House batteries for a 2000 SMB

tdgsmb · 02-28-2018, 12:08 PM

Hi -

My house batteries began losing their charge, and I made the mistake of going on a ski trip, left the shore power unplugged, and my battery bank blew up outside Driggs, ID.

I need to replace my battery, it is a Trace Engineering inverter. Which I am going to try to keep using for now until I can fully research and conversion to a more efficient inverter and solar setup.

What I am looking for is recommendations on batteries, size, and any known installation issues. Pictures of battery tray attached. Any and all help appreciated.

Thanks.

simplesez · 02-28-2018, 12:38 PM

Even though your 2nd picture is taken of the wrong end of the tape measure...I'm going to say that is a 4D truck battery

I would just go to the nearest battery store and get one. You don't want to ship one of those monsters.

tdgsmb · 02-28-2018, 12:57 PM

Thanks, yeah, shipping these is crazy expensive. Still searching as to the setup. here is a better picture, and a picture of the blown up batteries.

REF · 02-28-2018, 01:01 PM

Yes, 4D batteries have long been used by SMB. Where are you located? Either way, lots of thread discussions here on the forum on batteries. Find a local shop that carries either Deka (east penn) or Lifeline, both trusted names in 4D AGM. East Penn private labels lots of other brands, you might be able to find one at your local Batteries+ store. AGM (advanced glass matt) batteries are a bit more expensive but will last longer, are more rugged than flooded and are maintenance free. Good luck!

BrianW · 02-28-2018, 02:06 PM

I thought you were talking figuratively about your battery “blowing up,” until I saw your picture. Wow! Any idea how that happened? I’ve never seen one that bad.

Nothing wrong with the Trace inverter. My original 1500w is still going strong in my 98 SMB.

**daveb** · 02-28-2018, 02:18 PM

You're saying you left it UN-plugged and it burned down? The only time I've seen that is when a high amp charger was left on for long periods of time. I'd do a systems check before just adding a new battery. A short might cause that. I'd look to see if the battery came loose and contacted the body in any way. Check all the cables are not compromised. Make sure the new battery is strapped down well into the frame and make sure there is plenty of clearance between the top of the battery (lugs) and the body. Each manufacture might have slightly different dimensions so look closely before the purchase and check the lug height. By the looks of it I'm surprised it didn't end up worse.

tdgsmb · 02-28-2018, 05:05 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I will double check all cables definitely before wasting money on batteries. Had just been on a couple pretty rough roads, so it may be a clearance issue

Happy to hear about the Trace on the 98.

I am located in a really small town in Southern Utah (Kanab), but in LA for a couple days (not in my SMB though), so I was thinking I may be able pick up batteries here.

tdgsmb · 02-28-2018, 05:08 PM

But, makes sense to wait until I get back to check clearances and cable integrity.

86Scotty · 02-28-2018, 08:45 PM

That's scary. I second the vote for Batteries+ 4D made by East Penn (Deka). If you order online you get 20% off (It's a pop up offer on their site every time you log on).

**BroncoHauler** · 03-01-2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdgsmb

... Had just been on a couple pretty rough roads, so it may be a clearance issue...

Did the battery have terminals on top? That, and a loose battery hold-down, could have resulted in that nice large battery shorting out against part of the van frame or some other metal. I would not want to short out a 4D battery, that's welding territory there with the amount of amps flowing.

Herb