So it appears that I wont be able to go from 12 volt to 2 ea 6 volt batteries

[drakethib]

I did a measurement and it looks like the 6 volt golf cart batteries are much taller

[Delco Bobby]

Does anyone have the 6 volt batteries in their Sunseeker stairwell? If so, which brand?

I have a 2250 but I am thinking that the steps are the same in all models.

Bobby

[A32Deuce]

I use 2 group 31 b my SunSeeker.

[mud yapster]

Use 2) 12v you'll get more capacity that way any how 2 SLR155 ah you'd have 310ah total. What is you box size, HxLxW?

[brucemc]

I had this question as well, considering we've owned our new Sunseeker for 2 months now. I had installed GC2 batteries in our 2000 Four Winds, and that was a tough project considering the space was just to the rear of the generator. It was designed for a single group 27. Here's the original article I wrote on RV.net: RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Rebuild of battery box on 00 Four Winds 26Q

Here's the answer I arrived at:
Stepwell size: 28 L x 9 3/4 W x 10 5/8 Deep, the opening is 7 1/4" wide.

Golf cart battery: 10 L x 7 W x 9 1/2 D, then add posts on top: 10 1/2ish.

Group 27 is 12 L x 6 7/8 W x 8 1/4 D.

A GC2 is essentially the same footprint as a group 24 but is nearly 2 inches taller.

So... there'll be about an eighth of an inch between the top of the binding posts to the underside of the METAL step. Therefore, it is close, but doable.

I envision some methods to mitigate the distance:
o Cut down the binding post by an 1/8th inch or so
o Add an insulator of some sort to the underside of the step - a thin but durable layer of plastic/nylon/?

[Snowman9000]

I measured it all up and concluded 2 x GC was a no go. Bruce, if the lid (step) was fiberglass instead of steel, I'd feel a lot better about your idea. I think there are 12v batts that are the same deep cycle as a golf cart battery. I know these are not the so-called deep cycles we buy at Wal Mart and such. They are harder to find. Maybe they are unicorns, I don't know.

[brucemc]

Yea - it is awfully close to that metal lid. I'll be thinking this through as I'll eventually want to replace the group 27s with GC2s.
Options:
o Replace step with wood or fiberglass
o Add an insulating layer to the underside of the step
o Raise the step & hinge by 1/2 inch or so perhaps with a spacer made from a cutting board
o Shorten the studs on the GC2s
o Remove the studs on the GC2s, use another attachment method with the posts
o Cut the bottom out of the compartment & add a new bottom 1/2 inch lower
o Abandon the idea & stick with Group 27s.

Here's some size and amp/hr charts for common battery sizes:
List of Common Battery Case Sizes | BCI Group Numbers

Group 27:
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES: 12.00" 6.63" 9.06" LxWxH
Amp Hours (AH): 90

GC2:
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES: 10.38" 7.13" 10.88" LxWxH
Amp Hours (AH): 225

They have the GC2 listed at 10.88; which is a tad taller than my measurement of 10.5. I wonder if other brands are a bit taller. I measured the Costco GC2s in my old motorhome.

Yea, it'll be a interesting project...

[A32Deuce]

2 questions. Do you boondock? And why the need for 6volt bats. I had 2 group 27 in my SunSeeker and one went bad. Still had one 12 volt bat.

[Snowman9000]

Speaking for myself...

There does seem to be some truth to the advice than the 6v GC batteries are better for being run down and recharged as happens in dry camping. We do a lot of dry camping so if they are better, I'd like the GC batteries. But unlike Bruce, I don't think it's enough of a difference to matter for me. I have come to consider batteries as disposable items. I take care of them as best I can, but when they need to go, so be it.

[A32Deuce]

I use to AGM bats that just fit the area in the step, then put 2 solar panels on roof. Works great for me. Very rarely do bats get below 75%.

[drakethib]

I dont do any boondocking. I am always on hook up or have the genny running.

Seriously thinking about going to one 12 volt deep cycle and call it good.