I got 100Ah GoPower battery from ETI as part of their full lithium package, and it serves the basic needs, but I would like more flexibility with non-hookup camping. Water supply is usually not a big deal and can be solved by a 100-150ft collapsible hose. Drainage issue is partially solved by washing dishes/hands/kids outside. However, we did deplete the battery completely a couple of times when camping in a shade and using microwave/instant pot. Trying to avoid non-hookup sites since then. I know that portable solar could help recharge but not in a shade or a completely forested campground.
What I am thinking is that adding a 300Ah battery could help us last 3-4 days. A single 300Ah battery, to avoid complex wiring. And it's not heavy enough to break my back, ~55-65 lb.
The only place to install it is under the passenger (right) side bench. We have an exterior hatch, for mostly lighter smaller things like levelers, etc. A grill won't fit, not even a front box. All in all, I am ready to sacrifice some interior space. Driver side space is mostly full - there is a water heater tank, electrical stuff, water pump, etc.
I have found a few 300Ah choices online - most of them are ~21" * 10" * 10". There are a few that are 15" * 7" * 9" and would fit the space better but those don't have much customer reviews and seemed to be made via some "pouch" technology (totally legit, just not as tested in RVs). Example - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX1DGZ29
Just 55 lb and smaller than others. What do you all think?
Another question is what to do with the old battery. I read some folks remove it completely, pull the existing wires and reuse them for a new battery. I am thinking maybe keep it as a back up battery? And install some 1-2-OFF 3-way switch? I would probably have to 1-2 switch not just the thick inverter cables but also the 10AWG charging cables, too? And I would need to just keep the backup battery charged, i.e. charge it every few months. Is it worth the hassle?
I know that running 300Ah and 100Ah in parallel would not be a good idea.
The space under the passenger bench has an inverter, but otherwise is empty. Where would you place the new battery? I am thinking either the very back (basically almost directly above the existing battery) or close to the wheelwell (better for weight distribution).
What I am thinking is that adding a 300Ah battery could help us last 3-4 days. A single 300Ah battery, to avoid complex wiring. And it's not heavy enough to break my back, ~55-65 lb.
The only place to install it is under the passenger (right) side bench. We have an exterior hatch, for mostly lighter smaller things like levelers, etc. A grill won't fit, not even a front box. All in all, I am ready to sacrifice some interior space. Driver side space is mostly full - there is a water heater tank, electrical stuff, water pump, etc.
I have found a few 300Ah choices online - most of them are ~21" * 10" * 10". There are a few that are 15" * 7" * 9" and would fit the space better but those don't have much customer reviews and seemed to be made via some "pouch" technology (totally legit, just not as tested in RVs). Example - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX1DGZ29
Just 55 lb and smaller than others. What do you all think?
Another question is what to do with the old battery. I read some folks remove it completely, pull the existing wires and reuse them for a new battery. I am thinking maybe keep it as a back up battery? And install some 1-2-OFF 3-way switch? I would probably have to 1-2 switch not just the thick inverter cables but also the 10AWG charging cables, too? And I would need to just keep the backup battery charged, i.e. charge it every few months. Is it worth the hassle?
I know that running 300Ah and 100Ah in parallel would not be a good idea.
The space under the passenger bench has an inverter, but otherwise is empty. Where would you place the new battery? I am thinking either the very back (basically almost directly above the existing battery) or close to the wheelwell (better for weight distribution).