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Old 11-20-2021, 08:25 AM   #1
D&D Young
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Where to locate battery bank...

We have a 2018 Montana 3811ms and are upgrading from 2 batteries to 4 lithium battery bank. They fit into the compartment where the two stock batteries were however I'm not sure if the thin metal floor will support 130 lbs.

If anyone has upgraded to a battery bank, where did you locate it.. Pictures if possible.

Thanks in advance for any input

Dennis
 
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Old 11-20-2021, 09:06 AM   #2
dhuhn
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Those four lithium batteries probably about the same as the two lead acids you are taking out. I wouldn’t worry about it. I have 4 golf cart batteries plus a portable generator in that space. Which is at least 350lbs not a problem.
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Old 11-20-2021, 09:51 AM   #3
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I put a thin piece of plywood over the cutout portion designed for a generator and then loaded six golf cart AGM batteries in there on our 2010 and then pulled it over 100,000 miles some of which were on back roads in the Fish and Wildlife parks we worked in.
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Old 11-21-2021, 12:34 PM   #4
D&D Young
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Thank you for your replies. I put the 4 lithium batteries in where the original 2 batteries were. I did put a 1/2" piece of ply board down to help distribute the weight. Thanks again for the info

Dennis
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Old 11-21-2021, 03:33 PM   #5
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Dennis, I am assuming since you put in 4 lithium batteries that you do a fair amount of boondocking. Do you boondock in cold weather? If so, don’t forget to provide a method for keeping the batteries warm. They don’t charge well below freezing. Best of luck.
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Old 11-21-2021, 08:06 PM   #6
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I installed 4 lithium batteries in that compartment alongside the original FLA battery (backup). I didn't want to get rid of the FLA since it was new).
Before installing the batteries I installed 2 layers of 1" styrofoam board on the floor and walls to help keep the batteries warm.
I also put tank warmers on the batteries wrapped them in insulation and put them each in their own battery box.
Lithium batteries do NOT like to be charged below freezing temperatures. You can use them below freezing just don't charge them until you warm them up first.
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Old 11-24-2021, 01:18 PM   #7
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Have you thought about buying a rack mount battery? $1,500 for 4.8KWH. The price of batteries and panels is dropping so fast that I am waiting until April (we leave on May 1st) to save even more if it keeps up like this. I’m planning on full independent power at an affordable price.
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Old 11-24-2021, 02:11 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D&D Young View Post
We have a 2018 Montana 3811ms and are upgrading from 2 batteries to 4 lithium battery bank. They fit into the compartment where the two stock batteries were however I'm not sure if the thin metal floor will support 130 lbs.

If anyone has upgraded to a battery bank, where did you locate it.. Pictures if possible.

Thanks in advance for any input

Dennis
That metal floor is designed to hold a big generator so the 140lbs is nothing. However, if you plan on camping in freezing weather, the batteries wil need to be kept warm. I am full time and live in Canada so my 6 went in the passthru. Boxed them in and got a nice shelf for free. Also a 3811MS.
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Old 11-24-2021, 02:13 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Daryles View Post
I installed 4 lithium batteries in that compartment alongside the original FLA battery (backup). I didn't want to get rid of the FLA since it was new).
Before installing the batteries I installed 2 layers of 1" styrofoam board on the floor and walls to help keep the batteries warm.
I also put tank warmers on the batteries wrapped them in insulation and put them each in their own battery box.
Lithium batteries do NOT like to be charged below freezing temperatures. You can use them below freezing just don't charge them until you warm them up first.
Be aware some folks have melted the case. Lithium batteries typically do not have anywhere as near robust a case of FLA. Best to check with battery mfg for temp tolerance of the case material.
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Old 11-24-2021, 02:14 PM   #10
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I placed my 6 Renogy 170 LiFePo4 batteries and everything else in the heated compartment. If you charge this type of batteries when it's below freezing you risk damaging them if the battery management system doesn't have a cut off.
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Old 11-25-2021, 11:23 AM   #11
D&D Young
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Thanks everyone. I got lots of good advice and info. We only boondock while traveling to our destinations which is normally several days. We winter in San Antonio, TX every year and it takes about 5 day to get there. Our stock batteries were two 12V, 80 AH batteries which only lasted 4 hrs or so with our residential fridge. We decided to go with a small battery bank of 4 100AH Battle Born Lithium batteries. Hopefully we could get 25-28 hours running the fridge and heater. While in Texas we hope to add solar, 400-600 watts, which should eliminate our battery issues.
I didn't address the temp of the battery compartment. I will turn the batteries off by the 2 battery disconnects and start the furnace 2 days before we leave to warm the batteries. The daytime temp stays moderate during the month if December.
Hopefully this upgrade will take care of our battery issues
Dennis
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