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Old 08-21-2019, 08:05 PM   #1
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Four batteries in front storage box on 19'

Four Lifeline GPL-4CT 6V AGM batteries will fit nicely centered in the ETI front storage box on our 19'. Going to four, two parallel strings of two 6 VDC batteries in series, physically adds 138 lbs to the tongue between or over the frame members. It also provides 440 A-Hr storage.

Our 19' came with the two 6 VDC battery, dual solar panel, and inverter options. Our WFCO charger-converter is the WF-8955.

Many 19' owners mention that the 19's tongue weight is light, We found the same when using a rear trailer mounted box holding our Honda EU2000i generator.

When weighing our 19' without the rear storage box, we found the tongue weight a little light - about 400 lbs with a total loaded trailer weight 4200. This two battery addition seems reasonable, especially given that some of the weight transfers also to the axles.

Searched the forum and cannot find this 4-battery configuration mentioned. Has anyone else done this?

73/gus
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Old 08-21-2019, 08:10 PM   #2
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The 19 can definitely handle more weight. I do wonder why 4 batteries though. Do you have high inverter needs? I travel mostly off grid with 2 AGMs and solar charging and never have trouble.
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Old 08-21-2019, 11:03 PM   #3
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I had four 6 volt batteries in the front box of my 19 for a couple years and the tongue weight was really high, around 600 lbs. I felt this is little high for the 19 frame and the rear hitch on my Pilot started to show movement, even using a WDH....so I strengthened the Pilot rear hitch then extended my 19 rear bumper and moved two of the batteries back there. I also increased the size of the propane bottles in the front. Since I did it everything has been fine and I have enough tongue weight for a safe ride. I also added a Honda 2200 on the rear hitch of the trailer and it is all good. Here you can see the rear bumper modification, rear batteries and generator mount. http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...tor-12755.html
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Old 08-22-2019, 06:28 AM   #4
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I thought there was a sign inside the front E19 box with #100 lb weight limit, over the stock battery weight?
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Old 08-22-2019, 08:01 AM   #5
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I thought there was a sign inside the front E19 box with #100 lb weight limit, over the stock battery weight?


That’s correct.
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Old 08-22-2019, 08:17 AM   #6
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So any extra weight should be inside, perhaps under the front dinette, passenger and driver side to equalize it.
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Old 08-22-2019, 08:25 AM   #7
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The 19 can definitely handle more weight. I do wonder why 4 batteries though. Do you have high inverter needs? I travel mostly off grid with 2 AGMs and solar charging and never have trouble.


I suspect he’s a ham. The radio kind.
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Old 08-22-2019, 09:11 AM   #8
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I don't see a problem adding 138 pounds to the tongue weight, although you may exceed the limit on the tongue BOX. If weight wasn't a consideration, I'd suggest going to lithium.

I have 2 100 amp hour Battleborn batteries that can be pulled down to 10%, maintain voltage until that limit, even under heavy load, and weigh a total of 62 pounds. The problem is that would make you even more tongue light...
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Old 08-22-2019, 10:09 AM   #9
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Then get four lithiums.
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Old 08-22-2019, 10:19 AM   #10
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Then get four lithiums.
Then your wallet would be too light.
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Old 08-22-2019, 10:20 AM   #11
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Then get four lithiums.


That would be quite the upgrade! What’s the expected lifespan for lithium’s?
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Old 08-22-2019, 10:30 AM   #12
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That would be quite the upgrade! What’s the expected lifespan for lithium’s?
at least 10 years & 6000 - 8000 charge/discharge cycles.
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Old 08-22-2019, 12:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
The 19 can definitely handle more weight. I do wonder why 4 batteries though. Do you have high inverter needs? I travel mostly off grid with 2 AGMs and solar charging and never have trouble.
Agree. We've found the two batteries OK for general off-grid, including with our Sierra Wireless MP70 LTE gateway. Our inverter use so far has been charging two Apple MacBook Pros.

Haven't tested really cold weather yet with the furnace running much of the night.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sclifrickson View Post
I suspect he’s a ham. The radio kind.
Correct, Mary and I are ham oeprators. We are installing a 125W HF ham radio transceiver (Codan Envoy), 50W VHF/UHF transceiver, and a cell booster.

Thus we decided moving to the 4 AGMs. Have had excellent commercial use experience designing to and installing LifeLines.

73/gus
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Old 08-22-2019, 03:02 PM   #14
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Quote:
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If weight wasn't a consideration, I'd suggest going to lithium.
Thanks. I converted our other trailer from AGM to LiFePO using Lithionics batteries. Understand the longer term cost benefits and the higher associated start up costs.

My concern is as you mention - LiFePO reduces tongue weight. My other concern is subfreezing temperature exposure in the tongue box. I would rather not relocate 400AHr of LiFePO batteries inside - at least at this stage. AGM require venting, and don't want to deal with that inside.

Am upgrading the major DC system components, starting with the 4 batteries and wiring upgrade. Future steps include moving to a MPPT solar charger, etc... TBD

73/gus
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Old 08-22-2019, 09:27 PM   #15
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Correct, Mary and I are ham oeprators. We are installing a 125W HF ham radio transceiver (Codan Envoy), 50W VHF/UHF transceiver, and a cell booster.
73/gus
I had not heard of the Codan Envoy. Very interesting.

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Old 08-23-2019, 11:22 AM   #16
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I had not heard of the Codan Envoy. Very interesting.
Been using Codan products since 2004, and the Codan Envoy since 2014. Will be using Envoy at our Escape 19' with the Codan 3040 antenna. I have it in ALE mode scanning most of the time, with the amateur HFLink frequencies programmed.

Not quite sure yet on the VHF/UHF radio to mount in the trailer. Mary and I use UHF dMR portables when setting up the trailer and around the campground.

Suspect we have quite a number of ham operators in this forum.

73/gus
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