75 lb batteries (update)

[Exnavydiver]

My two Trojan 6 volt batteries weight 75 lbs apiece. My friend and I wrecked our backs getting them out of the front compartment because we had to bend half way over and lift and drag those monsters out of the front compartment and then down to the basement when we winterized the rig. The batteries are 5 yrs old and probably need to be replaced but before I do that I am relocating the the entire battery box. They were under the hydraulic rack and it was a major pain to get them out of the Blue Sea box and then out from under the rack. I am going to cut a new vent hole in the floor of the compartment about 2 ft to the left of the present location. The other mod I am going to make is I will mount a swiveling padeye to the roof of the front compartment( the bottom side of the front closet so I can put a pulley on it for helping lift those heavy batteries into the compartment without wrecking my back. I will post photos of this mod as it happens. UPDATE:: I did a hydrometer test on the batteries yesterday and found one cell one of the batteries was reading very low, all other cells read 1300 or higher. Now even though I have all very good readings on one battery I need to decide do I replace both or just one. At 161.00 each that will hurt a bit if I get both. On the other hand most recommend that you replace both as an older battery will shorten the life of both if you replace just one. Suggestions?

[K0LCB]

What is a padeye?

[TLightning]

A little Navy lingo...A padeye is a device often found on boats that a line runs through, or provides an attachment point. It is a kind of fairlead and often is bolted or welded to the deck or hull of a boat. It is also used in oil and gas projects to assist in the purpose of lifting.

[K0LCB]

Thanks Tom! I think in the Army we called them eye bolts

[DQDick]

Sounds like a great mod. Looking forward to the pictures.

[Mike117]

In the Air Force we called that. Let the Army and Navy do it.

[Justme44]

[rohrmann]

I was thinking, even a miniature engine lift would be nice, something just high enough to go under the top of the compartment door, and would have the capacity to handle the batteries.

[MARK A]

quote:Originally posted by Mike117

In the Air Force we called that. Let the Army and Navy do it.

Air Force, That's just like the Marine Corps only with recess and naps?

[Mike117]

Mark A good one and you make it sound like a bad thing. Lol

[halfwright]

What I did was hooked a come-along on the square tubing that drives the right hand landing leg. Working by myself there was just no way I could lift the batteries in the position you have to be in under the overhang. But, now I have 4 90 pound Trojans in there.

true story

I had an Airman complain to me about his tour in Viet Nam. He said the air conditioner caused the floor in the barracks to warp. And I thought I had it rough after a year in a tent when we were at the LZ.

Just hate warped floors.

[WaltBennett]

quote:Originally posted by Mike117

In the Air Force we called that. Let the Army and Navy do it.

We called them 'sky hooks', but would find a Marine to do the lifting.

[Bill.vannuys]

I just finished adding a battery box that holds 2 Trojan T145s - 75# each (The 75AH battery that came with my unit was wimpy). I lifted the batteries in by myself using a tie-down strap attached to the battery tie down attachments on the top of each battery case. For some reason, it seems to be getting harder every year to lift heavy batteries in awkward spaces. Looking forward to your modification pictures, as I expect my batteries will surely be heavier in a few years when they need replacement; your modification sounds like a great idea to save my back.

[Sundogette]

Pete installed a clever pulley system in our lower front basement. We use it to "hoist" our Honda Generators and I suppose when necessary the 6 volt batteries that are stored in the same cabinet. The pulley is mounted on an aluminum cross bar that he installed in the top of the compartment. The pulley, or block and tackle locks into place as I lift the load with the pulley. Very clever! I need to remember how to post pictures as it works great! I can lift the generators myself and lower them to the ground when we need them. We then use an aluminum folding hand truck to move the generators where we want to set them up.