Trillium outback tongue weight

[Dyquen]

Yes, but I can rule out having to consider a Mack truck to do the job!

[Jon in AZ]

Unless you go to lithium ($$$), the only real lighter option is a single large 12V battery. It won’t be as durable as what you’ve got, and you’ll give up at least 100 Ah reserve (half usable). The 2@6V is probably about 225 Ah, while a large G31 12V deep cycle is typically 110-125 Ah.

Honestly, except for the tongue weight problem, the 6V set-up you have is a very good one.

If it weren’t for that 12V fridge, the smaller battery would be plenty, but I’d hate to have food spoil because you had a couple of back-to-back rainy days with little solar input. You could do some testing with your current set-up to estimate your typical daily power needs (remember that the warmer the ambient temperature, the more the fridge will run, so do the test on a warm day).

Tough choices ahead.

[ShelbyM]

Originally Posted by Dyquen

Yes, but I can rule out having to consider a Mack truck to do the job!

Have fun shopping, lots to choose from!

[Barb and Alan]

What about loading the trailer for each trip with a bias to behind the axle? That would certainly have an impact. That does seem like an excessively high tongue weight for a small trailer.

[reynlauer]

I am in the same situation as you with my Trillium Outback, only I discovered the heavy tongue weight after putting several 1000s of km on my beauty. Obviously, my tow vehicle can handle the weight but I would like to have greater balance.

Did you, buy chance, weigh the tongue after leaving the batteries but removing the propane? One thought I had was removing the propane and putting in the camper while in transit.

Otherwise, I am starting to research lithium battery options, as this would immediately solve the issue. But, man live, they are expensive. I will be doing the math in coming days to determine if I can get away with one 12V lithium battery.

[thrifty bill]

Also make sure your converter is set up for lithium. Best to get all the real weights first. Tongue weight, trailer axle weight and total trailer weight.

[Ak Ron]

When we first got our trillium outback it had dual propane and two batteries up front. Tongue weight around 350. I removed one tank, and replaced the two lead acid batteries up front with two gell cells located inside near the axles under the seats. Now tongue weight is light enough to tow with a subaru forester, under 200# (usually around 180#)