Coach Battery Hold-Down Straps

[Hexnut]

The batteries under the steps have a hold-down strap across the top of the batteries and disappears down each side. Can someone enlighten me on how to loosen/remove the strap for battery maintenance? I suspect there is an attachment on the outside of the housing, but the foam spray may have it covered.

[backdoctor]

Originally Posted by Hexnut

The batteries under the steps have a hold-down strap across the top of the batteries and disappears down each side. Can someone enlighten me on how to loosen/remove the strap for battery maintenance? I suspect there is an attachment on the outside of the housing, but the foam spray may have it covered.

Nope. On the very far right side of the battery, as the tether descends into the abyss, there is a closure. It's an alligator type, if I recall correctly, and is a real challenge to get undone. Then you can take out the right battery, slide the left battery over and remove the remaining tether. Getting it back together is less of a struggle...

[backdoctor]

Originally Posted by backdoctor

Nope. On the very far right side of the battery, as the tether descends into the abyss, there is a closure. It's an alligator type, if I recall correctly, and is a real challenge to get undone. Then you can take out the right battery, slide the left battery over and remove the remaining tether. Getting it back together is less of a struggle...

If you're taking the time and effort to replace the batteries, make sure you get AGM batteries. They are much more stable, don't need filling with water, don't release noxious gases and cage slightly faster than lead acid bathed batteries. And the factory units are garbage.

[Hexnut]

Thanks for letting me know. Good point on the AGM batteries.

[KatanaPilot]

You might also consider Group 31 batteries too. They are a little taller and a little heavier, but they fit fine in the below the steps compartment on our Forester 2401R.

[baranski]

Originally Posted by KatanaPilot

You might also consider Group 31 batteries too. They are a little taller and a little heavier, but they fit fine in the below the steps compartment on our Forester 2401R.

What's the reason for getting those?

[KatanaPilot]

The Group 31 batteries are higher capacity. If you don’t dry camp, there probably would be no reason to switch to them.