Type of battery and access

[twochicksandarv]

Can someone please tell me what type of batteries (sealed, gel, or flooded) come in the 2015 3010DS and if they can be accessed from underneath the RV or just through the stairwell? I’m thinking about getting portable solar and need to know if I can attach the cables underneath.

[sgtlm17]

They are flooded and accessed from steps. However there is a hole in the box that leads underneath for wires so you can certainly run solar wires into the box from underneath the coach.

[twochicksandarv]

Thank you.

[Butch & Lena]

What does it mean by a "flooded" battery?

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by Butch & Lena

What does it mean by a "flooded" battery?

Wet cell/lead acid type battery

[marinerjoe]

Originally Posted by Butch & Lena

What does it mean by a "flooded" battery?

A conventional lead-acid battery. As opposed to AGM (absorbed glass matting) and gell cell. Some have (easily) removable caps to check water levels and add water. Others have a cap that covers three cells each and it looks like a maintenace free battery. Those can also be removed to check and add water.

They are usually if not always the least expensive option, and usually have the shortest useful life. I've seen 3 - 5 years on my boat (with 8D flooded batteries). Remember, only use DISTELLED water to top them up.

[Butch & Lena]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[Butch & Lena]

Where do you think the caps are on the batteries in this picture.

[sgtlm17]

The caps are the pieces with the white lettering

[charles l]

Be sure to check the water level monthly. If you keep your rv plugged in they will occasionally recharge. I had one battery go dry in one cell so the charger kept charging that battery. Ended up replacing both batteries for $170.00. Now I have a spare battery. I check them often and top off the cells with distilled water when needed.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by twochicksandarv

Can someone please tell me what type of batteries (sealed, gel, or flooded) come in the 2015 3010DS and if they can be accessed from underneath the RV or just through the stairwell? I’m thinking about getting portable solar and need to know if I can attach the cables underneath.

I have a (PORTABLE) Renogy solar suitcase 100 watt and originally used the alligator clips to attach to the battery. I then purchased some Anderson connectors that matched the connectors on the suitcase and mounted one on the outside near the rear fender well. It was easy to wire it directly to the house batteries a foot away via the vent holes in the battery case. Note there is a 12v negative ground buss bar directly behind the steps and the negative from the portable polar can be attached there. Make sure that you add a fuse to the connection going from the solar to the batteries like the one in the bottom photo with the alligator clips.
I have gone on to add 200 watts of solar panels to my roof and added a cut-off switch allowing me to select either no solar, roof top, suitcase or both roof top and suitcase. All are fused. You will quickly find that the suitcase or portable is not sufficient to charge the house batteries adequately. I have found that my 200 watts on the roof isn't cutting it especially in the fall and winter with lower sun.
To be more specific, my 100 watt portable has a max of 5.2 amps and when out dry camping the draw from the fridge and every other parasitic drain draws 1.3 amps. Therefore the best I can get is about 3.9 amps per hour to recharge the batteries.

[twochicksandarv]

Thanks. We purchased the renogy suitcase, so the info and photos are very helpful.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by twochicksandarv

Thanks. We purchased the renogy suitcase, so the info and photos are very helpful.

Are you going to use the alligator clips or go for a more permanent attachment?
You can buy a 2 Pin Quick Disconnect Wire Harness SAE Connector Bullet Lead Cable (12 AWG) and attach wires directly to the battery terminals and run it thru the battery compartment vent attaching it in an accessible spot between the steps and rear wheel. Leaving the connector exposed for easy connecting of the panels. Some come with optional dust cap.

Also, I was at Renogy a week ago and saw that they upgraded their controller on the Solar Suitcase from the ViewStar 10amp to the Adventurer 30amp. That's great if you ever decide to expand! I had to buy the Adventurer 30amp when I added my roof top panels.

[twochicksandarv]

We like the permanent attachment. It seems convenient and has clean look. Thanks!

[Sagecoachdriver]

TwochicksandaRV, don't forget to add a fuse like the one on the alligator clip pigtail.