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Old 04-23-2019, 09:24 AM   #1
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2 Batteries in a 33IK

It's time to replace the battery on my 2016 Silverback 33IK. FR advertised being able to store (3) batteries. I think they were talking lantern batteries .
The existing battery is a series 27 and weighs under 60 pounds. Most 6V golf cart batteries weigh that much each. Looking at the trailer and supports for the battery shelf, I'm not confident it can handle 120 + pounds of batteries.
Anyone doing this?
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Old 04-23-2019, 05:14 PM   #2
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Not going in to the advantages / disadvantages of 6 volt in series vs. 12 volt in parallel … I went with two 12 volt 650 amp Excide Marine/RV batteries wired in parallel. They measure 6.5" X 10" X 9" and weigh 44 pounds each. I made a wooden battery tray that fits inside the existing battery compartment that cradles them both very well. They both can be easily removed or installed without clearance issue. We don't boondock much and have had no issue with lack of capacity. As for three batteries you spoke of … it would never happen in the battery enclosure on my 2016 … just not enough room.
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Old 04-23-2019, 05:34 PM   #3
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Every 5th wheel I've looked at, has always had room for at least 2 batteries.
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Old 04-23-2019, 09:52 PM   #4
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We have 3, 12volt in 35ik.think same compartment.
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Old 04-23-2019, 10:20 PM   #5
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I have 2, 6 volt batteries in my 2016 33IK no issues...

I haven’t noticed any signs of weight issues. Structure seems fine.
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Old 04-23-2019, 10:35 PM   #6
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Have you looked at "Lithium" batteries. 100 amp hour LiFePo batteries are a BCI group 27 size, weigh 30 lbs each, and can be drawn down the full 100 amp hour DOD with no loss of capacity. 60 pounds of batteries (2 X 100 ah) will provide a full 200 amp hours of power while a pair of lead acid (either 2 x 6v's in series or 2 12v's in parallel) will only have half that available due to the ""50% rule".


Yes, they are more expensive but they become less expensive every time you pass one of those "My batteries are getting old and don't last as long" events and don't have to buy new batteries. I don't sell 'em so it matters not to me what people choose, just pointing out the benefits. I can honestly say I'll never have to buy another set of batteries after I changed.
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Old 04-24-2019, 06:22 AM   #7
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Hi,

I have had two Trojan T-105's (with added venting) in the existing slot for four seasons and maybe 8-9,000 miles now, in my 2024 Silverback 33.

No indication of any structural problems, and the remote watering system makes upkeep a snap.

FWIW.

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Old 04-24-2019, 09:52 AM   #8
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Dieselguy - thanks, never thought about (2) 12 volt batteries . . .
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Old 04-24-2019, 09:58 AM   #9
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Thanks all, but need more info

Thanks everyone, lots of options / ideas.
BUT, still have questions. The battery bay is about 21" wide by 10.5" deep and 15" high. The door opening is slightly smaller in width, so getting (2) Trojan T-105's looks like it could be an issue. For those that have (2) 6V, can you provide battery specs? Or those that have multiple batteries, can you measure your bay / provide pictures? I don't know if I can justify the lithium, but I understand the longer you have them, the more economical they are. Thanks again, looking forward to more info.
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Old 04-24-2019, 12:41 PM   #10
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Hi NCBBA,

My battery compartment's entry door is yight, but the bottom actually is a portion of a flat surface area that extends to the right, and into the bottom of the larger compartment where the water controls are located.

My Trojans sit side by side lengthwise, and reach right to the edge of that larger space. Good access for my watering system hose from that end, as well for my solar wiring.

If I can get some pictures later today I'll post them.

Hope this helps.

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Old 04-24-2019, 02:17 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NCBBA11043 View Post
... For those that have (2) 6V, can you provide battery specs? ...
Here are the specs for Trojan T-105 6V batteries. https://www.trojanbattery.com/product/t-105/

These are 10.3" length, so they should fit in the 10.5" depth.

A Trojan group 24 12V battery I looked at was 10.92" length.

Are you sure the compartment depth is 10.5"?
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Old 04-24-2019, 07:16 PM   #12
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4 Costco six volt gc2 batteries fit in my cedar Creek Hathaway.

Measure. For six’s provide over 400 amps. Heavy though.
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Old 04-25-2019, 02:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by racer4 View Post
Here are the specs for Trojan T-105 6V batteries. https://www.trojanbattery.com/product/t-105/

These are 10.3" length, so they should fit in the 10.5" depth.

A Trojan group 24 12V battery I looked at was 10.92" length.

Are you sure the compartment depth is 10.5"?
Yep, measured several times. Here's a pic so you can help verify. The tape measure body is 3", so add 3" to what it shows...
It reads 18-1/2" x 7-1/2". That's why I'm concerned about if 2 trojans would fit. (I guess I could have phrased that better)Click image for larger version

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Old 04-25-2019, 05:30 PM   #14
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Since the Trojans fit is so close, I would measure with a folding wood rule like https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lufkin-6...6SLN/203809078

If there is more than 10.3", then the Trojan T-105 should fit.

Watering the batteries will be difficult without a watering system installed. I used Trojan Hydrolink, Flow-Rite looks good too.

If you put two batteries in, you can probably put them in the compartment with your hands. Trojan also sells a "Battery Lifting Strap". https://www.amazon.com/Trojan-609628.../dp/B00699WCUM
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Old 04-26-2019, 04:24 PM   #15
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We have 2 trogen 6v in our 33ik. Watering was a challenge so I installed a watering system. Batteries fit well. I made a wood block so they can’t move around front to back. Side to side there is very little clearance. Great batteries
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Old 04-26-2019, 05:17 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by narrowsboy View Post
We have 2 trogen 6v in our 33ik. Watering was a challenge so I installed a watering system. Batteries fit well. I made a wood block so they can’t move around front to back. Side to side there is very little clearance. Great batteries
Thanks! Pulling the trigger, pick them up next week.
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Old 04-26-2019, 05:18 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by narrowsboy View Post
We have 2 trogen 6v in our 33ik. Watering was a challenge so I installed a watering system. Batteries fit well. I made a wood block so they can’t move around front to back. Side to side there is very little clearance. Great batteries
What watering system?
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Old 04-27-2019, 07:05 PM   #18
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Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001FCAXT0/..._83oXCbDJ20HSG
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Old 04-28-2019, 10:26 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by narrowsboy View Post
Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001FCAXT0/..._83oXCbDJ20HSG
Thanks!
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Old 04-28-2019, 02:32 PM   #20
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Hi,

Finally got around to taking pictures of the double Trojan installation in my 2015 33RL.

They are mounted front to back, and live in Walmart-origin plastic containers with clamp tops, to pipe any gas out through the stock vent just above the access door. Also visible is the black hose that mates up to the pump for my watering system.

Hope this helps.

Rich Phillips
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