Quote:
Originally Posted by accrete
...I am toying with the idea of placing a D31M in the rear street corner under my bed platform for running interior LEDs and MaxxFan...it would be plenty of power to run things for a week or so before needing a charge.
Thom
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Hey accrete, it is sure fun to read your build story... similar to ours as far as Van Specialties and a lightweight minimal concept. It does seem like you are adding things as time goes on, but maybe that was the original idea?
In any case, I haven't tried what you are suggesting but did do some research in those directions.
First off, the Optima batteries seem to have lower amp-hours for the equivalent size. Basically you get less capacity for the cubic volume of space used. I assume that is because of their construction. For instance the D31M has 75AH whereas a Deka 8A31DT has 105AH and I think the space required is about the same. Optima claims to have better vibration resistance but the experience on this forum with other AGM's seems OK too.
The nice thing about AGM batteries is they are no-maintenance and they do OK in cold temperatures, so no need to put them inside the coach which takes up valuable space. So maybe consider mounting the battery under the vehicle? It can be located further forward, which should help weight balance as well. Locating further forward also puts it closer to the alternator so the charging wire is shorter. Plus I would always worry about the vent hose coming loose or the stupid thing exploding inside the van. These batteries do vent although it is supposedly controlled by a pressure regulator.
I really like our setup, which uses a battery separator to charge the house battery. We almost never plug in, and we don't have a voltmeter. Just drive it and then turn on when camped. Driving keeps it charged. Basically no worries until the battery dies in a few years.
One other consideration - get 2 batteries instead of 1... You never know what you might want to add to the van later...