Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-20-2017, 09:40 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Jboles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 104
House Battery Mounting Location

I need some help figuring out where to mount my house batteries. My rig is a 2006 E350, 2wd. I've got two Lifeline Group 31XT batteries I want to mount on the frame. I can't decide between mounting the batteries on the passenger side frame below the barn doors or behind the rear axle in the center of the van.

I believe they can fit in either location but I'm debating the pros and cons of each. My electrical gadgets (Blue Sea ACR, Breakers, DC Panel, etc) will be mounted below my bench seat or directly behind.

Option 1: Passenger below barn door: Shorter cable run, weight between both axles, leaves rear open for water tank, etc.

Option 2: Rear center behind axle, keep weight in middle of vehicle (long axis) but towards the back of the van. Longer cable runs.

I've searched other posts and it's got me where I am but debating the final location. A friend is going to fab up a box for me.

I don't have a photo of the behind the axle location but it would be in front of the spare tire and behind the differential, mounted/supported by both frame rails.

Thanks for you input.





I made this cardboard box to match the battery size.



Jboles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2017, 09:49 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Renton, Wa
Posts: 438
I did mine like your box mockup. Works great. Fairly well protected and easy to get at if needed.
BUFFALO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2017, 09:50 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Jboles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 104
Right now I don't have plans for 4x4 conversion, rear mounted spare, etc.

I would like to add a lift and better off-road capabilities but that is way down the road.

Not sure if that would sway my decision for either location.

Justin
Jboles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2017, 02:19 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
86Scotty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,220
That's the best place I know of. First, nothing else fits well there but batteries do. Second, it leaves the left side open for propane, the best place for it, if you go that route. Also leaves the rear open for tanks, box or whatever. Short cable runs are another benefit. I've put several in this location.

Here are some more ideas. There are a few threads on this.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ded-14842.html

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...unt-18859.html

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...pics-8790.html
86Scotty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2017, 11:51 AM   #5
Site Team
 
daveb's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
Garage
You might consider the idea that you might want a larger set of batteries down the road. I did and thankfully there was enough room in front of my underfloor storage to add another 4D battery. On my diesel the starting batteries are under the side barn doors. At any rate, easy access to the batteries (where ever you put them) is a good idea if you can build it that way. It's kind of a PITA to drop mine just to check the connections.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures
daveb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2017, 05:40 PM   #6
ctb
Senior Member
 
ctb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 817
Garage
Send a message via AIM to ctb
Insulate well! Don't want them to freeze/lose power/longevity!! I am sure there is a thread and pics somewhere on here lol!!
__________________
'13 MDX 'BigBlackmobeebs'
'01 Lexus 430 LS 'Luxobeebs
'20 Tacoma TRD OR 'Tacobeebs'
ctb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2017, 02:02 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
dhally's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SE Washington
Posts: 1,023
Garage
The frame rail is a great spot. We have two group 27 mounted there but the group 31 will fit even better.

We mounted ours on their sides to increase ground clearance. Fairly easy to remove with a floor jack.

If you want steps or running boards make sure to leave room.
__________________
---------------------
2009 E250 RB 5.4L "SilVan"
dhally is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
battery, box, frame, lifeline, mounting

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:00 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.