Lithium is you're pretty much "one & done" because they will last so long.

[seanreit]

Originally Posted by IamSpartacus

This. The limited capacity for cargo is problematic for me and driving me to expensive land (lithium) as I begin to look to more boondocking capacity.

A couple of these: https://amzn.to/2sMBOJQ far exceeds AGM, IMO, it's like getting 6 AGM's cause you can use all of it, and charge it back up no problem.

I have significantly more capacity, but in addition to my main system I have 2 LIFEPO4 supplying backup to the main system using a Yeti Link. Details here: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post825771

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by seanreit

A couple of these: https://amzn.to/2sMBOJQ far exceeds AGM, IMO, it's like getting 6 AGM's cause you can use all of it, and charge it back up no problem.

I have significantly more capacity, but in addition to my main system I have 2 LIFEPO4 supplying backup to the main system using a Yeti Link. Details here: https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post825771

If weight was an issue and money wasn’t I’d love some Lithium batteries like Battleborn or something. I had the room and the weight wasn’t a problem, money was though. Until the costs come down on the other options I’ll be sticking with my flooded batteries. At 430 ah total for my 4 6v batteries I can theoretically use 50% of the bank before damage so I’ve got 215 ah of usable energy. At $115 or so apiece for each 6v I’ve got $460 dollars into my battery bank (a bit more if you want to add cables/parts and the box). I’d have to spend like $1500 to get the same type aH from other options and it’s just not feasible yet. Once the cost catches up with the technology I’ll be on board.

[seanreit]

If I was going to go that route, you might want an automated disconnect, something like this: https://amzn.to/2RMy3wJ

That one is programmable so you can save the life of your AGM's. YMMV.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by seanreit

If I was going to go that route, you might want an automated disconnect, something like this: https://amzn.to/2RMy3wJ

That one is programmable so you can save the life of your AGM's. YMMV.

that looks interesting...thanks for the link
they are on sale here
https://www.boatersmarinesupply.com/...-6-35-vdc.html

[Atlee]

Here is my solution to the battery "problem".

From All Battery Sales & Service I got a dual 6V battery box. It only came in white. $69.00. A bit pricey, but it was the only one I knew would fit in the tongue space yet hold 2 golf cart batteries.

Also got a 2 gauge 9" battery cable to connect the 2 batteries in series. $10.05

2 Duracell Golf Cart batteries from Sam's Club. GC2 215 amp capacity batteries. $178.21 (89.10 each)

[AKGperson]

Originally Posted by Atlee

Here is my solution to the battery "problem".

From All Battery Sales & Service I got a dual 6V battery box. It only came in white. $69.00. A bit pricey, but it was the only one I knew would fit in the tongue space yet hold 2 golf cart batteries.

Also got a 2 gauge 9" battery cable to connect the 2 batteries in series. $10.05

2 Duracell Golf Cart batteries from Sam's Club. GC2 215 amp capacity batteries. $178.21 (89.10 each)

I have the same battery box for two 6v Trojan T-145 deep cycle batteries. I also added the locking system to slow down any thief.

[AKGperson]

I'm planning to upgrade to two Battle Born Lithium batteries as soon as I can figure out a replacement for my WF-8735-P power center. The built-in charger in the WF-8735 does not have a Lithium charge profile setting so it will only charge lithium to about 90% charge. If I have to I will install a separate charger and by-pass the 8735 charger. Has anyone solved that problem?

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by AKGperson

I'm planning to upgrade to two Battle Born Lithium batteries as soon as I can figure out a replacement for my WF-8735-P power center. The built-in charger in the WF-8735 does not have a Lithium charge profile setting so it will only charge lithium to about 90% charge. If I have to I will install a separate charger and by-pass the 8735 charger. Has anyone solved that problem?

Aren’t the nice big Victron Power chargers set up for LiPo and whatnot? Seems to be what all the fancy big solar setup guys are using. The big monster install on “Keep Your Daydream” used Victron I believe. Much smarter setup than our crappy stock one and has options for generator auto switchover

[AKGperson]

Originally Posted by Screwby

Aren’t the nice big Victron Power chargers set up for LiPo and whatnot? Seems to be what all the fancy big solar setup guys are using. The big monster install on “Keep Your Daydream” used Victron I believe. Much smarter setup than our crappy stock one and has options for generator auto switchover

I want to add solar at some point but was hoping to just drop in 2 Battle Born batteries for now. A Progressive Electronics support tech told me they are working on an 8735 replacement that should be available by the end of the year. I may go ahead and install a Victron Charger/Inverter that will be compatible with my future solar system. Or I may just continue with the Trojan T-145s and wait for the new and improved BB batteries with a built-in heating element (as mentioned by Will Prowse).

[Screwby]

I was pumped to get the Victron until I saw the price tag and I really don’t have enough space for the big one. That said I really need to get a better converter/charge than this crappy stock one. My only relief is that I’m so rarely plugged in and my Renogy smart solar controller does the work instead keeping my batteries happy and it does Li batteries so I’ll be set when I make the plunge.

[IamSpartacus]

Yes this too. Wfco 8735 is no bueno. My plan is just wire a separate 60 amp converter/charger - progressive dynamics. PD9160ALV. 60 Amps @12 volt = 720 watts = 6.55 amps @ 110 volt ac.

Lol, anyone wanna check my crappy public math?

[Screwby]

Originally Posted by IamSpartacus

Yes this too. Wfco 8735 is no bueno. My plan is just wire a separate 60 amp converter/charger - progressive dynamics. PD9160ALV. 60 Amps @12 volt = 720 watts = 6.55 amps @ 110 volt ac.

Lol, anyone wanna check my crappy public math?

Hey, at least you didn’t throw up some Common Core jibberish...

[IamSpartacus]

Is that a teaching/curriculum joke or secret electricity joke that I dont get?

[Leaf_eagle]

Sorry for the late response on this. Here's an update.
I decided to go with a dual 6V setup. I started off with the box I first posted, but it didn't fit. Bummer. I did find this double battery box. It fit like a glove. Got it mounted and off I go.

I forgot to take pictures, but next time I visit the camper, I'll snap a few. I also wired up a master disconnect. It works well. I drilled a hole in the top of the box and mounted it there. It's OK. I would like to move it to the inside of the storage up front. Then I won't have to worry about anyone messing with it. Another project for another day.

The next thing I want to look at is adding a solar charger to it. I would also like to put a voltage monitor to it.

[DigitalFusion]

Originally Posted by Screwby

I like your idea, sounds familiar, and yes, batteries will fit in there. Forget the 12v though and go with a couple 6v (or 4 if you want to be really prepared). You get deeper cycle batteries with thicker lead plates and more amp hours.

I know this is an old thread, but what battery box is that?

[AKGperson]

Here is the battery box. https://allbatterysalesandservice.co.../view/id/16102 and here is the battery box shackle kit. https://batteryshackle.com/product/6v/