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Old 07-30-2014, 09:25 PM   #1
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UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

Rallypanam still has that perfectly good UB-4D for sale and, as I was talking with a Winnebago owner today, I had a thought. Just posting here to get opinions on how stupid it might be. This came up, in part, because I need two new batteries which will run me $400+. If this idea could work, I’d be looking at $100 plus wiring/mounting costs.

I’ve got two group 27 size batts wired in series - each under the floor behind each rear wheel. My potentially stupid idea was to look in to putting the UB-4D where the Onan genny used to be, and then waterproofing my current battery boxes to use as storage for things like spare parts and tools that I wouldn’t be accessing all that often. The extra storage space would be quite handy.

This would obviously involve some wiring work and I’d have to find a way to mount the battery. I haven’t looked underneath to see how the Onan was mounted. No idea how big it was or if there’s a shelf under there etc.

Any thoughts?

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Old 07-30-2014, 11:23 PM   #2
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

I like your idea. One 4D vs 2xGrp 27? I would go 4D, if room.

Have to believe there was some type of platform/plate that the genny was mounted on. Creating a battery mount/holder should be straight forward design to accommodate the battery in the same area. Maybe, just maybe the starter wiring for the genny is still there and can be re-purposed? Make sure to size the wiring accordingly for run length and current.

An alternative if $ are available is two Group 31's (105 Ah ea) on the passenger frame rail under the side door.
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Old 07-31-2014, 01:13 AM   #3
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

I like it too. I do wish my battery tray could hinged down on one side so it would be easier to check and replace the batteries. They are just so heavy, bolting them seems a smarter move
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Old 07-31-2014, 08:21 AM   #4
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

Seems like a great use of available resources to me. Storing things that stay dirty anyway or that you don't need often under the van has always been my preference. I put a bunch of leveling blocks where I had spare room in my battery tray. It works great, but lots of things you don't need often can go under there and free up space. A tool box (preferably a sealed one), a jack, a small spare gas can, propane cylinders, etc.

I added this little box on my last van.



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Old 08-01-2014, 04:44 PM   #5
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

Well, I guess it was a good thought. But, after looking at where and how the generator was mounted, it doesn't really seem too practical. The battery would be very hard to access and mounting it would require quite a bit of fabrication. I think I'll just buy a couple of new house batteries and move on to other projects. It's only money.

I appreciate the thoughts/advice.
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:40 PM   #6
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

As long as you cut a hole in the floor for access it would be similar to the XL storage just smaller. But I'd ditch the tire, put it on the back and add a true XL storage. There would be plenty of space in front of the storage for a single 210AH battery...maybe two.
I would not put any kind of storage for items that required you to crawl under the van to access unless it's stuff you absolutely never need unless it's an emergency. Stuff like engine fluids might be OK in that situation. I have spare recovery equipment under the van but it's backup stuff only and if I have to dig to get to it I guarantee it will be a true emergency.
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Old 08-03-2014, 12:17 PM   #7
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

I like the idea but those types of modifications will have to wait for a while. I should probably finish paying off rallypanam first.
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Old 08-03-2014, 12:19 PM   #8
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

Quote:
Originally Posted by gcvt
I like the idea but those types of modifications will have to wait for a while. I should probably finish paying off rallypanam first.
Yes!
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Old 08-04-2014, 12:19 AM   #9
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Re: UB-4D where Onan was, and dump the two battery setup?

Who needs a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with only 65,000 original miles?
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