Bigfoot 17CB batteries moved....

[WaltP]

So what else is there to say after the previous three posts?

Walt

[trainjunkie]

Originally Posted by Franswa

ain't it amazing Junkie that BF paid so little attention to the weight distribution.....at first I thought that in my CB the problem would be even worse than yours because of the bigger fridge...but then I realized you got the stove/sink combo on that left side as well !!!...probably the same

Yep Francois, kitchen, range/oven, fridge, sink, counter and cabinets, bathroom/shower, and water heater, all on the left side. Nothing heavy on the right side except the fresh water tank and whatever was stored under the dinette and bunk.

No matter what I did, I couldn't counter-weight the right side to get it to sit level. Not a big deal, it tracked fine. Just took a little extra effort when leveling. I really liked the layout though so it was worth it. I'd shim the left spring up if I still had the trailer.

[Franswa]

sheeesh after all that work that must have been tough.....Are you "between trailers" now or did you pick up something else and bigger????

yeah the weight thing.....thinking on it if BF had simply installed both fresh and grey water underslung tanks all the way to the right that would have at least helped a little...

[cpaharley2008]

Walt,
You may want to check here The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
your batteries do not appear to be properly wired.

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Walt,
You may want to check here The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
your batteries do not appear to be properly wired.

Hmmm. Looking at my picture, it seems okay, but I'll look at them in the morning and check again.
I don't see how they could be wired incorrectly and still have worked fine for over two years.
Like I said, I'll check before I leave in the morning, and report back.

Walt

[cpaharley2008]

They will still work, it is just moving one of the converter leads from the positive battery A to positive, battery B, that way the converter will think you have one battery comprised of A+B versus one battery of just A. It may help in equalizing the charge to the batteries and make them last longer.

[WaltP]

Error

[WaltP]

Jim
I sent you a PM

Walt

[trainjunkie]

Originally Posted by Franswa

sheeesh after all that work that must have been tough.....Are you "between trailers" now or did you pick up something else and bigger????

Francois, yeah, sold it earlier this year. Post is here:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...oot-69842.html

I'm traveling south from Alaska right now, trailerless and hotelling it. I pass by all my old camping spots with envy. I love camping in the fall. But yeah, I plan to get a Bigfoot 25-footer in the future. For now I'm just enjoying the excellent gas mileage. I did Whitehorse to Fort Nelson on one tank a couple days ago, and Fort Nelson to PG on one tank yesterday. Crossing into Washington tonight. Can't wait to be a Bigfoot owners again soon. Cheers!

[John Linck]

Originally Posted by mbbear

I'd like to join Ellpea's question - what is the advantage of two 6v as oppos two 12v? I know I want two batteries because I will be doing a lot of boondocking, but I don't ha e a clue which system is better. I will also have at least 100 watts of solar for charging. Thanks

Six volt batteries weigh more than 12 volt batteries because there is more lead in them. They are designed and constructed to provide more power over more hours and years. So if you take care of your batteries (don't drain them below 50%, keep charged all year, add water as needed, use a charge wizard if you use your converter for charging) they will last years longer. If you don't take care of your batteries buy cheaper 12 volt batteries and replace them every year or two. Many folks with well cared for 6 volt batteries report 10 years or more dependability. Most cared for 12 volt batteries give up around year six.

Any lead-acid battery will provide more energy in warm temperatures. (The rate of chemical reactions in batteries decreases in cooler temperatures, meaning less power available) If you do much cool weather camping placing the batteries in a heated space will result in more available energy. That's one reason cars have a harder time starting in cold weather. Cold viscous lubricant is another.

That said, my factory 12 volt deep cycle provides plenty of energy coupled with a 100 watt solar panel. I can go for 3-7 days with no sun depending on how much the furnace runs. With 4 hours of daily sun stays can be weeks long. In a few years when my battery dies I might go with 6 volt Trojans, or maybe Lithium Ion if prices come down. Right now I don't see a good reason to upgrade. The extra weight of two batteries figures into the equation too. Li-ion is much lighter in weight and can be safely drained far lower than lead acid.

John

[WaltP]

Several good points/thoughts there John. Thanks.

Walt

[EllPea in CA]

John, thanks for explaining in more detail.

[Michael Collins]

How do you guys and gals figure AGM into the picture. I understand that they are maintenance free and provide long life if they are charged correctly. I'm looking at the group 31 northstar AGM for reference. Expensive yes, but hoping it's worth it. For reference, we have a Bigfoot 17 and a Honda eu2000 generator but no solar.


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