u shaped banquette and lithuim batteries

[dblagsvedt]

I will be getting the lithuim options . Is it still true that Canadian code requires that all batteries be stored outside the trailer. I realize that i can change this and reinstall batteries inside. But to accomodate, I will need a u shaped banquette, Correct?

[Ron in BC]

First time that I've heard that. Different models have the batteries located in different areas to balance the tongue weight. The 19s are in the tongue box but can be moved inside. I can't see any requirement to have a U shaped dinette. There certainly was room in either under seat storage area in my 19 with the driver's side being preferred because of the proximity to the electrical panel.

Ron

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by dblagsvedt

I will be getting the lithuim options . Is it still true that Canadian code requires that all batteries be stored outside the trailer.

No, that has never been true. Escape has put batteries inside of the 5.0, 21' (now 21C), and 5.0TA since the beginning of those models, and even early 19' trailers had batteries inside. There is no difference in what Escape builds for the Canadian versus U.S. markets.

Originally Posted by dblagsvedt

I realize that i can change this and reinstall batteries inside. But to accomodate, I will need a u shaped banquette, Correct?

No, none of those models with batteries inside have ever required a U-shaped dinette, although the positions of components (battery, power centre) do shift in some models depending on whether the dinette is conventional or U-shaped. All you need to put the batteries inside are a suitable box with clamp, and perhaps a vent connection.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by dblagsvedt

I will be getting the lithuim options . Is it still true that Canadian code requires that all batteries be stored outside the trailer. I realize that i can change this and reinstall batteries inside. But to accomodate, I will need a u shaped banquette, Correct?

The very first 19’s had the batteries in the passenger side dinette seat. To this day I believe that area remains almost completely clear. I originally moved our lead acid batteries inside off the tongue into a vented battery box. Recently upgraded to a 400AH lithium and also packaged an inverter/charger/transfer switch and recessed electric heater in the same area. All wiring runs over to the driver’s side goes behind a removable panel at the front of the trailer.

[dblagsvedt]

Thanks for your response. I was mis-informed.

[mtbmitch]

Nice set up. Did the tongue weight change much?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by mtbmitch

Nice set up. Did the tongue weight change much?

Mitch: I assume you are commenting on my post regarding moving batteries from tongue to passenger side dinette. I have a bunch of modifications that have affected weight but I'll try to provide some useful info. Bear in mind that when I moved the batteries initially this also included placing a 65# mini-split condenser on the tongue where the batteries were and the removal of the overhead A/C unit which was 100#. Only original TW number I have was 360# when loaded for a trip but all empty tanks. I just happened to measure tongue weight (TW) with fully loaded trailer with Sherline scale on Saturday. TW was 380# fully loaded with 1/2 tank of fresh water (tank is behind the axles). When we moved two bins of misc. stuff from our rear Stowaway storage box to near the front of the trailer the TW increased to 420#. Both are acceptable given the fully loaded weight around 3600# (the original 19's had a dry weight of 2510# and a 4000# GVWR). This puts our ratio of TW to total weight at about 10.5-11.5% so within the recommended 10-15%. The trailer towed fine before (when properly loaded) but with the new Equal-i-zer WDH I just installed it tows rock solid.