[VAC] Re: Tanks: fresh water and grey water.

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert,
 Terry Tyler reported that he installed batteries in a similar location
on one of his trailers and had trouble due to inadaquet support from the
frame outriggers. You might want to look at the "underneath" before
committing to that location.

Regarding venting: my Avion came with a pair of Group 24 "RV/Marine Deep
Cycle" batteries, mounted under the front couch. They sit in a plastic
box that comes half-way up the sides; it has a cover that goes over the
whole schmere, but doesn't fit my replacement batteries. The interesting
thing was the way they vented the cells: the caps are of the style that
cover 3 cells, but have a nipple on each to vent the gasses. All 4
nipples (2 batteries, 2 caps/each) are connected with tubing and Tees;
the tubing exits the bottom of the box, then through the floor and
bellypan. I have no idea just how standardized such batteries are, but
my replacements accepted those caps just fine.

Gel Cells and other non-vented batteries would be another alternative,
but those tend to be very expensive and I question their
cost-effectiveness. Generally speaking a regular wet-cell battery is
about the lowest-cost storage available. Perhaps as important as the
batteries themselves is the charging system. Solar is good (great!!??)
and a 3-stage charger is also nice.

                                                  <<Jim>>