Adding Batteries

[Designer Ron]

I have a 2015 pinnacle 36reqs. The battery compartment only holds 2 batteries. I want to use 4 six volts. Where can I locate the other 2 batteries? the front storage has a generator. No room there

[SB_James]

You don’t have many options at this point for vented storage.

On alternative to consider would be 2 Lithium batteries at 100 A-h each for a total of 200 A-h of useable energy. Compare that to the roughly 220 A-h usable from the 6V bank, assuming you don’t drop below 50% charge (and that’s for brand new batteries.)

They would fit in the current battery compartment, have more actual energy available over their lifetime, are maintenance free, weigh a fraction of 4 large lead acid batteries, and most have a 10 year warranty. The up front cost is higher than the golf cart batteries, but if you calculate 2-3 sets of 4 golf cart batteries over the life span of the Lithium, it is less expensive by far.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by SB_James

The up front cost is higher than the golf cart batteries

No disagreement - just a note to check your converter. Make sure, in a 2015 model, that it has a charging profile for Lithiums.


Also, since we often camp below freezing, as much as I want Lithiums too, those temps make it hard to switch.

[Designer Ron]

I cant afford the upfront cost for lithium right now. No the converter is not set up to charge lithiums. I might go with 2 group 27 for now. Just want to keep res. refrigerator powered up while on the road

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Designer Ron

I cant afford the upfront cost for lithium right now. No the converter is not set up to charge lithiums. I might go with 2 group 27 for now. Just want to keep res. refrigerator powered up while on the road

Like James said - having *identical* batteries, including their "birthdays" is recommended.

[billcf7]

Originally Posted by Designer Ron

I cant afford the upfront cost for lithium right now. No the converter is not set up to charge lithiums. I might go with 2 group 27 for now. Just want to keep res. refrigerator powered up while on the road

You can buy 100 a/h lithium now for about $300-400

[16WhiteColly]

Almost positive, a new convertor is needed for charging Lithium batteries, especially on o 2015 model. That topic was discussed here last week of someone that had trouble charging and found that out.

[Scottenj]

Originally Posted by Designer Ron

I cant afford the upfront cost for lithium right now. No the converter is not set up to charge lithiums. I might go with 2 group 27 for now. Just want to keep res. refrigerator powered up while on the road

If it is the Progressive Dynamic power panel you can buy a lithium compatible converter and it is an easy swap.

[Scottenj]

Originally Posted by 16WhiteColly

Almost positive, a new convertor is needed for charging Lithium batteries, especially on o 2015 model. That topic was discussed here last week of someone that had trouble charging and found that out.

It will work with Lithium but they won't ever charge up all the way. If it is the Progressive Dynamic Panel you can buy a lithium converter and swap it in, it is very easy.

[Scottenj]

Originally Posted by Designer Ron

I have a 2015 pinnacle 36reqs. The battery compartment only holds 2 batteries. I want to use 4 six volts. Where can I locate the other 2 batteries? the front storage has a generator. No room there

Why 4 - 6 volt. My understanding is the "golf cart" batteries used to last longer but that if you buy a true deep cycle battery now they are just as good.