Hummingbird 6 volt batteries

SteveF · 10-06-2016, 11:35 PM

Has anyone converted to two 6 volt batteries on their Hummingbird? I'm wondering if they fit, or if some modification is needed.
Thanks!

Knottybird · 10-08-2016, 06:45 PM

I just got 2 GC 6 volt battery boxes to test fit. It's my project tomorrow.

SteveF · 10-08-2016, 07:22 PM

I'm anxious to hear how it goes, Knottybird. From the measurements I got from the dealer, it sounded tight. Might need to move the rails back or on top of the frame.
Thanks

Knottybird · 12-24-2016, 07:10 AM

Boy found this post again, I new at this form stuff. The Two 6 volt battery boxes will not fit in the a-frame's battery area. So, I'm looking into a the AGM "SOLAR TANKS" type deep cycle battery's they have some 200+ amp/hour ones that should fit just not sure where to yet.

RoyBraddy · 12-24-2016, 07:37 AM

I would think it would not be to much trouble to mount some angles on top of the two tongue frames and extend out on both side. It may be too close to for a metal box with swing up lid but they do make some of the slide off lids that should work for you...

google image

Torklift slide lid battery box

Google Image

This is what someone did posted on google...

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This is my setup for three GP24 batteries - Originally had four mounted here with longer angles installed... I am currently working on a 54-inch Torklift Diamond plate Battery box for this area on my OFF-ROAD camper.

Roy's image

Roy Ken

Knottybird · 12-24-2016, 01:53 PM

RoyBraddy - I can make and install a new frame my major concern is weigh as the Hummingbird today we have has a total cargo capacity of 684# (not really enough to do much of anything with). (2) GC-145 are 140# a new frame would be more, group 27 battery is 57#. When my warranty runs out I'm replacing the 3500# axle with a 4000# unit (plus large tires) so I can make the changes we want. I do like the battery box I haven't see that before- thanks.

Knottybird · 12-29-2016, 06:50 PM

RoyBraddy, You seem to know a lot about solar & batteries. What do you think of the Trojan J185H-AC 12-volt battery, capacity in minutes at 25 amps -440, & @75 amps - 121. There around $260 - $285, and at 123#'s and it would fit in the current space for the battery on our Hummingbird 179RK. This a s floor sweeper deep cycle battery BCI 921 size. For the Hummingbird model RV, the Jayco owner's manual state the only battery that can be used is a Group 27, not sure why, to me this is silly, but (2) GC-145 won't fit.
As far as our solar system, I have made a 200 watt solar suitcase with a 30 amp charge controller and have another 100 watt purchased solar suitcase I modifying to plug into the 30 amp controller for 300 watts total power. I have not yet installed it, the plan is to install a Xantrex Prowatt 1000 (900 watt) pure sine inverter and it's automatic transfer relay changeover switch. The Hummingbird only has one 110 Volt circuit to deal with...at least the duplex plugs. I can mount the Xantrex under the bed with the water pump, heater, and water heater then can keep the battery cable leads about 6 to 7 feet long. This space is open to the front trunk area (added venting) and would be easy to run a 12-3 romex wire loop over/too the fuse box. The Xantrex on/off switch could be mounted next to the USB charger port below the bed for easy access.

**Mustang65** · 12-30-2016, 09:05 AM

The Trojan J185AH - AC battery is a nice new generation 12 volt deep cycle battery. It has the thicker plates as in the Trojan 6 volt deep cycle batteries. It also has the same life cycle as the Trojan 6 volt deep cycle batteries. If they fit on your frame, go with them. If you need to mount them inside a storage area that will require a sealed box and vents, and checking the water level will be almost impossible along with not being able to move them around.

With these batteries you should have around 130 usable Ah's for use.. not bad at all.

The issue may have before you do you mods to the axle is that your current battery is probably around 40 lbs., where as (2) of the J185AH - AC batteries you want to purchase will max out at 256 lbs., which is almost 40% of your cargo capacity. Not sure how that will fit in your current TT's max weight.

Another item is that the fan on the inverter you want to locate under your bed may keep you awake at night... if you need to keep it on for anything.

Don

RPreeb · 12-30-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang65

The Trojan J185AH - AC battery is a nice new generation 12 volt deep cycle battery. It has the thicker plates as in the Trojan 6 volt deep cycle batteries. It also has the same life cycle as the Trojan 6 volt deep cycle batteries. If they fit on your frame, go with them. If you need to mount them inside a storage area that will require a sealed box and vents, and checking the water level will be almost impossible along with not being able to move them around.

With these batteries you should have around 130 usable Ah's for use.. not bad at all.

The issue may have before you do you mods to the axle is that your current battery is probably around 40 lbs., where as (2) of the J185AH - AC batteries you want to purchase will max out at 256 lbs., which is almost 40% of your cargo capacity. Not sure how that will fit in your current TT's max weight.

Another item is that the fan on the inverter you want to locate under your bed may keep you awake at night... if you need to keep it on for anything.

Don

I think he's only talking about using one battery. He says 2 6v won't fit, and I'd imagine the same would be true for 2 large 12v.

RPreeb · 12-30-2016, 01:32 PM

THIS is the battery I'm looking at to replace the OEM Exide battery in my X213. I'd keep the Exide charged up and bring it as a spare if I need one.

I'm not going to even try to do a 2 battery setup unless I actually find that I need it. For our typical 3-4 night camping trips, a good 12v like that VMax that I linked should be quite sufficient.

Knottybird · 12-30-2016, 03:59 PM

I'm looking at a single battery if I get the J185H-AC or similar. Just got back from Detroit, stopped at an Interstate dealer along the way, their version of the Trojan J185H-Ac is $233 plus a core charge (they would take a group 24 I have sitting around even). It's weight is 132#, my current group 27 battery weights in a 57#. Weight is a big concern for any single axle travel trailer owner.
The inverter would only be on when needed and not overnight at this time I don't have a need at this time. I'm not sure how load the fans are, but it would be below the wooden bedframe.

Knottybird · 01-29-2017, 10:49 AM

I found a twin battery box that will work with minimal modifications; NOCO HM426. I can raise it up 1.5" with spacer and a some angle iron to support it. I doesn't interfere with the LP regulator either. My plan is to mount a 4x NEMA enclosure to house the 30 amp charge controller we have. This enclosure would have plugs to plug in our 100 and 200 watt solar suitcases, plus I would wire in the one currently mounted on the 'bird, and I would install a 12-volt waterproof plug for power outside for our 12-volt TV. The NEMA enclosure is vented with a powered fan (12-Volt) that could be run from the "LOAD" of the charge controller.
We're using a xantrex prowatt 1000watt inverter and its accessory inline transfer switch on the 5- house 120 volt plugs. The A/C, Microwave, and the fridge are on separate circuits. The inverter would be mounted inside the camper in the trunk or under the bed with the water pump, with cables running through wire glands that penetrate the floor, although I haven't found glands long enough yet. There would be a remote on/off switch for the inverter and I have a MT-50 remote meter for the charge controller that will be mounted inside near the other controls of the 'bird.
That's my plan

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