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Old 11-15-2016, 09:39 AM   #1
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Anyone install 2 6-volt batteries in their Escapade or similar?

Hello

I've a 2006 CSLP Escapade with one 12V Interstate SRM-29 125Ah battery in the compartment under the fridge on right side of RV.

After some recent boondocking, I've come to conclusion that further boondocking in cold weather will require replacing the single 12V with two 6V batteries hooked in series to provide 12V.

Problem is, the battery compartment will be basically filled up by putting in two 6V batteries, and that's assuming I can shoehorn them into it. Not to mention, checking water levels will be impossible as the top of the batteries will be at or above the opening to the compartment.

So, has anyone that has a CSLP or similar with a battery compartment that is 11.75" L x 16.5" W x 12" H, installed two six volt batteries in series?

If so, where did you end up putting the batteries? Did you have to fabricate a bigger shelf for the batteries to sit on top of? Perhaps lower the shelf so that you can inspect the water levels in the cells?

Pics of your install would be great.
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Old 11-15-2016, 10:11 AM   #2
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I planned on such a mod....


Went to Bulbs&Batts and got talked into a single 12V deep cycle battery. 90% of the AH, 75% of the weight and 60% of the cost of 2 x 6V. No special wiring.


That was this spring. No difficulties boondocking. Though, my choice also includes running a 1KW genset for about 45 minutes each afternoon, just to top up the battery for the overnight.
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Old 11-15-2016, 10:35 AM   #3
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I planned on such a mod....


Went to Bulbs&Batts and got talked into a single 12V deep cycle battery. 90% of the AH, 75% of the weight and 60% of the cost of 2 x 6V. No special wiring.


That was this spring. No difficulties boondocking. Though, my choice also includes running a 1KW genset for about 45 minutes each afternoon, just to top up the battery for the overnight.
Thank you Mike837, do you recall the make and model of this battery?
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Old 11-15-2016, 11:01 AM   #4
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Thank you Mike837, do you recall the make and model of this battery?
It carries the Duracell brand label. Exact model? No recollection. There were only two 12V true deep cycle batteries on display. I went with the smaller one.

The store is Batteries + Bulbs: https://www.batteriesplus.com/

Very knowledgeable folk at the store in White Plains, NY. (near my office)
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Old 11-15-2016, 12:45 PM   #5
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You could go AGM and not worry about checking water levels. Then you just need to worry about shoehorning them in there. Or you can install somewhere else in the MH as they don't vent off gases.
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Old 11-16-2016, 11:25 AM   #6
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thanks to everyone who commented.

decided to tackle the problem a different way.
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Old 11-16-2016, 11:27 AM   #7
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thanks to everyone who commented.

decided to tackle the problem a different way.
Can you fill us in on the solution...
Thanks

Don
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Old 11-16-2016, 11:39 AM   #8
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Can you fill us in on the solution...
Thanks

Don
Well, instead of trying to figure out how to plus up my battery's amp/hr capability....I reduced the power requirements.

For one night's usage of battery power was discharging my coach battery past the 80% (this makes the battery last much shorter though its capable of doing this per the manufacturer)

Major usage was furnace blower, so I am going to try and eliminate the use of furnace and blower with catalytic propane heater instead.

Basically, going from about 11A/hr utilization at peak to about 3-5A at peak.

And yes, I understand there's venting requirements for the catalytic propane heater.

We'll see how it works out but am optimistic.
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