Battery & propane tanks location

[OutAndAbout]

Doe’s anybody know why they switched locations of the battery and propane tanks? And has anyone switched them back? It just doesn’t look right with the tanks further out on the hitch.

[Twisty]

Probably the manufacturer saving a few cents.

[Pooneil]

Not only does it look peculiar, when you put a hard cover on the tanks, it gets in the way of operating the jack. I can see no practical reason for having the tanks in front. Only FR knows for sure. If you change yours, please let us know the cost.

[D-mo]

im thinking the reason the propane tanks and battery are in the front is a basic safety issue mandated by our transportation depts of the government. i would hate to see the carnage if some rear ended one of our trailers with them mounted on the back .. i know someone on this site has done that, im thinking just the batteries .. but will likely be pulled over by the troopers or police and given a ticket for that brilliant idea ..

d-mo

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by D-mo

im thinking the reason the propane tanks and battery are in the front is a basic safety issue mandated by our transportation depts of the government. i would hate to see the carnage if some rear ended one of our trailers with them mounted on the back .. i know someone on this site has done that, im thinking just the batteries .. but will likely be pulled over by the troopers or police and given a ticket for that brilliant idea ..

d-mo

I believe the OP is speaking of the LP tanks being positioned in front of the battery.

On every camper I've had...and this is our fifth...the battery was mounted in front of the LP tanks. I'd be curious as to why FR chose to make the change.

[rockfordroo]

My Roo19 has the tanks in front of the battery. I think most trailers are that way.

[KMP44]

Not sure how big the tongue is on the A-Frame, but on our Roo the battery is behind the tanks and the big advantage I see is that the tray was then long enough to hold 2 batteries without any modification.

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by KMP44

Not sure how big the tongue is on the A-Frame, but on our Roo the battery is behind the tanks and the big advantage I see is that the tray was then long enough to hold 2 batteries without any modification.

That may be why on the A-Frames too. Although new rails would need to be attached. because the stock rails are specifically fit for one small battery.

[OutAndAbout]

Thanks everybody for your input.

Pooneil, your right about the hard cover and jack crank and the battery rails are to short for 2 batteries. If I change it I'll be sure to post picks and cost.

Thanks Wojo for clearing things up.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by KMP44

Not sure how big the tongue is on the A-Frame, but on our Roo the battery is behind the tanks and the big advantage I see is that the tray was then long enough to hold 2 batteries without any modification.

I had a Trailmanor with the propane tanks next to the jack. The jack was a front crank model. That seemed like a much better setup because I had 2 batteries behind the propane tanks between the frame rails right next the camper.

But there was a reason it was done like that on the Trailmanor.........if the propane tanks were next to the trailer it would not allow enough room for the front clam shell to open.

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by OutAndAbout

Thanks Wojo for clearing things up.

You're welcome.

[beerplug]

Has anyone tried to install a AGM battery back in the slide box. I was thinking about this as a way to cut down on the tongue weight.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by beerplug

Has anyone tried to install a AGM battery back in the slide box. I was thinking about this as a way to cut down on the tongue weight.

Just remember to size the wires accordingly. Longer length runs require larger diameter wires from the converter to the battery. Gaining access to the existing wires to upgrade them could be problematic.

To determine the correct size wire to use, you will need to know:

1) Maximum charge/discharge current you expect (about 30 amps)
2) If you need to power an inverter and where it could be placed within 18 inches of the new battery location (Inverters need about 150 amps)
3) How far from the new battery location to the inverter. Remember to add for all the bends in the wire run and not just a guess.

Then use a wire sizing chart to buy the correct diameter red and black wires to use from the battery to the Converter.

[rawlus]

not sure there is a whole lot of benefit to this - wheels are pretty far back already so i would be surprised if it tremendously lightened the tongue. you could go without one of the propane tanks - it would be very unusual to use a whole tank on any one average trip.

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by beerplug

Has anyone tried to install a AGM battery back in the slide box. I was thinking about this as a way to cut down on the tongue weight.

Depending on which camper you have, there may be another option. On the 122 campers, with the fixed bed in the back, there is room for a battery in the compartment with the cool cat. It is easy enough to run the battery cables to the area. No matter where you move it to, I would be sure the floor is well supported underneath the battery.

You could further lighten the tongue by using 2.6 gallon propane tanks. Or even one gallon tanks if you don't use the furnace.

[Wojo]

I use our EZ Up awning to balance out the added weight in the front. It weighs about 60 pounds, and it's low profile enough to sit on the rear bunk when the camper is closed. I lay it side to side against the rear wall of the camper, to affect the fulcrum as much as possible. That and the other stuff we have stowed in the hatches rear of the axle have the tongue weight just where I want it.

If you don't use an EZ Up style awning...never mind.