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Drop-in Battery Tray

M and E

Well-known member
Can anyone chime in on what a good “aftermarket “ drop in battery tray would be to look at? When replacing the battery the other day, it seems to me like the stock tray is an inevitable point of failure. I’m looking for something that is more durable. Thanks!
 

M and E

Well-known member
Is it the type that is sunk down? I just covered that and pretend it was never there.
That is correct. About a 3/8" rim, a ~1/4" bottom and sides. Not a chance in hell it is lasting. What did you cover it with? Did you just put the battery in a box and strap it in?
 

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
That is correct. About a 3/8" rim, a ~1/4" bottom and sides. Not a chance in hell it is lasting. What did you cover it with? Did you just put the battery in a box and strap it in?
I used wood to make an entirely new floor (and back wall). See the arrow pointing to the floor.

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Ben and Kathy

Well-known member
During our power system conversion to Victron and Lithium batteries (link here), I removed the drop down tray for the original pair of lead acid batteries and covered it with a piece of plywood I had on hand. Painted it black and weather proofed. Batteries were relocated to the front passthrough compartment, behind the compartment wall.
 

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
I see. Thank you. When you have shared that pic in the past, I always thought it was in the generator bay.
It is in the front storeage area. While I don't have my batteries over the old area ( you can see the blank area next to batteries), I still have the entire floor covered.

1758222767279.png
 

kmac7800

Well-known member
It is in the front storeage area. While I don't have my batteries over the old area ( you can see the blank area next to batteries), I still have the entire floor covered.

View attachment 4000
Jim,

Since you are in Oregon, is your geographical location such that you have to remove or heat your batteries during the winter? I live in SE Wa now (used to live in Madras for many years) and feel that I would have to remove the batteries every season if I wanted to go to lithium. Just wondering if that is something you do with your setup.

Thanks!

//KMac
 

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
Since you are in Oregon, is your geographical location such that you have to remove or heat your batteries during the winter? I live in SE Wa now (used to live in Madras for many years) and feel that I would have to remove the batteries every season if I wanted to go to lithium. Just wondering if that is something you do with your setup.
This is one more reason I love lithium batteries. You will NOT have to remove them for the winter. Simply charge them to ~90% and disconnect the POS and NEG cables. If you have more than one battery connected, you can leave those connnected...just disconnect the outbound POS and NEG cables. Then come next Spring reconnect the POS and NEG cables and you'll see about a 5% loss in amp hours. Winter of 2024 we hit -5 degrees here in Sisters Oregn for about a week and batteries were fine.

If you want some more info on Lithium and cold weather, I did a video a few years ago on this topic. While I focus on Battle Born in the video (as that is what I have) it should be same for most other lithium batteries
 

M and E

Well-known member
This is one more reason I love lithium batteries. You will NOT have to remove them for the winter. Simply charge them to ~90% and disconnect the POS and NEG cables. If you have more than one battery connected, you can leave those connnected...just disconnect the outbound POS and NEG cables. Then come next Spring reconnect the POS and NEG cables and you'll see about a 5% loss in amp hours. Winter of 2024 we hit -5 degrees here in Sisters Oregn for about a week and batteries were fine.

If you want some more info on Lithium and cold weather, I did a video a few years ago on this topic. While I focus on Battle Born in the video (as that is what I have) it should be same for most other lithium batteries
The US Army, DevcomARL, is a great source to look to on battery research. They are incessantly researching batteries and test in so many different environments to produce really great data. They also develop and patent battery tech.

Geesh. I sound like a total nerd....I just really like anything to do with cars/trucks/motorcycles/RVs.
 
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