I have read most, if not all, threads here and on other forums with the word "battery" in the subject lines and have not found a qualified answer to this question. And the sad thing is, I've not been able to find anyone at a dealer's shop that will give me a straight, qualified "yes" or "no" answer. Naturally, the folks at two battery shops I've visited don't know the specific requirements of RVs.
Can sealed AGM batteries be installed in an unsealed compartment in a 5th wheel RV trailer without the use of vented battery boxes?
I know FLA batteries must be in battery boxes and vented to the outside due to off-gassing if the compartment itself is not sealed from living spaces. But what about AGM batteries? My compartment cannot reasonably be sealed and I'm rather limited on space. The hydraulic system hardware for the jacks is already mounted in one side of this compartment. Room for servicing the hydraulics must allowed for. The one FLA battery installed by the dealer is simply not enough for a power hungry toy hauler. The available space requires a four battery bank to be installed two above two in a custom built rack. It is doable with the batteries in boxes. But it would be terribly difficult to access battery connections for service and troubleshooting if the batteries had to be in vented boxes. It'll be pretty tight without having to put the batteries in boxes.
All comments are welcome. However, I really hope there is someone out there that can offer a qualified answer.
Dave
LarryW21 said
01:10 PM Feb 12, 2019
"Can sealed AGM batteries be installed in an unsealed compartment in a 5th wheel RV trailer without the use of vented battery boxes?"
All AGMs are "sealed" but the answer is "yes." Some RVers even put them inside their living area...under the bed, sofa etc.
RonC said
02:53 PM Feb 12, 2019
yes ... they can be installed in any orientation, even upside down, because they don't have fluid in them and they don't off gas. I've had two in my basement (5th wheel) for three years.
-- Edited by RonC on Tuesday 12th of February 2019 02:54:19 PM
Danny and Cheryl said
09:59 PM Feb 12, 2019
If you want the best battery get the Battle Born Lithium Ion battery, they are the very best but at $1000 each they should be. it can be mounted in any position
bjoyce said
09:12 AM Feb 13, 2019
Lithium batteries have temperature requirements and can't get too cold or too hot. They can be put inside since they also do not offgas, but not exposed to the elements like by the hydraulic system.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 13th of February 2019 09:13:22 AM
LarryW21 said
10:22 AM Feb 13, 2019
I'm just not sold on lithium batteries for the temperature issues as pointed out by Bill and for cost.
Dave MW said
12:01 PM Feb 13, 2019
Thank you all for your comments.
The installation I have in mind is to mount at least two batteries over two on their sides with all tops facing to one open side of a rack in order to make all post connections accessible for service and troubleshooting. In fact, I may even be able to mount six type 27s in an effort to get 550 AH or so.
Dave
arcaguy said
10:01 PM Feb 15, 2019
You will want make sure that any rack you build is very stout if you're going to be mounting AGM batteries. Since they are about 65 lbs each you'll have about 260 lbs of weight to contain. If they are inside the coach make doubly sure they're mounted securely in the event of a high speed crash, you don't want them becoming missiles. Just some things to think about.
Good Morning All:
I have read most, if not all, threads here and on other forums with the word "battery" in the subject lines and have not found a qualified answer to this question. And the sad thing is, I've not been able to find anyone at a dealer's shop that will give me a straight, qualified "yes" or "no" answer. Naturally, the folks at two battery shops I've visited don't know the specific requirements of RVs.
Can sealed AGM batteries be installed in an unsealed compartment in a 5th wheel RV trailer without the use of vented battery boxes?
I know FLA batteries must be in battery boxes and vented to the outside due to off-gassing if the compartment itself is not sealed from living spaces. But what about AGM batteries? My compartment cannot reasonably be sealed and I'm rather limited on space. The hydraulic system hardware for the jacks is already mounted in one side of this compartment. Room for servicing the hydraulics must allowed for. The one FLA battery installed by the dealer is simply not enough for a power hungry toy hauler. The available space requires a four battery bank to be installed two above two in a custom built rack. It is doable with the batteries in boxes. But it would be terribly difficult to access battery connections for service and troubleshooting if the batteries had to be in vented boxes. It'll be pretty tight without having to put the batteries in boxes.
All comments are welcome. However, I really hope there is someone out there that can offer a qualified answer.
Dave
All AGMs are "sealed" but the answer is "yes." Some RVers even put them inside their living area...under the bed, sofa etc.
yes ... they can be installed in any orientation, even upside down, because they don't have fluid in them and they don't off gas. I've had two in my basement (5th wheel) for three years.
-- Edited by RonC on Tuesday 12th of February 2019 02:54:19 PM
Lithium batteries have temperature requirements and can't get too cold or too hot. They can be put inside since they also do not offgas, but not exposed to the elements like by the hydraulic system.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 13th of February 2019 09:13:22 AM
The installation I have in mind is to mount at least two batteries over two on their sides with all tops facing to one open side of a rack in order to make all post connections accessible for service and troubleshooting. In fact, I may even be able to mount six type 27s in an effort to get 550 AH or so.
Dave