Battery Upgrade Weight Concern

[Bill.vannuys]

I have a 2014 Montana 3735MK and am upgrading from my single 12 volt battery (about 50#) that was provided "free" with the unit this past summer, to two Trojan T145 6 volt batteries that each weigh about 72# (total = 144#). I plan to place the new vented battery box in the same vicinity as the stock vented box (Forward compartment toward street side under Hydraulic leveler tank).
Should I be concerned about the weight increase in that forward compartment?
Do I need to strengthen or modify the metal floor somehow?

Thanks for any information.

[TLightning]

Cant' do anything about the overall weight until you find out what you weigh now.

[Bill.vannuys]

Perhaps I should clarify; my weight concern is for the compartment floor where the batteries will be mounted. Is 144# on compartment floor to much of an increase from the current 12 volt battery weight?
I am not concerned about the overall weight of the rig or tow vehicle, as I am well below my limits. Sorry for any confusion.

[Mr Pachu]

When we bought our Montana last year, we had the dealer install two 6 volt batteries instead of one 12 volt battery. We've have not had any problems with the storage compartment floor in regards to the extra weight of the batteries. The dealer did not reinforce the floor either.

[mhs4771]

Don't forget, the other side of that compartment is designed for a Generator that goes approx 300 Lbs, so I wouldn't be worried about the batteries. Now if you were to put the total weight on say a 1 in sq area, would be a different story, but you weight will be spread out over the surface area of the batteries. I bet the floor in our SOB is probably the same thickness as yours' and I've got four 12V batteries at approx 40 to 50 Lbs each with no problem.

[DQDick]

We moved our batteries to the other side of the front compartment and, because there was a knockout cut in the floor for a generator, I put 3/4" plywood down over the floor to spread the weight. We've got six 6v AGM batteries in there for about 20,000 miles on some pretty rough roads with no problems.

[MARK A]

quote:Originally posted by Bill.vannuys

I have a 2014 Montana 3735MK and am upgrading from my single 12 volt battery (about 50#) that was provided "free" with the unit this past summer, to two Trojan T145 6 volt batteries that each weigh about 72# (total = 144#). I plan to place the new vented battery box in the same vicinity as the stock vented box (Forward compartment toward street side under Hydraulic leveler tank).
Should I be concerned about the weight increase in that forward compartment?
Do I need to strengthen or modify the metal floor somehow?

Thanks for any information.

We have 4 Trojan 6v batteries in the front compartment and they ride there just fine.

Mark

[poloace]

I don't have any trouble. I have 2 6v batteries, Yamaha 2000 generator, portable solar panel, and miscellaneous stuff I store up there. I think the floor is sturdy enough. We have gone over some rough roads in the 4yrs we have had the rig. No problem.