Noise reduction, 2 house batteries?

[yvrr]

Engine noise isn't a real problem with a V-10 and I wouldn't spend the time or money addressing it. Our van was very quiet when it was new but we now have the typical wind noise that appears as vehicles get older as well as squeaks from cabinets, etc. Those noises drown out any minor noise from the engine.

[daveb]

Originally Posted by zugg

Hmmmm,

Guess I will be working on that muddy formula you offered!
What type of battery do you use?

Zugg

When I started out I had a single 210AH (4-D) lifeline battery. It worked OK and running the diesel heater during the night hours would deplete the battery to about mid-way (12.2 volts) which was satisfactory. But if I ran some lighting while watching TV it would drop the battery down into the 11 volt area by morning while running the heater. The next day my solar would bring it up to full % by noon. I always felt the need to conserve and added the second 4-D. It made a huge difference. Now I have all the juice I need w/o the fear of running too low and I can run equipment I never could before. At about 80lbs each as well as 300+ bucks each some thought must go into this idea. Placement can become a weight issue but maybe you don't need all that reserve. An 8-D battery can help some, but not even close to the capacity of twin 4-D's. http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvbatterysize.php

As far as insulation I wish I had more and think my rig is below standard. SMB is doing a better job now. I am not concerned about noise rather its the heat/cold protection that I would look in to. Again weight becomes a factor and water damage by wicking is also an issue. Good luck on your design.
DaveB

[zugg]

Hi DaveB,

Thanks for your advice and the link for lifeline batteries.
So two 4D batteries is ideal for me.
What type of inverter do you have? Is it working well with the two 4-D batteries?

Regarding insulation, I am not sold on SMB insulation. I just talked to a mechanic friend who does 4x4 conversions. He is working on a SMB Ford '08 van and he is doing the 4x4. He said the insulation inside that van was sub-par. He suggested Lizzard Skin and that is what I will be using.

Thanks,

Zugg

[daveb]

Condensation was SMB’s main concern about insulation and I understand their point. I know nothing about your choice. If it works well customer input might be a good thing for future owners. Maybe SMB will adopt it.
As far as the batteries, twin 4-D’s has been one of the better additions I made (as I posted). But that’s my opinion. Your mileage might vary. My inverter is a 2000 w Xantrex Pure Sine. My main gripe was loosing power due to load and had nothing to do with the inverter. The Pure Sine is not needed for most applications but I have several items that need very clean power. Extra reserve is always welcome from the battery bank. Helps keep the lights on.
Hope this helps.
Dave B

[jage]

Hey Dave, where are your 4Ds mounted?

I ask because there is one underneath on the SMB hanger in front of my XL storage and the second one is under the cabinets at the rear driver's side corner. I was crawling around under the van and noted there is plenty of room to move my second battery out of the van and between the XL storage and the first battery.

[Greg In Austin]

Jage,

We have 2x 4D and they are both just in front of the underfloor storage box.

[jage]

The main difference is yours was built with 2x 4Ds and my second was added later. Austin didn't think their was enough room so mounted it inside, I'd always intended to move it I just didn't realize that simply adding on to the current hanger would be all I had to do.

Next time you're under could you snap a few photos? It would be nice to have a template for when I have a welder outlet again.

[Greg In Austin]

Jage,

Here is a pic I already have....



...and I will grab more today.

[Greg In Austin]

Jage,

Here are some additiona shots of the battery mounting...












Let me know if you need closer shots of anything...

.

[zugg]

Hey Greg,

Thanks for posting the photos.
I may mount my 2 4-D batteries in the same location.
I am considering the weight distribution, so I may mount them closer to the front.
Are your battery compartments insulated or padded?


Thanks,

Zugg