[VAC] Re: Aluminum source

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,

Have you given thought about the strength of the existing combo
(floor/shell/outrigger) to support the battery load?  I recall a posting
where an outrigger broke off due to the added weight of batteries in the
locations you mentioned.

My limited experience with the A/S construction is that the floor is bolted
to the outrigger.  Much of the aluminum "U" channel at the base of the inner
and outer skin is connected to the floor with sheet metal screws and
infrequently a bolt.  If the bolts/screws are the least bit compromised by
rust or water damage to the plywood, the support for additional weight is
not available.  The Suburban furnace is in part supported by the outer skin
through the vent connection.  The furnace is not as weighty as batteries.
Of course, if you keep the batteries close to the main frame rail that might
be 18 inches inward from the shell, the frame could carry the weight.

My '69 Safari has an isolated outrigger for especially heavy accessories.
For example, under the water heater and  under the refrigerator.  The
furnace is located next to the wheel well and has only a single outrigger on
one side of the furnace.

All this said, it seems that you should give a lot of thought to the
integrity of the fasteners and consider installing an additional outrigger
under each battery bank.

                                                 '69 Safari, Joy