Untapped storage space in Roo19

[croakers]

Hi,
We noticed that there is an area under the front bunk and behind the water filter/heater compartment that was unused for possible additional storage. You can see it if you lift the front dinette bench cover when winterizing the water heater. The area is about 10 or 11 inches wide by about 4+ feet long. We are thinking about putting a charge controller, inverter, and possibly 2 6-volt batteries there. Goal is to have space for solar install near the front of the trailer. Has anybody used this space and if so how did it work out for you.
THANKS!

[rockfordroo]

Yes, that's sort of a "pass thru" from one side to the other. I just used it to stuff my tool box and other things into.

You might want to build a shelf for the triangular cabinet by the door. I don't have a pic of mine, here's a pic of another guys:



Another thing you can do is move the partitions on each side of the rear storage closer to the outside of the trailer.



They keep you from pushing stuff into the tail light wiring, but if you remove one, you can see that you could easily do something different to protect the wiring and gain that extra foot or so of space. I didn't really need the space so I never got around to doing it on mine.

I also installed a plexiglass window in my LP tank cover so I could see the regulator with the bunk down.

[rsdata]

I have the 183 and found that by removing OR moving the partitions in the cabinets you can free up a lot of extra space...

I did a write up on adding a second baggage door in the rear where you can roughly double rear cargo space... for electric cords, hoses, etc...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...oo-120013.html

[jonshonda]

Not a bad idea to put batteries up there, but I decided to put our batteries under the dinette seat by the furnace. This puts them directly over the axle and very close to the converter. I also upgraded the 8ga power wire running from the batteries to the converter to 4ga.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by jonshonda

Not a bad idea to put batteries up there, but I decided to put our batteries under the dinette seat by the furnace. This puts them directly over the axle and very close to the converter. I also upgraded the 8ga power wire running from the batteries to the converter to 4ga.

Hopefully you've put them in sealed boxes vented to the outside. I wouldn't want hydrogen in my TT.

[jonshonda]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Hopefully you've put them in sealed boxes vented to the outside. I wouldn't want hydrogen in my TT.

AGM baby!!

[babock]

Originally Posted by jonshonda

AGM baby!!

You still need vented boxes.

[jonshonda]

Originally Posted by babock

You still need vented boxes.

Nope. They are valve regulated. They turn the discharge right back into water. Duracell Group31 agm

[rockfordroo]

The AGMs don't have vents, but they DO have pressure relief valves. If the relief valve opens, guess where the hydrogen goes?

Sealed Batteries Still Need Venting - boats.com

Electrical Myths, Part 4: AGM Batteries Don't Need Venting - RV Nerds

[babock]

Originally Posted by jonshonda

Nope. They are valve regulated. They turn the discharge right back into water. Duracell Group31 agm

If they get overcharged for some reason, they will release hydrogen. A small chance for sure but just be aware it can happen.

[jonshonda]

Originally Posted by babock

If they get overcharged for some reason, they will release hydrogen. A small chance for sure but just be aware it can happen.

I wanted to double check what I was stating was false, so I called eastern penn for guidance. You guys are correct in stating it should not be in a "sealed" enclosure, but there really is no need for a vent outside. I specifically asked if it was ok that the battery compartment vented into the camper, they stated the amount of hydrogen that may escape is so miniscule that there is no harm in not venting to atmosphere. We typically do not run shore power when camping, and only charge when we get home. So I am 100% comfortable with not drilling another hole in my camper.

[babock]

Originally Posted by jonshonda

I wanted to double check what I was stating was false, so I called eastern penn for guidance.

I hope you actually called East Penn!