4 batteries or 2

[Chillbilly]

I would like to replace my existing 2 coach batteries with 4 golf cart batteries. Has anyone attempted this in the battery tray under the steps of an Adventurer? Will 4 batteries fit in the tray? Did the tray have to be modified? Or, would you just replace with 2 AGM batteries?

[doit2010]

Have not done it, but there is no way 4 would fit, two might and I have read on here that at least one or more have done it. Try doing a search and see what you come up with. I am going to do two 6 volts when I need to replace my 12 volts later in my 2001 Itasca Suncrusier.

[Chillbilly]

The Service Manager at my local Winnebago dealership doesn't think there is room enough in the tray, so I guess I'll stay with the two 12V batteries. Thanks Doit2010 for replying.

[DAN L]

Originally Posted by Chillbilly

I would like to replace my existing 2 coach batteries with 4 golf cart batteries. Has anyone attempted this in the battery tray under the steps of an Adventurer? Will 4 batteries fit in the tray? Did the tray have to be modified? Or, would you just replace with 2 AGM batteries?

i have 2 6v lifeline gpl-6ct batteries installed in series on their sides. i installed my batteries about 5 years ago. they still are working fine.
there is absolutely no corrosion or maintenance required aside from keeping them charged and not deep cycling them. i went from about 190 amp hours to 300 amp hours capacity. that is about a 36% increase in capacity.
i bought my batteries online from bd batteries.
the only drawback is the initial price. i expect to get over 10 years of service from these batteries. with the increase in capacity and the longevity of these batteries, it is worth the steep initial price to me.
these batteries weigh 90# each. my battery box is handling this extra weight ok. when researching this setup before purchasing the batteries i read somewhere that the battery box is rated for about 300#.

Lifeline GPL-6CT Battery

[Dogpatch]

I installed 4 deep cycle 6 volt batteries in my 2000 Adventurer 35U under the steps. It was a tight fit, but I got them in there. I'll look for some photos and post them.

[Dogpatch]

This was how I set mine up in my 35U

[Magumba]

Wow that's a tight fit for four GC-2. I replaced my two GP24 batteries with two golf cart batteries and have been happy with them. Four would have been better but I didn't think I could pull it off. Good job.

What size starting battery do you have installed it looks slimmer then the one I have.

[Dogpatch]

I don't remember what size the chassis battery was other than it was a 12 volt. It came with the unit.
I do remember it took some prying of the 6 volt batteries and some maneuvering of the wiring to get them in, but I did it. I also had to add some plywood shims underneath them in order to clear the flanges of the folding stair mechanism.

[Chillbilly]

Dogpatch, that's a really nice installation! I wonder if your 35U has more room than my 31Y. I would think it would be the same. I've already replaced mine with two new 12V batteries, but next time I'll take a closer look myself. I do notice that two 12V batteries don't take up all the space. More and more people all the time are considering going to four 6V batteries. You would think Winnebago would step forward sometimes and give a comment. You know they monitor these forums. Or, maybe they would share with their dealers a how-to clinic. Thanks for sharing the photo. I know many will appreciate it. I downloaded it, and will keep it for reference for next time.

[Dogpatch]

Thanks. As I said, I know it can be done and added some needed off the grid time to my battery bank. Notice the pry bar in the bottom of the picture! The tightest fit was the wiring under the solenoid in the middle bank. I had to adjust all the connections so nothing rubbed negating the possibility of shorting out and none of the caps were covered in order to check levels.

BTW all batteries have to have top mount connections. I had to also remove any hold-down hardware. They weren't going anywhere given the fit!

[tderonne]

Same step in a 31Y. 4 six volts in mine. I put the 12 volt in the middle, worked better with where the cables and the isolation lug was.

Lots of old information on this....

Old thread

[Magumba]

I like the idea of filling the channel in the battery box and using the entire space available to fit more amps.
So far we're happy with two six volt batteries since we don't dry camp for long periods of time, unless we venture back to La Posa LTVA next year.

[ChiefJohn]

Our solution was to go with 3 Trojan Group 31 Cycling AGM Batteries @ 69 ilbs. each (207 lbs), which fit the factory battery slide-out tray perfectly. I'm a few lbs over the max load for the tray, but not enough to be a problem.